Gay Men Research Articles

HIV Treatment Optimism Moderates the Relationship between Sexual Risk Behavior and HIV Risk Perception among Urban HIV-negative Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men who have Sex With Men.

Using baseline data of the Engage Cohort Study, a Canadian study of sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM), we evaluated the association between sexual behavior and risk perception among HIV-negative participants and whether HIV treatment optimism moderated this relationship. Participants were recruited by respondent-driven-sampling (RDS). We defined high-risk sexual behavior in the past six months as any condomless anal sex with a casual partner (i.e. not the participant's main partner) with either unknown HIV-status where neither used pre-exposure prophylaxis or with a partner living with HIV having detectable/unknown viral load. We assessed HIV treatment optimism-skepticism using a 12-item scale. RDS-II-weighted adjusted logistic regression models examined associations with risk perception measured by the question "How would you assess your current risk of getting HIV?" (response options were on a 6-point Likert-scale ranging from "very unlikely" to "very likely", dichotomized into "No Perceived Risk" (very unlikely/unlikely) and "Perceived Risk" (somewhat likely/likely/very likely/I think I already have HIV). Of 1961 participants, engagement in high-risk sexual behavior was reported by 155 (17.0%), 62 (12.4%), 128 (17.2%) of participants in Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver, respectively. High-risk sexual behavior increased the odds of perceived HIV risk (pooled adjusted odds ratio = 2.9, 95%CI = 2.2-3.8). HIV treatment optimism-skepticism scores moderated the relationship: for GBM engaging in high-risk sexual behavior, higher HIV treatment optimism-skepticism scores increased perceived HIV risk. Promoting awareness around advances related to HIV prevention and treatment is important for appropriate risk assessment and for increased engagement in prevention interventions.

Lou's Men

This article proposes that the personal writing of gay trans activist and diarist Lou Sullivan represents an erotic theoretical project akin to Leo Bersani's “homo-ness,” which Bersani describes as gayness's capacity to “manifest not the limits but the inestimable value of relations of sameness.” Sullivan's rigorous interlacing of gender and sexuality is founded on a desire for sameness, an eroticized recognition of his developing selfhood in the men he loves. In framing Sullivan's work with Bersani, this article argues that Bersani's framework of homo-ness is limited by its conceptual basis in genital parallel, creating an inability to speak to trans sexuality. Sullivan's writing, on the other hand, founds relations of sameness between himself and the gay men he desired in a conceptual architecture that understands gayness as an already trans position. In close reading Sullivan's diaries and personal correspondence, alongside artifacts of their reception by contemporary gay trans artists, this article substantiates a sense of Sullivan as a kind of sex symbol for the enfolding of gay and trans erotic worlds in the desire for sameness. Such an analysis allows gay and trans studies to speak to each other anew on the question, What is this same in same-sex sexuality?

Psychometric Evidence That Paraphilia Is a Natural Kind.

Is the category paraphilia a natural kind? That is, do different paraphilias share anything scientifically interesting or are they classified together because they are unusual and sometimes problematic? We investigated this question systematically in 11 samples of paraphilic males (N = 4,617) and 11 samples of control males (N = 1,494). Primary data consisted of responses to the 11-item Paraphilic Interests Scale. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, the scale mean was similar for paraphilic and control samples. Using logistic regression and the same items, we derived three highly correlated measures that robustly discriminated paraphilic and control samples (ds ranging from 0.86 to 0.92). These successful measures capitalized on the unanticipated fact that some items (especially those assessing transvestism and masochistic humiliation) were positively associated with membership in paraphilic samples, while others (especially those assessing voyeurism) were negatively associated with such membership. Subsequent analyses focused on one of the measures, the Paraphilic Interests Scale Contrast (PISC). Consistent with prior findings distinguishing paraphilias and homosexual orientation, PISC was not elevated among homosexual males compared with heterosexual males among the control groups. Within four paraphilic samples, PISC was positively associated with additional paraphilic phenomena. Results provide tentative support for both the proposition that paraphilia is a natural kind and the usefulness of PISC as a measure of paraphilia.

