Intersections and evolution of 'Butch-trans' categories in Puerto Rico: Needs and barriers of an invisible population

Public health research among transgender populations globally has primarily focused on HIV/AIDS. However, trans men remain outside of this conceptual framework, with distinct but overlapping social contexts and needs. In Puerto Rico (PR), the trans men population has remained largely hidden within t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Global public health 2016-08, Vol.11 (7-8), p.966-980
Main Authors: Ramos-Pibernus, Alíxida G., Rodríguez-Madera, Sheilla L., Padilla, Mark, Varas-Díaz, Nelson, Vargas Molina, Ricardo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
AIDS
Anthropology, Cultural
Biological activity
bucha
Puerto Rico
Communities
Community
Constraints
Discourse analysis
Domains
Ethnography
Female
Focus Groups
Gays & lesbians
Gender Identity
Group research
Health care policy
Health initiatives
Health problems
Health research
Health Status Disparities
HIV
Homosexuality, Female - psychology
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humans
Identity
Intersections
Interviews as Topic
Lesbianism
Male
Males
Medical research
Men
Observation
Public health
Public relations
Puerto Rico
Qualitative Research
Self Concept
Sexes
Sexual behavior
Social environment
Social Stigma
Social welfare
Stigma
transgender health
Transgender persons
Transgender Persons - psychology
Transgender/transsexual men
Transsexuality
Well being
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Summary:Public health research among transgender populations globally has primarily focused on HIV/AIDS. However, trans men remain outside of this conceptual framework, with distinct but overlapping social contexts and needs. In Puerto Rico (PR), the trans men population has remained largely hidden within the 'butch' lesbian community. The objective of this article is to document the identity construction of trans men and 'buchas' (local term to refer to butch lesbians) in PR and its relation to their bodily practices and overall health. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 29 trans men and buchas based on ethnographic observation, focus groups, audio-recorded in-depth interviews, and critical discourse analysis. Findings emphasise two domains to be addressed by health policies and initiatives: (1) bodily representations and gender performance, and (2) the meanings of female biological processes. This small-scale ethnographic study represents an initial step towards understanding the social context of this 'invisible' community and significant implications for their health and well-being. We provide several recommendations to address public health concerns of this understudied, marginalised community.
ISSN:1744-1692
1744-1706
DOI:10.1080/17441692.2016.1180703