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

• 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
• ISSN: 1744-1692; 1744-1706
• DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2016.1180703

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.