The relation between internalized homophobia, coping, and psychological distress in French gay men

Introduction Gay men have high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the reciprocal influence of coping and internalized homophobia on these symptoms. Method We conducted an online cross-sectional study with 154 self-identified gay men. Four variables were measured: anxiety, depressive symptoms, internalized homophobia, and coping. First, correlations were conducted to examine the associations between all variables. Second, a network analysis was carried out to study all these relationships. Results Our results revealed that anxiety and depression were indirectly related to internalized homophobia, via two strategies: denial and self-blame, and that anxiety and denial played a central role. Conclusion Denial appears to be an interesting therapeutic target for gay men with high levels of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.

Sexual Orientation Hiccups Surrounding Traditional Male Circumcision (Ulwaluko) in the South African Context: Implications for Social Work

Incontrovertibly, ulwaluko (traditional male circumcision) remains one of the essential rituals in developing an individual’s growth and construction of social identity, yet one of the ancient and patriarchal cultures. While some studies have been done on the experiences of homophobia by the LGBTQIA undergoing ulwaluko, there is a dearth of research on how social work professionals can intervene in curbing the homophobic and patriarchal undertones surrounding the traditions. Underpinned by Anti-Oppressive Practice as a theory, this paper argues that ulwaluko becomes problematic because it promotes heterosexualist practices which negate realities and experiences of self-identifying amaXhosa gay men. Through reviewing available literature, this paper argues that although human rights are universal, constructionists believe that social norms and values have an impact on how those rights are implemented, the paper further defined sexuality within the context of amaXhosa and also argues that social workers are not well trained with cultural competency.

Beyond the curriculum: A gay medical student's perceptions of health sciences education and healthcare access in KwaZulu-Natal.

The prevailing social constructs of cis-heteronormativity and endosexism have structurally marginalised sexual and gender minorities, leading to their limited representation and inclusion in mainstream health systems and health sciences education. The study aimed to explore a gay medical student's perceptions of the health sciences curriculum and their experiences in accessing and utilising healthcare services offered both by the university and externally. At a university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study originates from a larger qualitative study conducted in 2018, involving 12 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)-identifying participants who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The larger study used a case study approach to explore how healthcare services meet the sexual health needs of LGBT youth. Among the 12 sampled participants, one participant self-identified as 'gay' and was pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. This participant was specifically selected for analysis in this study because of their knowledge of health sciences education and pursuit of a career in healthcare. Three themes were identified in the participant's interview, including: (1) navigating healthcare services as a young gay man, (2) silenced voices: the impact of the limited Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and + (LGBTIQA+) health education, and (3) challenging the silenced voices. There is a need for a well-planned curriculum that includes LGBTIQA+ issues to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their sex, gender, or sexuality. The study provides solid proposals for developing an inclusive healthcare curriculum that considers identities beyond binary going forward.

Mental health of heterosexual women married to homosexual men: a major but neglected issue: commentary, Dosani.

Mental health of heterosexual women married to homosexual men: a major but neglected issue: commentary, Dosani.

Analisis Terhadap Fenomena Kekerasan Seksual yang Terjadi di Lingkungan Pendidikan (Studi Kasus di Kabupaten Cilacap)

Sexual harassment is the abuse of power and expression of male sexuality. Recently, harassment and even sexual violence have often occurred in educational environments. It is hoped that this research will be able to provide additional knowledge and reference or reading material regarding the legal protection of victims of sexual violence. The aim of this research is to analyze the protection received by victims of sexual violence. The research method used uses a juridical-normative concept. Some forms of general protection provided to crime victims are Provision of Restitution and Compensation, Counselling. Victims of crime who experience medical suffering as a result of a crime can receive medical assistance in the form of medical examinations, Legal Aid. Reasons that influence victims not reporting are doubts about whether it is harassment or not, getting advice from people close to them not to report, not wanting conflict, not knowing the flow of reporting cases, not wanting problems and obstacles to occur in the lecture process, imitating the behavior of people around them, think reporting cases is a futile act.

