Sexual Diversity and Vulnerability to AIDS: the Role of Sexual Identity and Gender in the Perception of Risk by Young People (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the perceptions of risk for HIV transmission and the formation of sexual identities and gender of young men and women of different sexual orientations and color/race. The study is based on ethnographic observation in a variety of nocturnal social environments in Rio de Janeiro and interviews with young people within this context. The findings show that our informants have assimilated preventive information regarding HIV, but have difficulties in adopting consistent condom use. There are variations in HIV risk perception associated with sexual identities and gender: gay men see themselves and are perceived by others as the most vulnerable group. Among youth who claim heterosexual practices, susceptibility to HIV is associated with "others". Lesbians see themselves as not being at risk for AIDS. It can be concluded that sexual identities and gender influence the perception of AIDS risk. However, being social, sexual identities are contextual and can vary over the course of a person's life. Our results underscore the importance of the current debate regarding the implications of fixing identity labels to social and political movements.

A scoping review of sexual minority women’s health in Latin America and the Caribbean

“…Further, SMW in Brazil reported lower rates of Pap tests and gynecological care in the past year (Barbosa and Facchini, 2009), which is consistent with evidence from the United States (Buchmueller and Carpenter, 2010;Kerker et al, 2006) and France (Chetcuti et al, 2013). Perceived lower risk of STIs reported by participants in two studies (Monteiro et al, 2010;Mora and Monteiro, 2010) is similar to findings from a recent analysis of data from the National Survey of Family Growth in the United States (Agénor et al, 2017). The studies included in this review that examined healthcare experiences of SMW focused mostly on sexual health.…”

“…Four studies conducted by Ortiz-Hernández and colleagues used multiple dimensions (attraction, behavior, and identity) to assess sexual orientation (Ortiz-Hernández, 2005;Ortiz-Hernández et al, 2009;Ortiz-Hernández and García Torres, 2005;Ortiz-Hernández and Granados-Cosme, 2006). The remaining study (Monteiro et al, 2010) did not operationally define sexual orientation.…”

“…The 22 included articles represent 18 distinct studies. * Monteiro et al (2010) and Mora and Monteiro (2010) reported findings from the same study.…”

“…Lesbian women identified themselves as having low risk for HIV compared to heterosexual women (Monteiro et al, 2010), but recognized a heightened risk of HIV when having sex with bisexual women or with men (Mora and Monteiro, 2010). However, both lesbian and bisexual women had few concerns regarding risk for STIs and HIV (Monteiro et al, 2010). Pinto et al (2005) examined the prevalence of STIs among 145 Brazilian women who reported having had same-sex relationships.…”

HIV and STI Prevention Among Spanish Women Who have Sex with Women: Factors Associated with Dental Dam and Condom Use

“…The social and institutional lack of visibility of these sexual relationships has led to a profound unawareness of the impact of HIV and other STIs on this group [3], excluding them from research and intervention policies [4][5][6]. The biased conception of sexuality from the perspective of heterosexual relations [7], together with the absence of epidemiological data and preventive programs, has fostered a false sense of invulnerability [8,9]. However, the risk of contracting an STI is multifactorial and independent of sexual orientation, and anyone who disregards the use of barrier methods can become infected [10][11][12].…”