T11-O-04 The relations of sexuality, sex addiction and AIDS anxiety in homosexual and transsexuals in Iran

Abstract

Introduction The stigma of being a sexual minority in an Islamic country which insists on not losing face contributes to the dearth of information on homosexual and transsexuals in Iran. Objectives The purpose of this study was to enhance our knowledge about different aspects of human sexuality and their relationship with sex addiction and perceived AIDS anxiety among sexual minorities. Method 35 homosexual and transsexuals aged 18-24 who had referred to a private sex clinic in Tehran participated in the study. The Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, the Multidimensional AIDS anxiety Questionnaire and the G-Sexual Addiction Screening Test were completed by all the participants. Results The findings indicated that external-sexual-control was associated with different forms of anxiety about AIDS and significantly correlated with sex addiction, while the sexual-assertiveness was negatively related to different forms of AIDS anxiety except discussion inhibition. The fear of sex was associated with physiological arousal, fear of AIDS, sexual inhibition and cognitive worry. Discussion Anecdotes and clinical interviews show that in Iran homosexuals have hedonistic life styles with a tendency to change partners rapidly while transsexuals are more at risk of prostitution. So, they have external sexual control. Besides, internet chat is the primary mode of partner finding, putting them more at risk of engaging in anonymous sex, chat sex and wandering around different porn sites which are the ground of developing sex addiction. The relation with AIDS anxiety and possible interventions will be discussed.