Gay Men Research Articles

Prevalence of Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Urban Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Canada, 2017-2019.

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers. In 2015 and 2016, HPV vaccines became publicly funded for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) under 27 years of age in most Canadian provinces. Between 2017 and 2019, sexually-active GBM in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Participants aged 16 to 30 years were invited to self-collect oral rinse specimens for HPV testing. We estimated HPV prevalence in the oral tract overall and compared these by vaccination status. Among the 838 GBM with a valid oral specimen, 36.9% reported receiving ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. Overall, oral HPV prevalence was 2.6% (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.5, 3.7%) for at least one HPV type and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.5, 1.9%) for any high-risk type. We detected quadrivalent (HPV 6/11/16/18) vaccine-preventable types in 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0, 1.0%) of vaccinated individuals and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.1, 2.0%) in unvaccinated individuals. Oral HPV prevalence was low in a population of young urban GBM in Canada of whom 37% were vaccinated. Findings serve as a benchmark for monitoring of vaccination impacts on oral HPV infection within this priority population.

“Not a Personal Matter”: Soviet Conservative Discourse on Homosexuality in the 1960s and 1970s

Abstract While historians of homosexuality in the post-Stalin era have mainly focused on developments such as discussions about the decriminalization of homosexuality and the establishment of sexology, our understanding of conservative perspectives on homosexuality remains limited. This article introduces and analyses a previously classified medical doctoral thesis (habilitation) on homosexuality prepared and defended in the 1970s. This is currently the only accessible in-depth scholarly investigation of male homosexuality in this period. The article seeks to contribute to the thriving field of the history of homosexuality under late socialism by shedding some light on the rationale for continuing to criminalize consensual homosexual activity, from the perspective of a contemporary forensic expert. Secondly, the thesis, which was based on the criminal files of those convicted of consensual homosexuality in Leningrad (1961–1968) – a total of 107 men were convicted – provides additional data on the previously rather obscure realm of interaction between homosexuals and law enforcement agencies.

The Pattern of Physique Preferences on Gay Dating App “Blued” in China: A Multiple Group Latent Class Analysis

ABSTRACT Previous studies have indicated homogamy in partner preferences among gay and bisexual men. Individuals on Blued (the most popular gay dating app in China) could identify their body type and preferred physiques according to six categories: monkey (thin gay men), average, muscularity, bear (heavy and hairy gay men), baboon (smaller than bears), and pig (plumper than bears). This study examined patterns of physique preferences across body types as well as sexual self-labels (tops, bottoms, versatiles, and others). In total, 188,716 Blued profiles (M age = 31.1, SD = 7.1) were obtained. Multiple group latent class analysis was used to examine the patterns of physique preferences across the body type groups. The results revealed seven classes of physique preference. The four common physique preferences shared by all body type groups were “like averages,” “like monkeys,” “like muscularity,” and “like bears.” Individuals with a monkey or average body type exhibited a specific pattern of physique preference: “dislike bears.” The two physique preferences specific to gay bear men were “like averages and muscularity,” and “dislike monkeys.” The highest preference for each physique was observed among individuals of the same body type. Furthermore, tops were more likely to have a muscular body and prefer a monkey physique, whereas bottoms were more likely to have a monkey body and prefer a muscular physique. These findings indicate body type-specific physique preferences based on an individual’s own body type and sexual self-label identification, thus partially supporting the concept of homogamy in the physique preferences of gay men.

Epidemiology of Mpox Cases, and Tecovirimat and JYNNEOS Utilization, Alameda County, California, June-October 2022.

The 2022 United States mpox outbreak disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. We utilized surveillance data and vaccination registries to determine whether populations most impacted by mpox in Alameda County received JYNNEOS vaccines and tecovirimat (TPOXX) during June 1-October 31, 2022. Alameda County Public Health Department responded to the mpox epidemic through partnerships with local health care providers who serve communities disproportionately affected by mpox. During June 1-October 31, 2022, a total of 242 mpox cases were identified in Alameda County. Mpox incidence rates per 100 000 were highest among Black/African American (35.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.8-46.5) and Hispanic/Latinx (25.1; CI, 20.1-30.9) residents, compared to Asian (3.8; CI, 2.3-5.9) and White (10.5; CI, 7.7-13.9) residents. Most confirmed cases were identified as gay, lesbian, or same-gender-loving (134, 67.3%) and bisexual (31, 15.6%); 226 (93.8%) cases were male. Sixty-nine (28.5%) mpox patients received TPOXX. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of mpox cases when compared by TPOXX receipt status. JYNNEOS vaccine was received by 8277 Alameda County residents. The largest proportion of vaccinees were White residents (40.2%). Administration rates per 100 000 men who have sex with men were lowest among Asian and Hispanic/Latinx individuals, at 8779 (CI, 8283-9296) and 14 953 (CI, 14 156-15 784), respectively. Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx males had the lowest vaccination-to-case ratios at 16.7 and 14.8, respectively. Mpox disproportionately affected Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx men who have sex with men in Alameda County. Strong partnerships with local health care providers ensured that persons with mpox received TPOXX treatment when indicated. However, higher JYNNEOS vaccine uptake in Black and Latinx communities needs improvement through ongoing and meaningful engagement with Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.

