The association between minority stress and oppression in the lives of MSM in Cape Town, South Africa (WITHDRAWN)

Ayesha McAdams-Mahmoud, Emory University
Rob Stephenson, Emory University
Christopher Rentsch, Emory University
Catherine Finneran, Emory University

South African men who have sex with men (MSM) are members of a sexual minority who are understudied and at greater risk for adverse mental health outcomes than the general population. This heightened risk has been attributed to heterosexist cultural and sociopolitical forces and uncoordinated mental health care services. Results from a mixed methods study involving 22 in-depth interviews and surveys taken in Cape Town, South Africa suggest that MSM are impacted by societal discrimination resulting in minority stress. Minority stress affected aspects of study respondents’ sexual relationships, identity formations, coping strategies, mental wellness, and comfort in the city. Survey results showed that concealment behaviors and perceived stigma and discrimination levels were high among study participants, namely those that were low-income or members of historically disadvantaged communities. Interview results demonstrated that race, culture, religion, economic status, and environmental setting may determine the degree to which minority stress is experienced.