Participants’ views of GPS Latino, an intervention to address the sexual health needs of Latino gay/bisexual men who have sex with men living in Toronto, Canada

Few interventions directly address the sexual-health and HIV-prevention needs of Latino gay/bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in North America. This study reports qualitative findings from the GPS Latino, a Canadian sexual health promotion program for Latino GBMSM grounded in the information–motivation–behavioural skills model and delivered through motivational interviewing. Six months after enrollment, we interviewed 20 of 21 participants—11 living with HIV and 9 who were HIV-negative—to explore their experiences of GPS Latino. Across interviews, men spoke of previous gaps between their needs and receipt of both culturally tailored sexual-health education and prevention support. Many had encountered stigma, isolation, and silence surrounding sexuality in both their countries of origin and when settled in Toronto. Participants reported that GPS Latino disrupted these patterns by offering a confidential, Spanish-language space where participants could discuss knowledge gaps, motivations, and risk perceptions without fear or shame. Participants emphasized how regular, non-judgemental conversations with an empathetic facilitator created a trustworthy space for sensitive topics; how clear, accessible information on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections corrected misinformation; how structured tools for setting goals and tracking progress fostered accountability and sustained engagement; and how ongoing follow-up and emotional support reinforced learning, encouraged consistent safer-sex practices, and reduced feelings of isolation. Collectively, GPS Latino boosted self-esteem, diminished internalized stigma, heightened self-awareness, and empowered participants to make safer sexual choices. The findings suggest that GPS Latino is both acceptable to participants and promising for improving sexual health among immigrant Latino MSM. GPS Latino addressed informational deficits and psychosocial barriers through culturally competent education and sustained motivational support.