Doubly marginalized? Japanese gay men with interracial desires

Postwar Japan has built a new self-image as a peaceful, ethnically homogeneous island nation, obscuring the imperialist past. In this context, same-ethnic/racial partnering or so-called ethnic endogamy has been reinforced, whether gay or straight, as a normative sexual desire and practice. Japanese people who engage in intimate relationships with foreigners are potentially considered deviant and subject to social marginalization. Drawing on in-depth interview data, this research focuses on the experiences of Japanese gay men with such peripheral desires, examining how they negotiate their partner preferences when encountering social disapproval or stigma. Further, this research also discusses how their racialized desire intersects with their queer sexuality, simultaneously resisting and perpetuating same-ethnic/racial partnering normativity.

Characterizing myths of sexual aggression in the young population in Spain

BackgroundMyths of sexual aggression have a negative influence in aggressive behavior against women, in the institutional approaches to sexual violence and in how women cope with it. The objective of this study is to describe acceptance of myths of sexual aggression in young women and men residing in Spain.MethodCross-sectional study carried out online with 2,515 women (50.2%) and men (49.8%) ages 18–35 in Spain in 2020. Information on myths was collected using the Acceptance of Modern Myths About Sexual Aggression Scale (AMMSA). We described the myths most prevalent among women and men. The variables associated with myths were identified using multiple regression. The regression models were adjusted by sociodemographic and sexual orientation variables.ResultsThe average AMMSA values were higher among men [mean: 3.11; standard deviation (sd):1.23] than among women (mean 2.49 sd:1.11). In both sexes, the myths with greater acceptance showed the presence of patriarchal gender roles in sexual contacts. Men were more likely than women to accept myths that question allegations and severity of violence. Having a higher level of educational studies (β -0.350 sd: 0.046) was associated with lower average AMMSA values. Being born in Latin America (β 0.047 sd: 0.063) was associated with higher average AMMSA values. Among heterosexual men, AMMSA values were greater than among gay and bisexual men. Among women, there was no difference in average AMMSA values based on sexual orientation.ConclusionsMyths persist during youth that question and trivialize sexual violence against women. It is necessary to implement strategies that reduce these myths, particularly in heterosexual men, in those of foreign-born origin and among those with low levels of education.

WIKANG BAHAGHARI: ANALYSIS OF THE CONTEMPORARY VISAYAN GAY LINGO

This research aims to identify Visayan gay-lingo's contemporary-Bekimong Bisaya. This study examines the unique gay language used in Southern Leyte, which includes the analysis of its meaning, importance, etymology, and usage in daily conversations. According to this study, the Visayan gay-lingo or bekimong Bisaya is a sociolinguistic, gender-based language medium that is been utilized by gay men in their interaction with other people. There are words spoken backward, words with added sounds, added letters, and words with different spellings. Some words originated from different celebrities and personalities with different, fresh meanings. The Visayan gay lingo (bekimong Bisaya), similar to the gay lingos spoken in the different regions of the Philippines, has no formal structure, specification, conventions, or subscriptions to grammatical rules. It is a dynamic, creative, and free-flowing language that shaped the gay perspective. KEYWORDS – bekimon, Bisaya, Gay Lingo, gender-based language medium, sosyolek, Visayan

Antiretroviral therapy non-adherence and its association with psychosocial factors in Nigeria: comparative study of sexual minority and heterosexual men living with HIV

ABSTRACT Sexual minority men (gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men; SMM) in Nigeria are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to heterosexual men. There is a dearth of research on the correlates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) non-adherence and correlates in both groups. The current study examined the associations of ART non-adherence with sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics among a sample of Nigerian heterosexual and SMM. Between March and September 2014, we surveyed 120 SMM and 108 heterosexual men receiving ART in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. We specified univariate and multivariable linear regression models to examine correlates of ART non-adherence. We found that 50.8% and 29.6% of sexual minority and heterosexual men respectively self-reported ART non-adherence which was significantly associated with psychosocial factors such as stigma, depressive symptoms, and suicidality. Mental health care and psychosocial support should be incorporated into routine HIV care for Nigerian SMM living with HIV.

