HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Men and Transgender/Gender Expansive Individuals Who Have Sex with Men in Kazakhstan: Associations with HIV Stigma, Internalized Homophobia, and Community Connectedness.

Since 2010, Kazakhstan has experienced an increase in HIV transmission. Men and transgender/gender-expansive people who have sex with men (MSM and TSM) carry a disproportionate HIV burden. Building on Paine et al. (2021), which linked HIV testing to stigma, internalized homophobia, and sexual- and gender-expansive (SGE) community connectedness-this brief report examined biologically confirmed HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). SGE connectedness was significantly associated with HIV infection, while HIV stigma and internalized homophobia were significantly associated with STIs. Interventions reducing stigma and strengthening SGE community ties may curb HIV and STI transmission among MSM and TSM in Kazakhstan.