Sexual health and life experiences: voices from behaviourally bisexual Latino men in the Midwestern USA

Abstract

Research on behaviourally bisexual Latino men in the USA has not yet examined sexual health issues among men living in diverse areas of the nation, including the Midwest. A communitybased participatory research (CBPR) approach was used to engage a diverse sample of 75 behaviourally bisexual men (25 White, 25 Black, and 25 Latino). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and, in this paper, standard qualitative analysis procedures were used to explore data from the 25 Latino participants. Men described their unique migration experiences as behaviourally bisexual men in this area of the USA, as well as related sexual risk behaviours and health concerns. Lack of culturally congruent public health and community resources for behaviourally bisexual men in the Midwestern USA were identified as significant barriers. As in other studies, familial and community relationships were significant for the participants, especially in terms of the decision to disclose or not disclose their bisexuality. Additionally, alcohol and other drugs were often used while engaging in sexual behaviours particularly with male and transgender, as well as female, partners. Behaviourally bisexual Latino men may benefit from receiving positive and affirmative individual-and structural-level support in regards to their unique experiences in this and other settings.

Promoting Pre-exposure Prophylaxis to Prevent HIV Infections Among Sexual and Gender Minority Hispanics/Latinxs

“…Geographic location can define the impact of these structural barriers. Sexual and gender minority Latinxs who live in regions with long-standing Latinx populations or those Latinx born in the U.S. may have better access to PrEP than foreign-born Latinxs living in emerging communities with limited culturally appropriate services (Dolwick Grieb, Desir, Flores-Miller, & Page, 2015; Martinez et al, 2011). Further, in states without Medicaid expansion, including many Southern states with large Latinx populations (e,g., Florida and Texas), health insurance coverage is limited for Latinx, and co-pays associated with PrEP are an important disincentive for uptake.…”

“…In addition, many sexual and gender minority Latinxs face stressors that must be addressed as part of comprehensive HIV care and preventive services (Martinez et al, 2011; Palazzolo et al, 2016). Latinx gender and sexual minorities commonly report feelings of discrimination, social rejection, and isolation, which lead to depression, alcohol and substance abuse.…”

“…Latino MSM who migrate to gay epicenters often experience greater sexual freedom, but their limited English skills impede their ability to negotiate the conditions of sex placing them at risk for HIV infection (Bianchi et al, 2007). Many newly arrived sexual and gender minority Latinxs also experience poverty, discrimination, social isolation and marginalization, stigma, sexual trauma, violence, and substance abuse (Martinez et al, 2011; Martinez, Arreola et al, 2016). …”

“…Although data on the size of the undocumented sexual and minority Latinx population is limited (Martinez et al, 2011; Martinez, Arreola et al, 2016), it is estimated that there are approximately 190,000 undocumented adult LGBT Latinx immigrants in the U.S. (Gates, 2013). Because undocumented immigrants are specifically excluded from coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), options for healthcare are limited for this population..…”

Beyond “Risk”: Exploring Sexuality among Diverse Typologies of Bisexual Men in the United States

“…Last, though the large sample size has its benefits, it is true that using quantitative research in a sample as large as this made it impossible to offer the men a chance to reflect on the contexts and meanings of their sexual behaviors and experiences regardless of typology. New qualitative research findings from studies, funded by the National Institutes of Health, are emerging that give insight into these issues from the voices of diverse groups of bisexual men themselves Dodge, Schnarrs et al, in press;Dodge, Van Der Pol et al, in press;Malebranche et al, 2010;Martinez et al, 2011).…”