What is it about?
The health of immigrant sexual minority men in the United States is poorly understood; even less is known about first-generation, foreign-born, Arab immigrant sexual minority men. We have shown the multiple forms of stressors (homophobia, racism, sexual racism, and xenophobia) that Arab immigrant sexual minority men experience, and how they negatively affect their mental health and sexual health. Our findings show that mental health interventions informed by the unique experiences of Arab immigrant sexual minority men are crucial to improve their coping strategies, social support, and community belonging.
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Why is it important?
This study highlights the unique experiences of Arab immigrant SMM in the U.S. The findings call for preventive interventions that consider the intersections of multiple minority identities and related stressors and their impact on mental and sexual health. To contribute to more equitable mental health and sexual health outcomes for Arab immigrant SMM, risk prevention strategies need to be developed in close partnership with the community to ensure community resonance and effective implementation.
Perspectives
I hope this article sheds light on the unique experiences of Arab immigrant sexual minority men, a community that has been historically invisible, underrepresented, and stigmatized in the United States. I am very honored and thankful that the participants trusted me with representing them and their stories.
Sarah Abboud
University of Illinois at Chicago
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A qualitative exploration of minority stress, mental health, and sexual health among Arab immigrant sexual minority men in the United States., Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, February 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000645.
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