Experiences of homonegativity and sexual risk behaviour in a sample of Latino gay and bisexual men

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between homonegativity, racism and poverty and HIV-risk-related behaviour among an Internet-based sample of 226 Latino gay and bisexual men. Participants had a median level of education at graduate school level or higher and a median monthly income in the US$1600-2400 range. Income and education in this sample are higher than participants in most other studies of Latino gay and bisexual men, providing information about HIV risk in a previously understudied segment of the population. Three negative binomial regressions were used to predict unprotected receptive anal intercourse, unprotected insertive anal intercourse and unprotected sex under the influence of drugs in the past 30 days, with education, Latino acculturation, income, experiences of racism and homonegativity as predictors. Greater experiences of homonegativity, fewer experiences of racism, lower income and higher Latino acculturation predicted unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Only lower Latino acculturation predicted unprotected insertive anal intercourse. Greater experiences of homonegativity, higher income and higher Latino acculturation predicted unprotected sex under the influence of drugs. This suggests that experiences of homonegativity have a detrimental impact on health behaviours. Future research should aim to further understand the relationship between experiencing homonegativity and engaging in risky sexual behaviour.