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Objectives. To investigate resilience strategies used by Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) to navigate racism and heterosexism. Methods. In 2019, we conducted in-depth interviews with 46 Black MSM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Cleveland, Ohio. Thematic analysis, informed by intersectionality, was used to identify intersectional resilience within the context of participants' lives. Results. Our analyses revealed ways in which Black MSM respond to stigma and oppression. We identified the following themes that capture these experiences: pride in intersectional identities, perseverance, community advocacy, and social support. Our analyses reveal how men draw on these assets and resources to positively adapt despite experiences of racism and heterosexism. Conclusions. Intersectional resilience can support Black MSM in navigating racism and heterosexism. However, public health interventions at the institutional and system levels are needed to directly target the root causes of oppression and support resources that facilitate intersectional resilience. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S4):S405–S412. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306677) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syndemic theory has been useful in illuminating the co-existence and reinforcing nature of multiple health and social conditions that contribute to HIV risk. However, little research has examined syndemics among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) or situated syndemics within the context of racism, homonegativity, and other intersecting social inequities. Applying an intersectional framework to syndemics can help demonstrate how social and structural inequities and oppression facing young Black GBM contribute to and reinforce syndemic health conditions. In 2018, we conducted 45 in-depth qualitative interviews with young Black GBM in Milwaukee and Cleveland. Our analyses examined how intersectional stigma contributes to syndemics and HIV disparities facing young Black GBM. Our findings demonstrate that broader systems of oppression and disadvantage facing young Black GBM contribute to syndemic conditions. Future conceptualizations and measurements of syndemics must capture these experiences to strengthen our understanding of syndemics among young Black GBM. • Intersectional stigma and oppression contribute to syndemic conditions and HIV risk. • Black GBM contend with racism, homonegativity, and masculinity norms. • Intersectional stigma is intertwined with substance use, mental health challenges. • An intersectional examination of syndemics can improve HIV prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]