Gay and bisexual Latino men living with HIV face significant health disparities influenced by intersecting stigmas related to culture, sexuality, and HIV status. This qualitative dissertation study explored the lived experiences of 19 Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Pacific Northwest using Giorgi’s Descriptive Phenomenological Method. Through individual interviews and focus groups, participants described stigma in healthcare, family, and community settings—often experiencing compounded discrimination that impacted their mental health, care-seeking behaviors, and treatment adherence. Despite these barriers, many demonstrated resilience through advocacy, chosen family networks, and culturally grounded coping strategies. Key themes included intersectional stigma, healthcare access challenges, familial rejection and support, mental health impacts, and structural issues like housing and immigration. Findings highlight the need for culturally competent, stigma-informed nursing care and policy reforms that address systemic inequities. This research adds to the understanding of how intersecting identities shape health outcomes and offers actionable insights for improving care delivery for Latino MSM living with HIV.
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Title
THE EXPERIENCES OF GAY AND BISEXUAL LATINO MEN LIVING WITH HIV IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Creators
Christopher Tersigni
Contributors
Denise Smart (Chair)
Linda Lee Eddy (Committee Member)
Marian Wilson (Committee Member)
Mark Hart (Committee Member)
Awarding Institution
Washington State University
Academic Unit
College of Nursing
Theses and Dissertations
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University