Navigating ‘safe’ and ‘non-safe’ queer spaces

Abstract It is well documented that gay people adopt behavioural strategies to navigate the heteronormative expectations and norms of social space. These practices are likely to be particularly pronounced in socially conservative countries which have seen less progress for LGBTQ+ rights. This study examines how two gay men (Rui and Kenni) stylistically negotiate their sexual identities in a socially conservative country – Singapore – by analyzing the variation in two phonetic variables that have been linked to gender and sexuality: Pitch and /s/. We show that both speakers style-shift across queer-friendly and heteronormative environments though the rate and degree of shifting is influenced both by the situated social meanings of the features and the interactional context. Concluding, we argue that research should consider how minoritised individuals are required to style-shift in order to adhere to the hegemonic norms and expectations of society.

W166 - A Pilot Study of 16-Week Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Gay and Bisexual Men With Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Taiwan

W166 - A Pilot Study of 16-Week Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Gay and Bisexual Men With Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Taiwan

The discursive manifestation of normativities in coming-out-to-family discourses in Japanese social media

Abstract This study investigates the discursive manifestation of normativities and participants’ orientation to them for identity work in coming-out-to-family discourses in Japanese YouTube videoclips posted by self-identified gay men. The study focuses on how the participants – the YouTubers and their family members – use discourses of normativity as a resource to illegitimize and legitimize sexual identities. It also touches on the conceptualization of homonormativity in the Japanese context. The analysis suggests that in societies like that of Japan, where heteronormative ideals are deeply entrenched in the culture, homonormativity may not be fully conceptualized at the level of local gay male communities, while the dominant heterosexual community, conversely, may have a clear vision of homonormativity for these individuals. It thus further considers the viewpoints that shape normativities for marginalized social groups.

The Daoist Art of the Bedchamber of Male Homosexuality in Ming and Qing Literature

The Daoist Art of the Bedchamber of Male Homosexuality in Ming and Qing Literature

Perceptions of prostate cancer patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy on the impact of prostate cancer and radiation therapy on male sexuality.

Male sexual function is an important aspect of the life of prostate cancer patients and plays a significant role in the long-term quality of life of prostate cancer survivors. However, there is a paucity of published literature on the perceived impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on the sexual function of patients in Ghana and West Africa in general. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of prostate cancer patients on the effects of the disease and radiation therapy on male sexual function. The study also examined the changes in sexuality experienced by men with prostate cancer. This research was a descriptive longitudinal study conducted at the third largest hospital in Africa. The study included Ghanaian prostate cancer patients of all ages who were treated with definitive radiotherapy at the study site between October 2021 and May 2022. Quantitative data were collected and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 and Microsoft Excel 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to determine frequencies and percentages of the demographic characteristics. The mean age of the participants was 65.7 years (SD 6.7) ranging from 50 to 81 years. Patients had different ideas about the potential adverse effects of prostate cancer (86%) and radiotherapy (70%) on male sexual function. A decrease in sexual desire (54%) was the commonest perceived effect of prostate cancer on male sexual function followed by premature ejaculation (49%) and a decrease in sexual activity (48%). On the other hand, erectile dysfunction (49%) was the commonest perceived effect of radiotherapy for prostate cancer on male sexual function followed by a decrease in sexual desire (38%) and premature ejaculation (37%). Health professionals were the major source of information regarding the perceptions of the patients on the effects of both prostate cancer (46%) and radiation therapy (43%) on male sexual function. There should be enhancement of awareness measures to educate Ghanaian cancer patients on the side effects and implications of treatment on their sexuality. Comprehensive sexual health assessment should be incorporated in the routine care of patients with cancers that have the potential to impact the sexual function of patients.

Prepare Romania: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an intervention to promote pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence and persistence among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

