José Hernández-Ascanio, Maria Luisa Sanchez Belmonte
{"title":"Gendered migration, sexualised vulnerability and embodied care among migrant women in Spain.","authors":"José Hernández-Ascanio, Maria Luisa Sanchez Belmonte","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2739485","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2026.2739485","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Migrant women's health is often analysed through access to services, legal entitlement and barriers to care. A wider literature has also examined migrant women's health with a focus on gender, violence, care and racialisation. These dimensions matter, but they do not fully explain how health is lived through separation from children, intimate violence, domestic and care work, racialisation, documentation insecurity, and the obligation to continue caring for others. Informed by a qualitative analysis of data from 22 in-depth interviews with migrant women living in Spain we identified the following themes: migration as a gendered escape and obligation; transnational motherhood and the embodied pain of separation; care work, racialisation and sexualised vulnerability; and rebuilding embodied care and dignity. The article develops the concept of embodied care within the context of gendered migration to show how migrant women's bodies both provide care and absorb the costs generated by caring, while other forms of embodied harm remain entangled with, rather than simply caused by, that care under unequal conditions. The paper contributes to debates about culture, health and sexuality by connecting sexuality in bodily dignity, sexualised vulnerability, harassment, intimate violence, racialised embodiment and autonomy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149105103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cheng Yu, Etienne Jaime, Sara B Oswalt, Stephen W Pan
{"title":"Sexual orientation identity change and psychological distress among college students in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China: a longitudinal repeated-measures study.","authors":"Cheng Yu, Etienne Jaime, Sara B Oswalt, Stephen W Pan","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2737185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2026.2737185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In China, few longitudinal studies have examined sexual orientation identity change and psychological distress during late adolescence. From 2020 to 2021, 481 college students in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, completed an average of 2.1 follow-up surveys (range: 1-3), yielding 1008 person-periods for potential change. Between any two successive surveys, there were four possible states involving heterosexual (Het) and sexual minority (SM) identity labels: static Het → Het, static SM → SM, Het → SM and SM → Het. Across all follow-up waves, seven distinct participant-level patterns were observed: static heterosexual, static sexual minority, Het → SM, SM → Het, Het → SM → Het, SM → Het → SM and SM → Het → SM → Het. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Overall, 13.5% of participants changed their reported sexual orientation identity label at least once. Multiple identity changes occurred in 4.3% of participants. Among men, Het → SM identity label periods were associated with more depressive symptoms and experience of shame/embarrassment compared to static heterosexual periods. Psychological distress associated with sexual orientation identity change likely reflects the heteronormative social environments in which these identity processes unfold, rather than identity fluidity itself.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149105324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zoe Bestmann-Smith, Margaret Brown, Martie P Thompson
{"title":"Understanding the increased vulnerability to sexual violence and factors that affect disclosure and support among LGBTQ+ women at a US college.","authors":"Zoe Bestmann-Smith, Margaret Brown, Martie P Thompson","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2629443","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2629443","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sexual violence is a significant concern on college campuses in the USA, where approximately 5% of men and 25% of women experience victimisation during their time at college. Sexuality minority women in particular are at higher risk for experiencing sexual violence than their cisgender counterparts. Bisexual women (46.1%) are particularly vulnerable, experiencing higher rates of sexual violence than both their lesbian (13.1%) and heterosexual peers (17.4%). Set against this background, the aim of this study was to understand the increased vulnerability to sexual violence and the factors that impact disclosure among LGBTQ+ women in college. The study revealed the following findings: current education surrounding sexual assault is entrenched in heteronormativity; traditional definitions of rape do not encompass LGBTQ+ experiences; and inclusive community support and resources are instrumental in helping LGBTQ+ individuals feel they can disclose. Study findings can help inform intervention strategies to support students on US college campuses who are part of sexuality and gender minority groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1237-1248"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146217933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Managing menstruation on the move: a qualitative study of menstrual hygiene management practices and health challenges among female ticket collectors in India.","authors":"Varsha Deveedas, Rakesh Chandra, Suchith Chellappan, Sonal Srivastava","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2621764","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2621764","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Working women face unique challenges in managing menstruation in male-dominated workplaces. This study explored menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices among women ticket collectors with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in India. The research aims were to understand awareness, experiences and practices related to MHM and health among women working in the transport sector, while also identifying barriers and associated health issues. