Toward Radical Healing: A Qualitative Metasynthesis Exploring Oppression and Liberation Among Black Queer People

The revised guidelines for working with sexual minority populations encourage psychologists to recognize and intentionally consider the personal, interpersonal, and institutional stressors and resiliencies in queer individuals and communities (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021). Yet without an understanding of how queer folx describe the experience and impact of identity-based oppression and hate, as well as justice and liberation, psychologists may struggle to apply the guidelines. The qualitative research studies conducted in the decade since the last guidelines (APA, 2012) were released provide a wealth of information about how Black queer people describe oppression and liberation. Thus, the current qualitative metasynthesis provides an analysis of the qualitative studies that focus on Black queer people and their experiences of oppression and hate, as well as justice and liberation (N = 106). Thematic analysis was utilized within the metasynthesis. Four major themes were uncovered: (a) the omnipresence of oppression and hate at the collective level, (b) absence of safety at the relational level, (c) pain and possibilities in the cycle of HIV stigma for Black queer men, and (d) self-acceptance and social support. The findings are discussed in light of extant scholarship, and a discussion and table of implications are provided for psychologists seeking to be accountable to the thematic findings in their practice. Public Significance StatementThis meta-synthesis revealed that Black queer people experience interpersonal, institutional, and other forms of oppression, causing a negative impact on their holistic wellness at a personal level. Additionally, it identifies Black gay men as the most studied subgroup and interview methods as the most utilized data collection strategy within qualitative research on this community.