Mainstreaming queerness in Thai boys’ love narratives: Impact on gay identity perceptions in Bangkok’s society

The intricate interplay between media representation and experiences of minority groups in Southeast Asia necessitates a comprehensive analysis of popular culture’s impact on marginalized communities. This mixed-method study investigates the portrayal of homosexual male characters in contemporary Thai Boy’s Love (BL) series and its connection to the authentic experiences of gay men in Bangkok. Through interviews with the casting team and producers of a prominent BL series, the research aims to elucidate the creative process underpinning these portrayals. The study further examines the perceptions and identity development of gay men as depicted in BL narratives, and how heterosexual women viewers interpret this representation. A questionnaire involving 330 participants of diverse orientations indicates that 78.6% of gay men consider BL narratives to be misrepresentative, while 69% of heterosexual women perceive them as accurate, raising concerns about the influence of media representations on identity formation within the gay community. Moreover, the marked disparities in beliefs regarding whether gay individuals aspire to the appearance portrayed by BL characters (with 98.3% of heterosexuals, 60% of bisexuals, and 100% of lesbians concurring, in contrast to 71.8% of gay respondents dissenting) emphasize the significance of diverse and accurate representation in shaping identities and self-perception.

Fostering Inclusivity: Revealing Law Enforcement's Stance on Gay and Bisexual Men in the Police Force

Fostering Inclusivity: Revealing Law Enforcement's Stance on Gay and Bisexual Men in the Police Force

From Feeling Tough to Mental Growth: Coping with Sexual Bullying During Childhood in Gay and Bisexual Men

ABSTRACT This qualitative study was conducted to understand how gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Taiwan cope with childhood bullying because of their sexual orientation or gender nonconformity. We explored their journey from feeling disturbed to receiving social support, developing coping strategies, and achieving self-growth. Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach was used to investigate subject experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 GBM who had experienced high-level sexual bullying in childhood. Relevant data were collected to assess their experiences of sexual bullying, their coping strategies, and subjective effects of corresponding adjustments in interpersonal interactions. Subject experiences concentrated on six themes related to sexual bullying and coping strategies: bullying at developmental stages, bullying everywhere, facing bullying alone, various impacts of bullying, overcoming challenges of interpersonal relationships, and building a strong and carefree self. Our findings can provide mental health professionals with key insights into the contexts of sexual bullying and the associated psychological distress in GBM. This study further clarifies the coping responses of these individuals and their psychological growth following such adverse experiences.

The Relationship Between Discrimination, Heterosexist Harassment, Rejection, and Substance Use in Iranian Gay Men

Background : Gay men experience heterosexist harassment, rejection, and discrimination because of their sexual orientation, which leads to mental health problems, such as substance use. Due to anti-gay laws and regulations in Iran, which are based on fundamental interpretations of Islam, gay men are likely to experience more discrimination than in Western countries. Methods: We used the HHRDS to assess heterosexist harassment, rejection, and discrimination and the ASSIST 3.0 to measure substance use in N = 156 Iranian gay men. Results: Lifetime use was as follows: 64.1% for tobacco products, 36.5% for alcoholic beverages, 25.6% for cannabis, 8.3% for opioids, and 7.1% for sedatives or sleeping pills. All three HHRDS subscales were significantly associated with all substance use scales. In addition, when descriptively comparing HHRDS scores with those of US samples, Iranian gay men reported more discrimination. In a MANOVA, total discrimination strongly predicted tobacco and cannabis consumption, while total discrimination predicted alcohol, opioid, and sedative/sleeping pill use to a moderate degree. Conclusions: Substance use in Iranian gay men can be seen as a primary mental-health issue resulting from discrimination. It also likely reflects a maladaptive coping strategy related to these experiences. To improve Iran gay men’s mental health, structural and interpersonal discrimination should be eliminated and specialized psychological services should be established.

Annual hepatitis C testing and positive tests among gay and bisexual men in Australia from 2016 to 2022: a serial cross-sectional analysis of sentinel surveillance data

ObjectiveGuidelines recommend annual hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for gay and bisexual men (GBM) with HIV and GBM prescribed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, there is a limited understanding of...

Seroprevalence of immunity to hepatitis A and hepatitis B among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) attending sexual health clinics in London and Leeds, England, 2017–2018

ObjectivesAlthough hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunisation is recommended in the UK for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), data on...

