The Experiences of African American Male Commercial Sex Workers At-Risk for HIV: Accessing Outreach Services

Abstract

Due to the lack of education and the stigma attached to HIV testing, African American men are less likely to seek outreach services; therefore they are often unaware of their HIV status. Stigmatization of homosexuality in communities of color may also influence the availability of HIV/AIDS education and services; compounded with the fact that access to appropriate health care may be limited in these communities. While infection rates among African American men having sex with men (MSM) are well documented, research on effective interventions is not, and is particularly limited for these men who are substance users and participate in the sex trade for drugs. This article explores and documents the experiences of African American MSM in a southeastern metropolitan city who are involved in the commercial sex trade, and presents the results of a focus-group investigation conducted specifically to gain input about accessing outreach services.

KEYWORDS:

• African American
• HIV testing
• commercial sex workers