Sexual wellbeing of sexual minority men living in poverty in Hong Kong

Abstract

Sexual well-being is a fundamental human right and a central aspect of human sexuality that contributes significantly to people’s overall well-being. Numerous studies have explored the connections between sexual well-being and a range of shaping factors, including gender and sexual identity, family relationships, education and religious beliefs. However, only limited research has examined the interdependence between sexual well-being and poverty, and even less research has focused on sexual minority communities. This study adopted an intersectionality framework to elucidate the association between poverty and the sexual well-being of sexual minority men in Hong Kong, given its unique socio-political-cultural context. Qualitative data were collected from 10 sexual minority men aged between 20-47 years old living in poverty who participated in a semi-structured, in-depth individual interview to narrate their experiences and insights on poverty and sexual well-being. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Our study identified three themes: (1) deprivation of privacy and space, (2) poverty stigma within sexual minority communities, and (3) sexual repression. This study contributes to the scholarship of sexuality research on the impact of poverty on sexual minority men’s sexual well-being in Hong Kong. The intersection of poverty and a sexual minority status impeded with the gratification of their desire for sexual well-being and intimacy. Policy and research implications are provided.