LIVED EXPERIENCES OF GAY BLACK CISGENDER MEN VICARIOUSLY EXPOSED TO THE ORLANDO SHOOTING

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of gay Black cisgender men who were vicariously exposed to the 2016 Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting. Minority stress theory was the theoretical framework to ground this research study. This theory and lens was used to better understand the position of being a minority in society and the associated stress at the intersection community violence and identity. The study included 11 participants that identified as gay Black cisgender men using a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling. A demographic questionnaire was administered to gain background information about the participants in the study and a semi-structured interview protocol was used to gain qualitative data. Participants answered 11 demographic questions and 19 open ended questions. Three major themes emerged from the data: identity development, impact of media and post traumatic coping. Future research was suggested to explore the intersection of vicarious exposure to community violence and all identities within the LGBTQ community. The researcher made implications of the research to counseling and counselors in training.