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 36 female ticket collectors. The interviews focused on MHM and health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices and associated infrastructural and societal challenges. Thematic analysis was used to develop insights from the data. Findings indicated serious difficulties in maintaining menstrual hygiene, including lack of toilets/restrooms, limited break time and stigma surrounding menstruation. Health concerns such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dermatitis were commonly reported, linked to the prolonged use of sanitary products at work. Cultural taboos and restrictions during menstruation remain widespread. Awareness of government schemes such as <i>She-Pad</i> was notably low. The study highlights the urgent need for systemic changes, including better workplace sanitation, menstrual leave policies and awareness programmes. Collaborative action between the government and employers can help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1172-1183"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Whitney C Irie, Maya Terry, Oluwabukola Apata, Jazmyne Simmons, Sannisha K Dale, Julia L Marcus, Oni Blackstock
{"title":"'Educating, demystifying, destigmatising': Black women's perspectives on effective PrEP messaging in the USA.","authors":"Whitney C Irie, Maya Terry, Oluwabukola Apata, Jazmyne Simmons, Sannisha K Dale, Julia L Marcus, Oni Blackstock","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2025.2538213","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2025.2538213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Black cisgender women in the USA are disproportionately affected by HIV but remain underrepresented in HIV-related pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) messaging. Despite PrEP's efficacy in preventing HIV, uptake among Black cisgender in the USA women remains low. This qualitative study explored how PrEP messaging can better resonate with Black women's interests and needs by focusing on their experiences and preferences. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 Black cisgender women in the Midwest region of the USA between October and December 2022, capturing a diverse sample (US-born, African-born, and first-generation women of African descent). Thematic analysis developed four key themes: (1) the need for culturally tailored PrEP messaging strategies; (2) the importance of an empowering, inclusive tone and language; (3) challenging the perception that current PrEP advertising is primarily aimed at men who have sex with men and transgender women; and (4) the vital role of trusted voices, particularly Black women and community leaders, in promoting PrEP. Participants stressed that hearing about PrEP from individuals who share their racial, cultural, and gender identities would increase their comfort and engagement. Public health initiatives should prioritise culturally specific messaging that reflects Black women's lived experiences in the USA to reduce HIV disparities and promote equitable PrEP access.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1160-1171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12677188/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144752639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
George Parker, Suzanne Miller, Sally Baddock, Elizabeth Kerekere, Chelsea D'Cruz
{"title":"<i>'</i>Just get a clearer idea of who I am<i>'</i>: LGBTQIA+ people's experiences of abortion care in Aotearoa New Zealand following law reform.","authors":"George Parker, Suzanne Miller, Sally Baddock, Elizabeth Kerekere, Chelsea D'Cruz","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2025.2520293","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2025.2520293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) is recognised internationally as a human right, but inequities exist in both access to, and outcomes from, SRH in some populations. LGBTQIA+ people accessing abortion services can have harmful experiences related to embedded norms that construct abortion care as being for cisgender heterosexual women. In Aotearoa New Zealand, legislative reform has decriminalised and liberalised abortion care to improve access and reduce outcome inequities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with ten LGBTQIA+ abortion service users, aiming to understand from them what constitutes safe and accessible abortion care, and to examine how well newly reformed abortion services are serving this community. Our reflexive thematic analysis informed by the transformative paradigm identified three themes: navigating a double stigma to access abortion; invisibility as epistemic harm in abortion care; self-determining the abortion pathway as antidote. Findings demonstrated aspects of abortion services that were working well for LGBTQIA+ people, as well as harms resulting from gender and sexuality norms embedded in services that erase LGBTQIA+ people as service users. To meet LGBTQIA+ people's needs, abortion services should continue to offer flexible and multiple pathways into and through care but also need to develop strategies to address cis-heteronormativities across all service levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1133-1148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Portle, Ji-Young Lee, Cho-Hee Shrader, Rachel Gur-Arie, Joseph Daniels, Alyssa Robillard, Angel B Algarin
{"title":"Patient-provider communication and the role of PrEP coordinators: a qualitative analysis to improve HIV preventive care.","authors":"Sarah Portle, Ji-Young Lee, Cho-Hee Shrader, Rachel Gur-Arie, Joseph Daniels, Alyssa Robillard, Angel B Algarin","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2627459","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2627459","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the proven effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV infection, significant disparities in its uptake persist, particularly among HIV priority populations in Arizona, USA. Patient-provider communication plays a vital role in facilitating PrEP access, especially when discussing sexuality and HIV-related risk behaviour. To explore how communication dynamics shape HIV prevention services, we conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with patients, healthcare providers, and PrEP coordinators. Guided by an adapted Patient-Provider Communication Framework, thematic analysis revealed intersecting barriers and facilitators across five domains: needs, beliefs, values, skills, and emotions. Patients reported logistical challenges, anticipated judgement, and the importance of trust and validation. Providers emphasised empathy, transparency, and inclusive care, while PrEP coordinators highlighted cultural competence, harm reduction, and emotional connection. Findings reveal a gap between providers' intentions and patients' perceptions, underscoring the important role of PrEP coordinators in bridging communication and building trust.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1209-1222"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146194321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emma Byrnes, Deborah Loxton, Deborah Bateson, Melissa Harris
