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Gabriel Johnson intends to develop healthy masculinities among Black and African diasporic men and masculine of center individuals, with the long-term goal of further building mentally, physically, and spiritually healthier communities. Much of the discussion about masculinity centers around how detrimental it is to the health of individuals and communities, but through identifying both the negative and beneficial facets of masculinity, Gabriel hopes to develop interventions and other programs that promote improved sense of self and well-being. Using mixed methodology and community-centered approaches, Gabriel hopes to implement programs highlighting healthy masculinities in schools and communities, and change perceptions through social campaigns. He views transformative masculinity as a mechanism to reduce intimate partner violence, increase community cohesion, and create structural change.
MORE ABOUT GABRIEL
Gabriel’s diverse background supporting Black people across the life course has both shaped the focus of his research and how he conducts research. As a result of both his professional and personal background, Gabriel is committed to making sure that his work is liberatory and accessible in nature.
DISSERTATION GRANT AWARDEE — SUMMER 2022
Hegemonic Masculinity in Black men ≠ Black Masculinity: An Attempt to Avert the Dominant Gaze, and Its Effects on the Mental Health of Young BlaQ Men
Gabriel’s dissertation engages young Black sexual minority (Y-BlaQ) men using a qualitative mixed-method study, to explore the construction, meaning, and definiton of Black masculinity. Using a Public Health Critical Race Praxis framework (Ford & Airhihenbuwa, 2010), he aims to illuminate how Black masculinity is a risk and protective factor to the mental wellbeing of Y-BlaQ men through analysis of the experiences of this population and a critical review of the existing literature exploring these linkages. As a community engaged study, findings will be disseminated based on the participants and community advisory board members feedback.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HPRS DISSERTATION AWARDS, CLICK HERE.
