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ANNOUNCEMENT OF DOCTORAL FINAL EXAMINATION for Christopher Tersigni, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, CNE
July 17, 2025 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
The Experiences of Gay and Bisexual Latino men
living with HIV in the Pacific Northwest
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Denise Smart, DrPH, MPH, BSN, RN, BA, NHDP-BC
Contact Wendy Ovall for Zoom information.
Abstract
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.
