Hegemonic Masculinity, Intersectional Stigma, and Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Sexual Minority Men: A Qualitative Study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive global public health concern characterized by physical, sexual, or psychological harm inflicted by an intimate partner. A growing body of evidence highlights the prevalence of IPV among young sexual minority men (YSMM) and its association with a range of adverse biopsychosocial health outcomes. Research shows that masculinity is a precarious status reliant on heteronormativity that must be actively maintained and socially accepted, and that YSMM may use IPV to reassert hegemonic masculinity. Yet, little research has explored how intersectional sexual minority stigma and hegemonic masculinity jointly impact the intimate relationships of YSMM. This study aims to explore the influence of stigma on IPV through interviews with a demographically diverse sample of (n = 26) YSMM living in New York City. Consistent with previous research, participants described how intersectional sexual minority stigma and pressures to conform to hegemonic norms adversely affected their intimate relationships. Key themes that emerged include (a) sexual minority stigma, (b) hegemonic masculinity, and (c) cultural/intersectional issues (i.e., race and religion). The narratives gathered from this study are considered within the scope of the current literature, and implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed to reduce sexual minority stigma and masculine discrepancy stress among YSMM to thereby reduce incidences of IPV in this population.