Utilising automated content analysis with transformer-based topic modelling (BERTopic), this study examines cross-outlet variation in volume and topics over two decades (2000-2022) of abortion coverage in seven major daily newspapers in the Netherlands. Our findings reveal an ongoing coverage of abortion. Volume of coverage was notably highest in religious newspapers, indicating that these newspapers constitute a prominent voice in Dutch abortion debate. We discerned four distinct frames used in abortion news coverage. The first emphasised political developments as well as protest and advocacy related to abortion, framing the issue as a controversial political and moral topic. The second emphasised uncommon and problematic aspects of abortion, neglecting to present it as a commonplace and safe reproductive healthcare procedure. Two other frames seek to undermine women's decision-making agency: the marginalisation of women's personal perspectives; and the highlighting of prerequisites for abortion care. The media's emphasis on a hierarchy of deservedness may consequently reduce public support for particular reasons for choosing abortion. Overall, our findings show that abortion remains a regularly covered and contentious issue, even amidst progressive legislation. This study highlights the need for balanced reporting that engages with women's diverse personal experiences and perspectives.

Black women's sexuality has historically been constrained by stereotypes and a discourse focused on risks rather than pleasure. Early Black women rappers initiated vital conversations about sexual pleasure, with contemporary Black women rappers continuing to challenge norms and define Black women's sexualities. Grounded in Hip-Hop Feminism and Sexual Script Theory, this study explores how Black women interpret and find meaning in sexual pleasure-focused lyrics in Black women's rap music and how these interpretations shape their sexual self-concepts and navigation of systemic oppression. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 Black women aged 20-42 years who frequently listen to Black women rappers, thematic and discourse analysis identified three key themes: (a) prioritising sexual pleasure as a means of self-empowerment; (b) practising assertiveness as a means to achieving sexual pleasure; and (c) celebrating the body as an act of sexual pleasure. Black women rappers' unapologetic discussion of sexual pleasure empowers Black women to reclaim sexuality on their own terms, independent of dominant societal narratives. This study extends existing literature on Hip-Hop Feminism by demonstrating the transformative potential of culturally relevant media in fostering sex-positive attitudes and advocates for incorporating these messages into sexual health education for Black women.

University students in Myanmar experience a high prevalence of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. These are compounded by pervasive cultural taboos surrounding sex and sexuality. Sexual and reproductive health literacy is crucial to addressing these problems. Four focus group discussions with 33 university students revealed how cultural taboos act as barriers across five SRH literacy subdomains: accessing, comprehending, criticising and applying SRH information, and communicating with healthcare providers. Students primarily relied on online health information rather than face-to-face discussions. Many students considered SRH information to be 'dirty' and experienced feelings of shame, guilt and fear of being blamed or disrespected while seeking healthcare. They therefore hesitated to visit healthcare providers and sought SRH services only in urgent medical situations. Additionally, all SRH literacy subdomains were influenced by cultural taboos surrounding sex: societal denial towards youth premarital sex, and the perception of sexual matters as embarrassing and inappropriate. Advocacy is needed to promote positive societal attitudes towards sexual matters and youth premarital sex, signalling the value of culturally tailored digital SRH literacy interventions using vernacular language. Healthcare providers should offer non-judgemental youth-centred services to promote SRH literacy among students.

Disparities in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in rural areas of the USA persist as a concern in achieving health equity for youth. A growing body of literature recognises that improving adolescents' health necessitates systems thinking to address the culture and environment in which adolescents live. This paper uses systems thinking to identify leverage points to improve adolescent SRH in rural Latino communities in California. We conducted focus group discussions with 22 young people and interviewed 10 adult stakeholders to centre the perspectives of youth and youth-serving professionals. Transcripts were coded and analysed using systems thinking. Five themes were developed: (1) community and cultural norms can be a source of both support and stigma for youth; (2) families are key to supporting health education and services; (3) rural schools provide a central hub for programme delivery; (4) community-based organisations can work to serve rural youth, but limited resources and transport are challenges; and (5) youth face considerable barriers accessing SRH services in their communities. Using systems thinking to identify leverage points and gaps in interactions between system components influencing youth can aid in the development of more holistic and culturally responsive approaches for rural youth SRH.

