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. 2021 Oct;25(10):3279-3291.
doi: 10.1007/s10461-021-03314-9. Epub 2021 May 28.

Heterosexual Cisgender Men Partnered with Transgender Women Exhibit Higher HIV/STI Sexual Risk than Their Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Counterparts: Findings from a U.S.-Based Convenience Sample Recruited Online

Simone J Skeen  1   2 , Tyrel J Starks  3   4 , Ruben H Jimenez  3 , H Jonathon Rendina  3   4 , Demetria Cain  3
Affiliations

Heterosexual Cisgender Men Partnered with Transgender Women Exhibit Higher HIV/STI Sexual Risk than Their Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Counterparts: Findings from a U.S.-Based Convenience Sample Recruited Online

Simone J Skeen et al. AIDS Behav. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Cisgender men are frequently vectors for HIV transmission among transgender women. Despite this, the correlates of sexual risk among these men remain under-examined. The purpose of the present study was to explore potential differences in relationship characteristics, sexual risk-taking, and risk-reduction strategies among cisgender men partnered with transgender women. The study utilized secondary screening data provided by adult cis men who reported being in a primary relationship with a trans woman (N = 710). Gay men (18%) were comparatively older, and most likely to report both HIV seropositivity and committed pairings. Heterosexual men (14%) were more likely to report exchange sex, briefer relationships, extra-dyadic sex, lesser serostatus awareness or PrEP uptake. Queer men (7%) were youngest, and most likely to access PrEP. Heterosexual cis men with trans women partners may be subject to unique socio-cultural drivers of sexual risk, such as heteronormative pressures and relationship stigma.

Keywords: HIV; Heteronormativity; STI; Sexual identity; Transgender.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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