Michele Shedlin

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This study investigated relationships between Latino gay-identified men in metropolitan New York City and their non-gay-identified male partners. Phase 1 consisted of in-depth interviews (N = 33), and Phase 2 consisted of quantitative surveys (N = 120) with Brazilian, Colombian, and Dominican men who have sex with men (MSM). A majority of participants reported having had sex with heterosexually identified men, and in many cases, the relationship was sustained over time. We found mixed results concerning an attitude sometimes attributed to Latinos that sexual orientation is defined by sexual role, with receptive MSM seen as gay and insertive MSM seen as straight. Although there were no significant associations between partner sexual orientation and unprotected anal intercourse, gay men were less likely to take the insertive role in oral or anal sex with straight-identified male partners than with gay partners.

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This qualitative study explored partner selection in a sample ofimmigrant Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). In-depth interviews were conducted with men living in the greater New York metropolitanarea who had been born in Brazil (n = 10), Colombia (n = 14), or the Dominican Republic (n = 9). One focus group was conducted with MSM from each of the three countries (9 Brazilian, 11 Colombian, and 5 Dominican participants). A grounded theory approach revealed three main themes relating to partner selection. The first concerned stereotypes of how Latino and Anglo-American men tendtobehaveintheir sexualencounters and relationships. The participants perceived Latinos to be more affectionate and passionate, whereas they saw Anglo-American men as more independent and practical. These cultural discrepancies sometimes resulted in a preference for Latino partners. A second theme concerned stereotypes of the national groups, including expectations that Brazilians would be sexy and sensual and that Dominicans would have large penises. As found in other research on MSM of color, ethnic and national stereotypes were associated with experiences of sexual objectification. The third theme addressed the importance of masculine characteristics in sexual attraction and partner selection. Negative feelings towards effeminate men who did not conform to normative male physical or behavioral presentation reflect a stigma found inside and outside of the gay community. These findings suggest that gender and ethnic stereotypes play an important role in shaping partner choice and have implications for sexual risk and relationship formation.

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From 2005 to 2008, the Bienvenidos Project trained Puerto Rican patients of New York City and New Jersey Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programs to conduct peer-based community outreach to migrant Puerto Rican drug users to reduce migrants' HIV risk behaviors. Ethnographic research, including focus groups, individual interviews, and observations, was conducted with a subset of the patients trained as peers (n 49; 67 male; mean age 40.3 years) to evaluate the self-perceived effects of the intervention. Results of the ethnographic component of this study are summarized. The role of ethnographic methods in implementing and evaluating this kind of intervention is also discussed.

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This chapter presents the results of two related exploratory, qualitative studies on drug use and HIV risk conducted in the cities of Managua and Chinandega, Nicaragua between 2002 and 2005. The objectives of this research were to: identify methods of reaching drug using populations in the country; provide an initial description of the patterns of drug use, emphasizing regional differences; explore the relationship between drug use and HIV transmission; and provide preliminary recommendations for the development of drug use and HIV prevention efforts and for future research directions. The study designs included ethnographic observation and interviews to assist in gaining entry into drug-using communities, in-depth interviews with drug users and traffickers (121) and focus groups (13) with sectors of the population likely to provide different perspectives on the research domains: health professionals working with high-risk behavior groups, female sex workers, gay men, university students, taxi drivers, injection drug users, and family members of drug users. Drug use, the availability of drugs and distribution were reported, and included: ubiquitous drug supplies; the involvement of all social strata; the impact of crack on drug-use patterns; concerns about use by children and youth; well-established local distribution mechanisms; group drug purchase and sharing, and (limited) needle use and equipment sharing. Sexual risks included unprotected sex with partners and sex for drugs and/or drug money. The lack of drug prevention education in the community and schools, and limited treatment resources were also reported. Conclusions highlight the need for public and policy acknowledgement and response regarding drug use, and the link between HIV/AIDS and drugs in the country.

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This article reports the results of a study carried out with 30 Mexican-origin immigrants in drug user treatment in the United States-Mexico Border city of El Paso, Texas during 2007. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were implemented to assess the dynamic social and economic factors that affect the delivery and utilization of treatment services, with emphasis on the impact of recent immigration-related laws and policies. The research provides initial data for evidence-based intervention and reinforces the need for culturally and gender appropriate treatment services for poor immigrants and their families. The study's limitations are noted.

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Key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted to examine ways in which social context influenced the behavior of Brazilian, Colombian and Dominican men who have sex with men. First, we investigated how the social context in the home country affected motivation for migration. Findings suggest that Latino men who have sex with men frequently reported coming to the USA to escape homo-negativity and to achieve greater sexual freedom. The study also examined how the social context encountered in the early years after migration shaped sexual behavior and risk. A majority of the participants reported easy access to sex partners and frequent sexual encounters. The anonymity of living in a gay epicentre such as New York City, often without social connections from the past, was experienced as liberating and conducive to sexual exploration. Moreover, sex in public venues, such as parks and sex cabins, was readily available to those who do not speak English. The tendency to engage in high levels of sexual activity during the early period after arrival in New York City was particularly evident among younger men. Implications for future programme development are discussed alongside prevention efforts targeting migrants during this critical period.