Queerphobia is defined as society's negative attitude towards LGBTQIA + people, translating into structures that marginalise LGBTQIA + people and contribute to health inequities that cause real harm and can be understood as structural violence. The purpose of this article is to explore what historically marginalised youth in a youth participatory action research (YPAR) project characterise as the big picture issues affecting the lives of LGBTQIA + youth. We used participatory arts-based methods to conduct community and identity building, define research questions and photo prompts, conduct data collection, engage in group thematic analysis, and make recommendations at the state policy level. We also conducted individual semi-structured interviews with participants. Our findings can be grouped into three main themes: LGBTQIA + youth may feel it is safer to remain closeted; queerphobia perpetuates housing instability; and queerphobia functions as a structural barrier to social services. Youth also developed state level policy recommendations to address the structural issues causing harm to LGBTQIA + youth health. Recommendations included increasing access to affordable housing and LGBTQIA + inclusive foster and group homes, and advocating for government-funded LGBTQIA + specific healthcare practices for LGBTQIA + youth. More youth-driven data are needed that centre those directly impacted by structural violence and associated health outcomes.

An analysis of social media posts using the #WhyIDidntReport hashtag reveals six themes regarding the reasons why survivors of sexual violence do not report the incident to health or social organisations such as police or supervisors. Using just-world theory as a means to examine social reactions to posts of victim's stories, we suggest the reasons for not reporting could be divided into clusters of internal or external barriers. Within the first cluster, three themes reflect survivors who did not report because of external reasons (e.g. victim blaming by the police or other institutions; minimisation of the seriousness of the crime; and reporting costs). In the second cluster, three themes reflect survivors who did not report because of internal reasons (e.g. self-blame, protecting others, and naivety). We find that survivors who did not report sexual violence because of external reasons received significantly more social support, whereas survivors who did not report because of internal reasons received significantly less social support in the form of shares and likes. Overall, these findings support our theorising that the reasons why survivors do not report sexual violence are impactful because, consistent with just-world theorising, they change perceptions of victimhood and therefore the level of social support.

University attendance can lead to changes in sexual behaviour that place people at increased risk of negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experiences; however, relatively few studies have explored access to and use of SRH services by university students in Australia. A convenience sample of students ( = 4291) from five universities completed an online survey to examine barriers and facilitators to accessing SRH services. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse variations by gender, sexuality, and enrolment status. Content analyses were conducted on responses to two open-ended questions. Over half (59%, 2934) had never spoken to a health professional about SRH issues. Of the 41% (1357) who had, female, non-binary/gender diverse, and Australian-born students were significantly more likely to have done so than students identifying as male, heterosexual, or as an international student. Frequently reported barriers to use of SRH services were 'feeling embarrassed', 'being judged' and 'not knowing where to go'. LGBTQIA+ students along with international and overseas-born domestic students faced specific access barriers. Recommendations targeting student-identified barriers to access are offered, calling for universities to support student wellbeing by providing supportive, non-judgemental, and inclusive SRH promotion and health services that cater to needs of diverse student cohorts.

This study argues that not every instance of extramarital sexual intercourse among the Igbo women of southeastern Nigeria is adulterous. Using the sex-related rite of (pouring of water) among the Mgbowo women of southeastern Nigeria (Igboland) as an example, the study explores the different means that the women have used in negotiating extramarital relationships, and sexual behaviours in the traditional, colonial and Christian patriarchal environments. The study brings together both ethnographic and feminist cultural resistance research to appraise the distinctions between punishable and culturally permitted extramarital sexual practices, and to highlight the role that extramarital sexual culture played in resisting the patriarchal domination of female sexuality in the age of empire. It also explores the challenges and the responses of Mgbowo women in negotiating extramarital relationships in a modern-day patriarchal setting. It sets out to explore how women's sex power, agency and influence have been silenced in the colonial archives and mainstream scholarship. Through semi-structured interviews, the analysis of material culture, and participant observation, this study provides insight into traditional sexual culture(s), marital intercourse, and sex-related rituals among Mgbowo women.

