Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112597

Héctor Carrillo, DrPH, Jorge Fontdevila, PhD, Jaweer Brown, MPH, and Stephen Scott, MSHSA. Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, Trayectos Study, 4094 Fourth Avenue, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92103, 619.220.7978, jfontdevila@sdtrayectos.org

Purpose: The relationship between international migration and HIV transmission is complex. Based on a study of Mexican gay and bisexual immigrant men, we analyze how international border crossing shapes sexual ideologies and practices, and explore how these shifting sexualities influence health and HIV risk.

Data and methods: As part of a larger comparative study of US-born and Mexican-immigrant gay and bisexual men, we conducted 77 in-depth interviews with immigrants and participant observation in venues where they socialize. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using QSR N6 qualitative software.

Results: Our data show that, among these men, there is wide variation in their perceptions of sexual identity and practices prior to relocating. Often, their migration is motivated by a mix of economic and sexuality-related reasons. They may imagine the US as more sexually liberal than Mexico, and a place to enact their sexualities more freely. However, depending on their point of origin and migration paths, upon arrival they may either adopt sexual identities that are prevalent within US gay cultures or seek gendered sexual practices in venues apart from mainstream gay communities. Their particular forms of incorporation inform their sexual ideologies and roles both in the US and upon return to Mexico. These shifting sexualities have important consequences on their sexual health behaviors.

Recommendations: HIV prevention programs for immigrant populations must consider intra-group cultural diversity. Understanding how personal adaptations to different cultural and sexual contexts inform sexual behaviors is crucial to HIV prevention efforts targeting immigrant populations in border regions.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how immigrant border crossing shapes sexual ideologies and practices and influences sexual health.
• Understand how shifting sexual ideologies and practices influence HIV risk-taking and HIV transmission among immigrant populations.
• Recognize the importance of considering intra-group diversity –sexualities, migration paths, modes of incorporation- in the creation of HIV prevention programs for Mexican immigrant populations.

Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Migrant Health

Related Web page: www.sdtrayectos.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.