HIV/AIDS Among Sexual and Gender Minority Communities Globally

Abstract

This chapter describes the impact HIV/AIDS has had on sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities globally, including cisgender men who have sex with cisgender men, transgender and gender-diverse people, and sexual minority women. After highlighting some important methodological and ethical issues in HIV/AIDS research and interventions among SGM globally, it touches on the importance of sensitivity to the wide variety of gender identities and sexual orientations and different conceptualizations cross-culturally. Next, disproportionate risks and vulnerabilities facing certain SGM groups are explored, focusing on intersecting structural, interpersonal, and individual-level risk factors, and highlighting some differences in regional contexts. Promising HIV/AIDS interventions for SGM populations at structural, interpersonal, and individual levels are included. Chronic disease among SGM people living with HIV is also discussed. Finally, major gaps in knowledge about SGM communities are discussed and future directions for HIV research and practice for SGM people globally are explored.