For decades, the sexuality of trans and gender diverse people has been researched from a pathologising and medical perspective. This approach makes assumptions about the experiences of trans people, limiting concern for unique and individual experiences, especially for those with non-binary or gender diverse identities. A growing number of articles however are beginning to take the viewpoints of trans people seriously, taking into consideration their unique experiences and insights within the context of sexual and romantic relationships. This study examines the development of gender identity and sexual orientation of a group of trans individuals in Spain. Thirteen self-identified trans participants were interviewed about their sexual orientation, gender identity and the interplay between both those aspects. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed to analyse the data. Five major categories were identified: reinterpreting experiences through identification with gender identity and sexual orientation; questioning gender identity and sexual orientation norms; understanding the interplay between gender identity and sexual orientation; developing as a couple; and building a community. Findings highlight the dynamic and relational nature of gender identity and sexual orientation and provide further insight into the interaction of these aspects in the development of trans and gender diverse identities.

Menstrual leave is a policy allowing menstruators to take paid or unpaid time off work if experiencing painful menstrual cycle-related symptoms or illnesses. Scholars have displayed an increased interest in menstrual leave, primarily owing to the rise in companies offering menstrual leave. Efforts have been made to theorise the potential benefits and drawbacks of menstrual leave. Building on prior work, this article conducts a thematic analysis of twelve menstrual leave policy announcements from companies in five countries. Guided by an intersectional feminist theoretical framework, the article uncovers two themes in menstrual leave policy announcements: (1) recognition of menstrual stigma and the potential to normalise menstruation and menstrual health; and (2) the potential for increased worker power. It subsequently develops two critical arguments: (1) menstrual leave may perpetuate (hetero)sexist beliefs and attitudes, and (2) menstrual leave may reify individual responsibility to manage menstruation and facilitate a positive culture around menstrual leave. This research adds to menstruation literature by being one of the few studies to investigate company-level menstrual leave policy announcements in a transnational context. A broader conceptualisation of menstrual leave, including the transition to 'menstrual flexibility' as an umbrella term, could help such policies become equity tools.

Women who suffer from an obstetric fistula endure more than just physical pain. Their ability or desire to bear children may also be affected due to physical damage to their reproductive organs. In addition, they may suffer from emotional trauma which is likely to affect their decision to have children. The aim of this study therefore was to explore in more detail the perspectives of obstetric fistula survivors about childbearing after treatment for their condition. This qualitative study was conducted at a non-governmental organisation in the Central Region of Malawi. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from 18 women who had suffered from an obstetric fistula. The study revealed that many women either had no further desire for children or were unable to bear children. Fear of dying and resulting pain from the fistula surgery deter women from wanting further pregnancies. However, there was still strong emphasis placed on childbearing, especially for the younger women who desired children as a means of maintaining their marriages. The risk of further pregnancies and mitigation strategies for reducing obstetric fistulas, should be fully communicated to women. Those who become infertile as a result of obstetric fistula may also require appropriate counselling.

Relatively little is known about the unique needs and issues faced by transgender men and their self-care practices during gender transition. This study aimed to analyse self-care practices during gender transition through the life histories of a group of Costa Rican transgender men. A qualitative study with a sociohistorical design employing a thematic life history approach was conducted with fourteen participants between April and September 2022. Data were analysed using Content Analysis. Three categories were developed concerning self-care: (i) the shaping of self-care practices throughout different life stages; (ii) self-care practices related to masculinising the body; and (iii) self-care practices on the margins of a cisheteronormative society. The identified self-care practices took place with the goal of materialising men's gender identity socially, legally and medically. While self-care plays a key role in supporting individuals throughout the transition process, it is limited in its capacity to ensure comprehensive well-being. The social prejudice and violence encountered by transgender men poses a challenge to achieving full well-being. External pressures and adversities limit the effectiveness of self-care practices, highlighting the need for broader systemic change to enhance the overall health and wellness of transgender men in Costa Rica.

