Current Research Projects

Meyer’s (2003) Minority Stress Model proposed that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals’ health problems are a function of an excess of social stressors related to stigma and prejudice because of their minority status. For HIV+ individuals, disclosing their HIV status puts them at risk of experiencing negative outcomes, such as social rejection and discrimination (Skinner & Mfecane, 2004). Although uninfected by HIV but HIV-exposed, gay men who are in romantic relationships with their HIV+ partners may be subject to HIV-related stigmatization in addition to their sexual minority stress. This qualitative research thus aimed to explore the psychological, social, urban and cultural contexts that affect HIV-exposed gay men’s negotiations of HIV-stigma in interpersonal relationships in two nations significantly impacted by the HIV pandemic: U.S. and South Africa. Preliminary results indicated common experiences of stigma in both nations and we discuss to what degree contextual factors have the same relevance in both nations as it relates to minority stress, intersectional identity and concealable stigmatized identity literature. Implications for research, policy making and practice are offered.

In the current geopolitical and economic reality of the United States, members in mixed-status families, regardless of their immigration status, are experiencing practical, psychological, social and health repercussions. This qualitative study utilized grounded theory methodology to explore the complexity of the disclosure process and management of stigmatized identities among Latinx mixed-status immigrant families, with specific attention to their experiences of sociocultural adjustment, adaptation, and integration in the United States. The sample consisted of 15 female participants who are currently part of mixed-status families. Four participants had U.S. citizenship, three participants were permanent residents, four participants were currently receiving DACA, and four participants had an undocumented status. Participants completed a 60-90 minute semi-structured interview in their preferred language (Spanish or English). In total, four interviews were conducted in Spanish and 11 interviews were conducted in English. We are in the process of data analysis. Results will be discussed in relation to intersectional identity and CSI literature, with implications for future research and clinical practice. The study’s findings would offer implications for the development of evidence-based stigma reduction interventions to bolster resilience, along with practice and policy suggestions.