{"title":"Australian women's experiences of contraception and pregnancy planning in the context of chronic disease.","authors":"Emma Byrnes, Deborah Loxton, Deborah Bateson, Melissa Harris","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2025.2529867","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2025.2529867","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In women's reproductive health, access to, and use of, contraception is important, as the choices women make about contraception impact their bodily autonomy and play a significant role in their overall health. Despite this, women with chronic disease are more likely to use less effective contraceptive methods that place them at an increased risk of an unintended pregnancy. To better understand Australian women's experiences of contraception use and pregnancy planning in the context of chronic disease, we conducted a qualitative study with 23 women from the 1989-95 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Data were analysed using discourse analysis with a focus on gender performance and self-sacrifice. Our findings indicated two primary discourses which include the complexity of managing contraception as a part of preconception care in the context of chronic disease and the prioritisation of competing health demands. Insights from this research indicate that women require contraception that is tailored to their individual needs. This study demonstrates the need for contraceptive providers to be informed of the physical and psychological side effects and behavioural impacts of contraception and the potential implications for chronic disease status and management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1149-1159"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144774866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David Puvaneyshwaran, Ye Xuan Wee, Shao Yuan Chong, Abbrielle Jiamin Low, Jungup Lee
{"title":"'It feels safe when I'm around queer people': relational safety, belonging and queer legitimacy in Singapore.","authors":"David Puvaneyshwaran, Ye Xuan Wee, Shao Yuan Chong, Abbrielle Jiamin Low, Jungup Lee","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2740691","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2026.2740691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender (GBQT) men in Singapore face layered marginalisation shaped by heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and socio-religious conservatism, producing complex experiences of vulnerability and isolation. Singapore's landscape of queer expression is frequently policed, medicalised, or confined to sexualised and digital spaces, with few safe and affirming environments. This qualitative study explores how eight GBQT men in Singapore experienced a Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) workshop as a space for safety, belonging, and collective reflection. Drawing on video recordings, participant reflections, field notes, and a focus group discussion, data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Findings illustrate how participants sought safe and platonic queer spaces, negotiated belonging and queer legitimacy, and collectively engaged with embodied experiences of marginalisation. Across these experiences, safety, belonging and embodied meaning emerged as relational processes negotiated through participants' interactions, dialogue and collective witnessing. Findings characterise belonging as an ongoing relational process and underscore the need to cultivate non-sexualised, community spaces in Singapore where queer and transgender people can experience safety, reflection and collective care.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149105238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"'Something about an app, you know?': narratives of everyday menstrual justice among trans and nonbinary people in Canada and the USA.","authors":"Danica Facca, Jodi Hall, Gail Teachman, Lorie Donelle","doi":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2626360","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13691058.2026.2626360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While critical research focused on trans and nonbinary people's experiences with menstruation is growing, no prior work has examined how menstrual tracking apps shape experiences of menstruation within trans and nonbinary lives. Drawn from a larger feminist narrative inquiry study, the purpose of this research was to address this gap by examining six narrative accounts of menstrual tracking app use and non-use among trans and nonbinary people in Canada and the USA. These narratives illustrate how trans and nonbinary participants situated practices of engaging with, or refusing to engage with, menstrual tracking apps help mediate and sustain dignity and agency in everyday life contexts, constituting forms of what we term 'everyday' menstrual justice. By foregrounding narratives of both use and non-use, we illustrate how participants navigated the dual principles of menstrual justice - 'freedom to' and 'freedom from' menstruation - by negotiating autonomy, dysphoria management, pain legibility, data privacy, and self-advocacy through digital menstrual technologies. This article advances an expanded understanding of menstrual justice that accounts for the diverse micro-level ways in which individuals across gender identities self-determine how and to what extent menstruation matters in their lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":10799,"journal":{"name":"Culture, Health & Sexuality","volume":" ","pages":"1197-1208"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146194236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}