This paper analyses the experiences of public healthcare workers in Uganda under the Anti Homosexuality Act (AHA) 2023, who specialise in the provision of HIV prevention and treatment services to criminalised 'key populations' for HIV, including men who have sex with men, transgender women, and female sex workers. Utilising in-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 public healthcare workers and participant observation with LGBTQ+ and HIV activists, public health officials, and development workers, this ethnographic study explored the legal, social and ethical challenges that public healthcare providers faced. Public healthcare workers have experienced various types of stigma from their work, including socio-legal stigma from the criminalisation of 'promoting homosexuality', stigma by association with key populations, concealment stigma, and denial. Legal ambiguities stemming from the AHA 2023 have led to security incidents for some public healthcare workers. The study highlights the ethical dilemmas that have arisen from the 'duty to report' clause, which conflicts with professional healthcare ethics of confidentiality, and the role the Ministry of Health played in passing the AHA 2023, instilling confusion about its enforcement, and minimising and denying the risks the legislation has had on Uganda's HIV epidemic.

In December 2020, Argentina approved a new abortion law following decades of feminist and social advocacy. This paper presents qualitative findings from interviews and focus group discussions with people in local communities focusing on how individuals of reproductive age access and communicate sexual and reproductive health information, particularly regarding abortion. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants working in the field of SRHR and four focus group discussions took place with cisgender women and girls, transmasculine people and non-binary people of reproductive age. We found that information exchange and communication about sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly abortion, took place mainly through informal social networks engaging with activists and feminist grass-root organisations. These informal social networks were built on as a collective affect that enabled open communication about abortion. Information sharing through word of mouth, in person and digital means using different social media platforms, is an important means of information sharing and communication in Argentina. Monitoring the implementation of abortion policies in this country should include investigating the impact of people accessing abortion through informal social networks in terms of abortion pathways and intersections with the formal health system.

This study draws from qualitative research conducted using a participatory action framework with 47 young adults who identified as people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, transgender, non-binary, or sex workers in Vietnam. The research objectives were to explore their experiences using mobile phones to access sexual and reproductive (SRH) health information and support and the impact of the digital turn in health on their autonomy, privacy and equality. The research was conducted through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and digital ethnography. The project utilised a participatory action research framework. The research was led by the Vietnam Network of People Living with HIV within the frame of a three-country study, and the authors describe how the network used the findings to advance policy. The paper concludes by proposing participatory action research as a useful methodology for studying human rights and digital health governance.

This paper explores the processes of individual and collective subjectivation experienced by non-binary individuals living in contemporary Italy. Using qualitative methods, the study, which was conducted between July and September 2021, involved a sample of twenty-six young adults aged between eighteen and thirty years. Starting from participants' narratives, the thematic analysis revealed the significance of both physical and virtual support environments in the subjectivation process, taking into account the diverse micro-contexts in which people live. The study's findings underscore the continued need to challenge societal norms and structures that perpetuate discrimination against people who reject exclusive identification with the male or female gender and opt for more fluid and non-traditional definitions of gender identity.

This paper examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on memories and metaphors associated with the earlier AIDS epidemic. It argues that while previous research has focused on how HIV informs COVID-19, the reverse relationship has received insufficient attention. The authors propose a more comprehensive understanding of the issues, using insights from the sociology of memory. Experiences during COVID-19 not only reshape perceptions of HIV in the present but also transform how we remember the AIDS crisis of the past. We discuss the impact of these pandemics particularly for gay and bisexual men and their connected communities. Doing so underscores the co-construction of collective memories in the present, suggesting that COVID-19 has not only redefined our experience of HIV, but it has also reframed our understanding of the earlier AIDS crisis. We conclude by highlighting the potential for these transformations to be leveraged for empowerment, political action and change. Revisiting and reframing our memories of AIDS in the light of COVID-19 can open up new avenues for optimism and positive engagement.

