Grant: Operating Grant

Stigma and discrimination negatively impact the wellbeing of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). For example, SGMY are more likely to be homeless, enhancing vulnerability to sexual and physical violence, sex work and drug use. These factors elevate risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Yet little is known about the linkages between stigma, discrimination and HIV/STI risk among SGMY in the Caribbean region, with the highest HIV prevalence in the world after Sub-Saharan Africa. Young (under 25 years old) men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jamaica have HIV infection rates of 28% - the highest in the region. Stigma and discrimination reduce access to HIV prevention. SGMY in Jamaica reported hate crimes, sexual and physical violence and homelessness. Intersectionality theory highlights the challenges (e.g. stigma) and opportunities (e.g. resilience, social capital) that emerge from having stigmatized identities. Resilience and social capital have been understudied among SGMY. This 3-year study aims to understand HIV/STI risk and protective factors among SGMY in Kingston, Jamaica. Phase 1 (qualitative): 60 cognitive interviews with young SGMY, including MSM (n=20), women who have sex with women (WSW) (n=20), transgender people (n=20) and key informants (n=12) to explore conceptualizations of HIV/STI risk and protective factors. Phase 2 (quantitative): survey among MSM (n=150), WSW (n=150) and transgender people (n=150) to assess associations between structural factors (e.g. stigma), protective factors (e.g. resilience) and HIV/STI risk. Phase 3: participatory action research using arts-based approaches (e.g. theatre) to share research findings with SGMY and diverse community stakeholders in roundtables, forums, and street theatre. Project goals are to understand associations between structural factors, protective factors and HIV/STI risks among SGMY to inform HIV/STI prevention.