Black Americans and Sexual Orientation

There are multitudes of ways in which the sexuality and sexual orientation of Black Americans have been shaped by historical, social, and individual factors. Because the development of Black Americans’ sexuality and sexual orientation and those of their ancestors have historically been defined by those of non-Black origins, this entry includes [Page 207]definitions of the terms sexual orientation and Black American from the perspectives of those within Black American communities. A brief review of the demographics of Black Americans and their sexual orientation identities within the larger population is provided, along with an overview of the effects of historical factors and religious or cultural strictures on the sexual orientation of Black Americans as a group. Finally, the entry explores the connection between the historical traumas ...