Stigma and Sexual Health Risk in HIV-Positive African American Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Understanding the multiple forms of stigma experienced by young HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men and how they relate to sexual risk behaviors is essential to design effective HIV prevention programs. This study of 40 African American young MSM found that 90% of those surveyed experienced sexual minority stigma, 88% experienced HIV stigma, and 78% experienced dual stigma. Sexual minority stigma was characterized by experiences of social avoidance, and HIV stigma, by shame. Individuals with high HIV stigma were significantly more likely to engage in unprotected sex while high or intoxicated. Associations between stigma and sexual practices were examined; youth endorsing higher levels of sexual minority stigma engaged in less insertive anal intercourse. Individuals endorsing more HIV stigma reported more receptive anal intercourse. These findings support the development of stigma-informed secondary prevention interventions for African American HIV-positive young MSM.

Partner Characteristics and Undiagnosed HIV Seropositivity among Men Who Have Sex with Men Only (MSMO) and Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW) in Baltimore

“…MSMW and minority-race MSM have elevated rates of stigma and discrimination around HIV and same-sex behavior [58][59][60][61][62][63], high rates of distrust of the medical system [64,65], and reduced access to and use of HIV-related health services [64][65][66]. Many black MSM do not regularly test for HIV [67,68], and black MSM may be tested later in their infection than MSM of other races [69].…”

Sexual inactivity among men who have sex with men living with hiv in europe

“…Stigma pertains to characteristics that convey a negative social identity (Goffman, 1963), and such negative attitudes against PLHIV have been well documented since the start of the HIV epidemic (Schuster et al, 2005). Many HIV-positive gay men experience stigma from both outside and within their own communities, regardless of their (sub)cultural background (Radcliffe et al, 2010;Smit et al, 2011). Stigma and discrimination may for instance have consequences on the decision to disclose one's HIV status.…”

Role Flexing: How Community, Religion, and Family Shape the Experiences of Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

“…[5][6][7] Stigma and homophobia have been identified as driving forces in this process and can lead to emotional distress, impact the willingness of young men to access HIV prevention and care, isolate them from family and community support, and influence their ability to make healthy choices, including decisions around sexual behavior and substance use. 6,[8][9][10][11][12][13] Given its strong presence in the African American community, religion has played a substantial role in shaping attitudes toward same-sex behavior. In this capacity, religion has often been identified as a source of homophobia.…”