BackgroundGay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) represent a high-risk group for HIV transmission in Romania, yet they possess few resources for prevention. Despite having no formal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through the health system, GBMSM in Romania demonstrate a high need for and interest in this medication. In anticipation of a national rollout of PrEP, this study tests the efficacy of a novel strategy, Prepare Romania, that combines two evidence-based PrEP promotion interventions for GBMSM living in Romania.MethodsThis study uses a randomized controlled trial design to examine whether GBMSM living in Romania receiving Prepare Romania, a culturally adapted counseling and mobile health intervention (expected n = 60), demonstrate greater PrEP adherence and persistence than those assigned to a PrEP education control arm (expected n = 60). Participants from two main cities in Romania are prescribed PrEP and followed-up at 3 and 6 months post-randomization. PrEP adherence data are obtained through weekly self-report surveys and dried blood spot testing at follow-up visits. Potential mediators (e.g., PrEP use motivation) of intervention efficacy are also assessed. Furthermore, Prepare Romania’s implementation (e.g., proportion of enrolled participants attending medical visits, intervention experience) will be examined through interviews with participants, study implementers, and healthcare officials.DiscussionThe knowledge gained from this study will be utilized for further refinement and scale-up of Prepare Romania for a future multi-city effectiveness trial. By studying the efficacy of tools to support PrEP adherence and persistence, this research has the potential to lay the groundwork for PrEP rollout in Romania and similar contexts.Trial registrationThis study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05323123, on March 25, 2022.

Consuming fitspiration content on Instagram as a risk factor for self-objectification and depression symptoms among sexual minority individuals: Exploring the intersection of gender and sexual orientation

The image-centric nature of Instagram has contributed to the rise of a prominent social media trend known as “fitspiration.” Previous research has shown that exposure to fitspiration content on Instagram can have detrimental effects on body image and mental health, particularly among young heterosexual women. Although sexual minority individuals may similarly be subjected to the objectifying gaze, there is a dearth of research regarding how they perceive and respond to fitspiration content. This study investigates the effects of consuming fitspiration content on Instagram on self-objectification and depression symptoms among sexual minority individuals and explores how gender and sexual orientation interact to shape their body image experiences. A total of 551 sexual minority individuals participated in the study. The results showed that viewing fitspiration content, but not the general use of Instagram, was positively associated with body surveillance and body shame. The association between fitspiration content consumption and depression symptoms was mediated by body surveillance and body shame. The study shed light on the influence of gender and sexual orientation, revealing significant mediation effects among gay men, plurisexual men, and plurisexual women; however, these findings were not observed among lesbian women. Given the substantial burden associated with fitspiration use, social media developers, content creators, and clinicians have a vital role to play in cultivating a body-positive online environment and protecting sexual minority individuals from internalizing objectifying content on social media.

HIV and gender identity expression among transfeminine people in the Western Cape, South Africa – a thematic analysis of data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial

IntroductionTransfeminine people in South Africa have a high HIV risk due to structural, behavioural, and psychosocial factors. Transfeminine people and feminine identifying men who have sex with men (MSM) are often conflated or grouped with transgender or MSM categories in HIV service programming, although they don’t necessarily identify as either. We aimed to investigate gender expression among feminine identifying people who were assigned male at birth. We examined how local conceptualizations of sexuality and gender intersect with the key population label of ‘transgender’ imported into local HIV programming.MethodsA qualitative cohort nested within the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial included longitudinal, in-depth interviews with eight transfeminine people (four who disclosed as living with HIV). Data were collected approximately every six weeks between January 2016 and October 2017. We used a combination of thematic analysis and case study descriptions to explore gender identification among participants.ResultsOf the eight participants, only one accepted ‘transgender’ as a label, and even she used varying terms at different times to describe her identity. For participants, a feminine identity included dressing in normatively feminine clothes; using feminine terms, pronouns and names; and adopting stereotypically feminine mannerisms. Participants would switch between typically feminine and masculine norms in response to contextual cues and audience. For example, some participants accepted identification as masculine gay men amongst their family members. Among peers, they expressed their identity through typically more effeminate gender characteristics, for example self-identifying as “femgay”. With partners they often also took on a feminine identity role, for example identifying as women in sexual and romantic relationships (meaning they viewed and expressed themselves as the feminine partner in the relationship).ConclusionsOur findings are amongst the first exploratory and descriptive data of transfeminine people in South Africa. We show how transfeminine people navigate fluid gender identities that could pose a challenge for accessing and utilizing HIV services that are currently set up for transgender individuals or MSM. More work needs to be done to understand and respond to the diverse and shifting ways people experience their gender identities in this high HIV burden context.

Tackling bisexual erasure: An explorative comparison of bisexual, gay and straight cisgender men’s body image

Previous body image research often grouped both gay and bisexual men into a single category: sexual minoritised men, limiting our understanding of how sexual identity influences body image. However, there is strong reason to believe that bisexual and gay men experience distinct body image concerns. Here, we explored motivations to alter one’s leanness and muscularity, as well as (dis)satisfaction with body fat, muscularity, height and penis size, and functionality appreciation across gay, bisexual, and straight cisgender men. We sampled 378 white participants aged 18 to 85 (nbisexual = 125, ngay = 128, nstraight = 125). We found that bisexual men were significantly less motivated to be lean and showed lower muscularity dissatisfaction relative to gay men but showed comparable levels to straight men. Our findings demonstrate that despite research perceiving the body image of bisexual and gay men as homogenous, they experience differences in their body image concerning leanness and muscularity dissatisfaction. Future body image research should incorporate this understanding by not artificially grouping bisexual and gay cisgender men and instead acknowledging the potential uniqueness in their experiences.

