TENNacity Trial: A Pilot Test of Intersectional CBT Among Young Southern Black and Latino/x GBQ+ Men

This open pilot involves testing the acceptability and feasibility of an intersectional, culturally responsive health intervention by piloting it among young Black and Latino/x gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ+) men residing in Middle Tennessee. Qualitative exit interviews will be conducted to provide information regarding intervention feasibility, acceptability, and refinement; changes in primary and secondary study outcomes will help assess efficacy potential. Effective Skills to Empower Effective Men (ESTEEM), has been shown to decrease negative mental health symptomology and HIV risk behavior among a racially diverse sample of young GBQ+ men. This study would inform the cultural adaptation of ESTEEM to fit the unique and intersectional experiences of Black and Latino/x GBQ+ men living in the South, and in particular within Middle TN. The adaptation and group pilot stands to significantly improve stigma coping and the mental/sexual health of Black and Latino/x GBQ+ men in Middle TN-and in turn impact the HIV burden in the Southern US.