Women living with HIV are consistently under-represented in HIV clinical trials, including cure trials. Little is known about how cisgender women living with HIV in Australia perceive HIV cure research, their level of trust in research institutions/staff, and factors salient to participation in HIV cure trials. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women living with HIV and clinicians working with women living with HIV to investigate motivations and barriers to gender-equitable representation in HIV clinical research. Participant motivations for participation included altruistic desires to benefit younger women, and to optimise resulting interventions. Women living with HIV expressed optimism that a cure would dispel HIV-related stigma and brings about substantial material improvement to their lives. Reluctance to participate related to concerns regarding potential side-effects, antiretroviral treatment interruption, and impacts on fertility. Unfamiliarity with trials, confidentiality concerns and logistical difficulties were also cited. Lastly, onerous eligibility criteria, clinicians' assumptions about women's willingness and ability to meaningfully provide consent to participation were cited as barriers which could be addressed. Bolstering women's participation in HIV cure research requires consideration of factors relating to reproductive health, analytical treatment interruption, and recruitment. Engaging women living with HIV in trial design and promotion may help overcome these issues.

Anal fisting amongst gay men has been characterised as a risky form of sexual play, particularly for the bottoming (receptive) playmate. This view may be oversimplistic and fail to recognise how fist-bottoms ready themselves for fist-play through preparatory journeys of bottom training. This study explored how gay men who bottom in fist-play understand bottom training and how this understanding informs their personal sense of pleasure, risk, and safety. Unstructured individual interviews were conducted with 8 gay men who play as fist-bottoms. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted on the data, from which four main themes were developed: (1) training the body to play; (2) training for headspace; (3) training to understand pleasure; and (4) training by rules. Taken together, the findings highlight how fist-bottoms understand their bottom training as both a formative and transformative process that shapes their corporeal, psychological, erotic, and subcultural knowledge and skills to navigate play. Through bottom training, fist-bottoms explore and attune their understanding of what is safe and pleasurable, as well as riskier play.

Approximately 753 million women (38%) of reproductive age live in countries with restrictive abortion laws. To overcome these legal constraints, women access safe self-managed medication abortions through telemedicine abortion services. This study aimed to explore the long-term impact of accessing a self-managed medication abortion through telemedicine service on women's lives in countries with restrictive abortion laws. We conducted interviews with eleven women (from eleven different countries) who accessed a self-managed medication abortion through online telemedicine between 2014 and 2018 in a legally restricted country. We analysed interviews thematically. Three key themes were developed: (1) access to abortion positively impacted life plans; (2) the negative influence of the legally restricted environment wore off and their well-being improved; (3) participants are now using their own experiences to help others by either sharing information or facilitating access to abortion. In summary, our findings highlight the positive impact of access to self-managed medication abortion and underline the importance of ensuring access to abortion for everyone.

This study addresses a gap in the labour market and occupational health literatures among sexual and gender minority workers by exploring the relationship between precarious employment and mental health through a political economy framework. Narratives from 20 cisgender and transgender sexual minority men were analysed to uncover the production of employment and mental health inequities. Results are presented temporally, including employment readiness, looking for work, and on the job, illuminating the social and structural processes that underly participants' stories of precarious employment and mental health. A cyclical pattern was identified whereby participants' mental ill-health resulted in separation from the labour market and increased employment precarity that subsequently further impacted their mental health. Interventions and programmes must consider multipronged approaches that address all aspects of this syndemic, including social stigma and discrimination towards sexual and gender minority people and improved access to stable employment, mental healthcare, and adequate social welfare systems.