Understanding Preferences for Visualized New and Future HIV Prevention Products Among Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Southern United States: A Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACT Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Although daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV among MSM, its usage remains low. We conducted virtual in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus groups (FGs) with Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White MSM consisting of current PrEP users and those aware of but not currently using PrEP. We delved into their preferences regarding six emerging PrEP products: a weekly oral pill, event-driven oral pills, anal douche/enema, anal suppository, long-acting injection, and a skin implant. Our mixed methods analysis involved inductive content analysis of transcripts for thematic identification and calculations of preferences. Among the sample (n = 98), the weekly oral pill emerged as the favored option among both PrEP Users and PrEP Aware IDI participants. Ranking exercises during FGs also corroborated this preference, with the weekly oral pill being most preferred. However, PrEP Users in FGs leaned toward the long-acting injectable. Conversely, the anal suppository and douche/enema were the least preferred products. Overall, participants were open to emerging PrEP products and valued flexibility but expressed concerns about limited protection for products designed solely for receptive sex. Public health practitioners should tailor recommendations based on individuals’ current sexual behaviors and long-term vulnerability to infection.

Relations Between Rape Myths, Ambivalent Sexism, Social Dominance Orientation, and Right-Wing Authoritarianism Across Gay and Straight Women and Men: More Similar Than Dissimilar

ABSTRACT Rape myths support and fuel cultural understandings regarding gender roles and deny the victim’s rights and strengthen those of the instigator. Little research exists examining the invariance of rape myths measures and models used to explain rape myths across gay and straight samples. Examining correlates of rape myths and determining if the pattern of relations between correlates is similar across gay and straight male and female samples provides insights into socially constant factors that are influencing rape myth acceptance. Participants (294 straight women, 282 gay women, 293 straight men, and 234 gay men) were asked to complete measures of social dominance orientation (SDO), right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), ambivalent sexism toward women, ambivalent sexism toward men, and rape myths toward women. We tested four models that highlighted significant, direct paths between SDO, RWA, and rape myth acceptance. Both hostile sexism toward women and benevolent sexism toward men demonstrated significant indirect effects between SDO, RWA, and rape myth acceptance. Benevolent sexism toward women and hostile sexism toward men demonstrated, in most samples, significant indirect effects between SDO, RWA, and rape myth acceptance. However, the strength of those relations differed for gay and heterosexual samples. This provides further understanding of rape myths as SDO, RWA, and benevolent and hostile sexism toward men and women play a role in supporting rape myth acceptance and establishes that, overall, these relations are more similar than dissimilar across straight and gay samples.

Sexual Identity and Heavy Drinking Among Adults in Canada by Racially Minoritized Status and Income, 2015-2020.

Purpose: Our objective was to estimate inequities in heavy drinking between heterosexual, gay or lesbian, and bisexual or pansexual individuals, by sex/gender, and to determine whether this association is heterogeneous across racially minoritized status and income groups in Canadians aged 15 and older. Methods: We pooled three Canadian Community Health Survey cycles (2015-2020) and used separate modified Poisson regressions to explore the sex/gender-specific association between sexual identity and heavy drinking prevalence by racially minoritized status, and income, adjusted for survey cycle, age, marital status, and region. Results: With racially minoritized status, and income categories collapsed, heavy drinking was 1.3 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.7) among bisexual or pansexual women compared with heterosexual women, with no differences among men. Among racially minoritized women, heavy drinking was 2.9 (95% CI = 1.3-6.4) times higher among bisexual or pansexual women and 1.9 (95% CI = 0.7-5.2) times higher among gay or lesbian women compared with heterosexual women. Among racially minoritized men, heavy drinking was 1.9 (95% CI = 0.9-4.0) times higher among gay men compared with heterosexual men. No differences were observed across sexual identity in White men or women. Bisexual or pansexual women reported increased heavy drinking relative to heterosexual women across income quintiles. Conclusion: Heavy drinking is distributed heterogeneously across sexual identity, sex/gender, racially minoritized status, and income. These results encourage equity-focused interventions to reduce heavy drinking among intersecting sociodemographic groups experiencing a greater burden of heavy drinking.