The Need for SUpport
Young Black sexual minority men (YBSMM)* face higher vulnerability to HIV transmission, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, as well as limited access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Yet the role of employment has received limited attention in HIV continuum of care interventions targeted toward YBSMM. Among these few, the Work2Prevent program led to positive outcomes for participants, such as increased hours worked per week and decreased engagement in compulsory sex work.
Note: *YBSMM includes a variety of gay, bisexual, queer, same gender loving, transgender, and/or other men who have sex with men.
Our Intervention
The Work Shop is a career readiness program being made for YBSMM. Developed through research along with input from community partners, the program will address a range of workforce needs among YBSMM. Our process follows an established framework for adapting HIV interventions using community insight (ADAPT-ITT).
Project Timeline
Aim 1: Understanding the Employment Landscape
This stage of the project involved interviews with employers and diversity professionals, and focus groups on employment protections with YBSMM (young Black sexual minority men).
Aim 2: Adapting a Career Readiness Program
This stage consisted of focus groups on employment challenges and needs with YBSMM. Additionally, the team refined workshop curriculum with expert guidance, and conducted theater testing with YBSMM and community organizations.
Aim 3: Pilot Testing the Intervention
This stage involves training community partner organizations to lead workshops, and delivering The Work Shop to 120 participants in Chicago. Then, the team will send out surveys to assess feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.