“I am denied comfort and safety”: Barriers to participation in HIV prevention research and services among sexual and gender minorites of colour

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) of colour in the United States experience heightened HIV vulnerability, but prevention interventions have not adequately met their needs. We analysed survey responses from sexually active men who have sex with men, transgender people and gender-nonconforming people of colour (N = 216), regarding barriers to participation in HIV prevention research and services. We applied Meyer’s Minority Stress Theory (MST), which highlights that SGM are at increased risk for mental health disorders due to the psychosocial stress resulting from experiences of stigmatisation and discrimination. Themes regarding barriers to participation in HIV prevention research and accessing prevention services included: (1) concern regarding familial rejection; (2) decreased access to timely sexual health education; (3) financial challenges regarding study participation and continued access to antiretroviral medications; (4) concerns regarding intersectionality, race and stigma ; and (5) lived experiences of stigma, discrimination and internalised homophobia among Black respondents. Healthcare providers and researchers can utilise this information to better tailor HIV prevention interventions to the specific health needs of SGM of colour.