Slavery to Liberation- The African American Experience, 2019a

93
people have presented Black sexuality as non-normative 43 due to an overwhelming
number of research studies that have pathologized Black sexuality by focusing on
sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. While researchers are calling
attention to the rates of STIs in the Black population, sex researchers often do not
provide context and underlying reasons why lack of trust in the medical community may
well be a reason. McGruder points out how historical factors involving racism, poverty,
and other inequities have been at work, serving as mechanisms to keep the incidence
and prevalence of STIs (including HIV/AIDS) disproportionately higher than in other
ethnic populations and in Whites. There is little doubt that the ways in which
contemporary sexological research on Black sexual matters is framed both results from,
and perpetuates, the deep historical roots of how Black sexuality has been portrayed as
non-normative and even dangerous. From a social justice perspective, it is critically
important that research studies on STIs in the Black population be routinely and
thoroughly contextualized and historicized to unearth the root causes of these
excessively high rates of STI transmission and sexual health disparities in the Black
populace. Ultimately, it is crucial that such sexual health disparities be mitigated as well
as to halt framing and perpetuating—even unwittingly—the notion that Black sexuality
is non-normative.
A history of sexual marginalization created a certain amount of disassociation
from sexuality for Black people. Additionally, African American churches have espoused
a sex-negative view and have been known to be particularly harsh on LGBTQ members.
Sexual prejudice (e.g., biphobia, homophobia) has been a strong component of the
majority of African American churches and the messages they have imparted to their
followers. It is clear that these churches promoted “Victorian ideals of respectability.” 44
The main point is that “These conservative sexual attitudes were particularly prevalent
in faith communities such as African American churches.” 45
43
Kevin McGruder, “Black Sexuality in the U.S.: Presentations as Non-Normative,”
Journal of African American Studies 13 (2009), 253, passim.
44
Rachel and Thrasher, “Black Sexuality in the United States,” para 18.
45
Ibid