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01-10-2019 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Brief Report

Exchange and Survival Sex, Dating Apps, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Among Homeless Youth in Los Angeles

Authors: Ankur Srivastava, Joshua A. Rusow, Monique Holguin, Sara Semborski, Laura Onasch-Vera, Nicole Wilson, Eric Rice

Published in: Journal of Prevention | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

We estimated the association between gender and sexual identities, and engagement in exchange and survival sex and seeking these partners via dating apps or websites, within a sample of homeless youth. In 2017, 253 homeless youth were interviewed from three different drop-in centers in Los Angeles. Multivariable regression analyses assessed associations between gender/sexual identity, and exchange and survival sex, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Sexual minority (43.6%) and gender minority (12.1%) youth reported elevated rates of exchange sex compared to cisgender heterosexual youth. Twenty-three percent of youth who engaged in survival or exchange sex used dating apps or websites to find partners. Exchange sex was associated with having recent HIV positive sex partners. Reporting an HIV positive partner and a relatively high number of sexual partners were significant predictors of engaging in survival sex. Programs and interventions for homeless youth should address engagement with technology and exchange and survival sex, and should respond to the unique needs of sexual and gender minority homeless youth.

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Title: Exchange and Survival Sex, Dating Apps, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Among Homeless Youth in Los Angeles
Authors: Ankur Srivastava
Joshua A. Rusow
Monique Holguin
Sara Semborski
Laura Onasch-Vera
Nicole Wilson
Eric Rice
Publication date: 01-10-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Published in: Journal of Prevention / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 2731-5533
Electronic ISSN: 2731-5541
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-019-00561-4

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Exchange and Survival Sex, Dating Apps, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation Among Homeless Youth in Los Angeles

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