Scholarlink

Introduction <p>Living with HIV presents daily challenges for individuals with intersecting minority identities, particularly heterosexually married sexual minority men living with HIV (MSMM living with HIV) in China. This qualitative study examined how MSMM living with HIV navigate the complex intersections of HIV status, sexual orientation, marital roles, and societal expectations shaped by a collectivist culture.</p> Methods <p>In 2022, twenty-three semi-structured online interviews were conducted with MSMM living with HIV aged 25–60 in China.</p> Results <p>Guided by Identity Process Theory, thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) identity threats and conflicts; (2) assimilation and accommodation approaches in families; (3) resilience and adaptability in public life; and (4) evaluating current life. Respondents reported profound identity threats and internal struggles tied to their HIV status and concealed sexual orientation. Many adopted assimilation or accommodation strategies within marriage and family life, often at the cost of emotional authenticity and mental well-being. In public settings, coping mechanisms included selective disclosure, participation in volunteerism, and the creation of mutual aid networks. Reflections on current life revealed a mix of resignation, social isolation, and attempts to reconstruct meaning in the face of persistent stigma.</p> Conclusion <p>MSMM living with HIV in China experience compounded stigma from HIV status, sexual minority identity, and marital deception within a collectivist cultural context. While participants demonstrated resilience, coping strategies often required sacrificing authenticity, resulting in psychological distress.</p> Policy Implications <p>Findings underscore the urgent need for an inclusive social climate and culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Negotiating Conflicting Identities among Heterosexually Married Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV in China

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月3日

查看全文
  • Yuyun Zhang,
  • Changhui Song,
  • Hui Xie

摘要

Introduction

Living with HIV presents daily challenges for individuals with intersecting minority identities, particularly heterosexually married sexual minority men living with HIV (MSMM living with HIV) in China. This qualitative study examined how MSMM living with HIV navigate the complex intersections of HIV status, sexual orientation, marital roles, and societal expectations shaped by a collectivist culture.

Methods

In 2022, twenty-three semi-structured online interviews were conducted with MSMM living with HIV aged 25–60 in China.

Results

Guided by Identity Process Theory, thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) identity threats and conflicts; (2) assimilation and accommodation approaches in families; (3) resilience and adaptability in public life; and (4) evaluating current life. Respondents reported profound identity threats and internal struggles tied to their HIV status and concealed sexual orientation. Many adopted assimilation or accommodation strategies within marriage and family life, often at the cost of emotional authenticity and mental well-being. In public settings, coping mechanisms included selective disclosure, participation in volunteerism, and the creation of mutual aid networks. Reflections on current life revealed a mix of resignation, social isolation, and attempts to reconstruct meaning in the face of persistent stigma.

Conclusion

MSMM living with HIV in China experience compounded stigma from HIV status, sexual minority identity, and marital deception within a collectivist cultural context. While participants demonstrated resilience, coping strategies often required sacrificing authenticity, resulting in psychological distress.

Policy Implications

Findings underscore the urgent need for an inclusive social climate and culturally sensitive mental health interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.