Needs & networks: understanding the role and impact of social networks on HIV (self-)testing among GBMSM and trans people in England and Wales

BackgroundUnderstanding how HIV self-testing (HIVST) can meet the testing needs of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and trans people whose social networks vary is key to upscaling HIVST implementation. We aim to develop a contextual understanding of social networks and HIV testing needs among GBMSM (cis and transgender) and trans women in SELPHI (An HIV Self-testing Public Health Intervention), the UK’s largest randomised trial on HIVST.MethodsThis study re-analysed qualitative interviews conducted from 2015 to 2020. Forty-three in-person interviews were thematically analysed using the Framework Method. Our analytic matrix inductively categorised participants based on the unmet needs for HIV testing and the extent of social network support. The role of social networks on HIVST behaviour was explored based on individuals’ testing trajectories.ResultsFour distinct groups were identified based on their unmet testing needs and perceived support from social networks. Optimisation advocates (people with high unmet needs and with high network support, n = 17) strived to tackle their remaining barriers to HIV testing through timely support and empowerment from social networks. Privacy seekers (people with high unmet needs and with low network support, n = 6) prioritised privacy because of perceived stigma. Opportunistic adopters (people with low unmet needs and with high network support, n = 16) appreciated social network support and acknowledged socially privileged lives. Resilient testers (people with low unmet needs and with low network support, n = 4) might hold potentially disproportionate confidence in managing HIV risks without sustainable coping strategies for potential seroconversion. Supportive social networks can facilitate users’ uptake of HIVST by: (1) increasing awareness and positive attitudes towards HIVST, (2) facilitating users’ initiation into HIVST with timely support and (3) affording participants an inclusive space to share and discuss testing strategies.ConclusionsOur proposed categorisation may facilitate the development of differentiated person-centred HIVST programmes. HIVST implementers should carefully consider individuals’ unmet testing needs and perceived levels of social support, and design context-specific HIVST strategies that link people lacking supportive social networks to comprehensive HIV care.

A practice already in use: a snapshot survey on the use of doxycycline as a preventive strategy (Doxy-PEP and Doxy-PrEP) in the GBMSM population in Spain.

. While doxycycline shows promise as a preventative measure against certain STIs (post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP, and pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP), very few medical and scientific associations favor its community use. Nevertheless, sexual health organizations for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) community have noticed an increase in requests of its use. . The sexual health organization "Stop Sida" in Spain launched an anonymous snapshot survey to evaluate the current use of doxycycline as prevention strategy (both PEP and PrEP) in Spain through its social networks and its support groups in telegram. . 150 valid answers were obtained from different parts of Spain. 82 respondents (54,6% of total) had ever taken doxycycline, out of which 29 (35,4%) indicated the use as doxy-PEP and 7 (8,5%) as doxy-PrEP. The self-reported rate of STI diagnoses (mainly of syphilis and chlamydia) in the past 12 months was lower among those participants who reported having used doxy-PEP compared with those who did not report using doxy-PEP. The most common ways to obtain the doxycycline were telling a specialist that they have had a risky contact or by using leftover pills from a previous treatment. The current study is the first study to describe the use of doxycycline as a preventive strategy among the GBMSM community in Spain, and the first designed, launched and analyzed entirely by an NGO dealing with sexual health for the GBMSM community. The results obtained are aligned with other studies in other parts of Europe, such as Germany.

Marginalisasi Perempuan Dalam Novel Nyutrayu Karya Joko Gesang Santoso

The purpose of this research is to describe the marginalization of women in the novel "Nyutrayu" by Joko Gesang Santoso. The research method used is qualitative descriptive method. The presentation technique of the research results uses the note-taking technique. The results show various forms of women's marginalization such as women becoming victims of patriarchal power where men hold more authority, the belief that women should not surpass men, being ostracized due to physical differences such as having blue eyes which creates the perception that blue-eyed individuals are foreigners and not indigenous, the attitude of demeaning women leading to their social exclusion, and the impoverishment causing women to lose their belongings. Female characters experiencing marginalization in the novel "Nyutrayu" include Aran, Sumi, and Lara, which can be seen through their behavior, dialogues, portrayal through other characters, thoughts, and dialogues among characters. These characters experience marginalization, leading them to choose a life of silence, gouging out their own eyes to avoid seeing others' past and future, resigning themselves to being objectified by men to satisfy male sexuality, and allowing themselves to be marginalized by living on the outskirts of a village far from the community.

Condom Failure Among HIV-Negative Men in Serodiscordant Relationships in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand

Condoms continue to be used by many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. However this is impacted by condom failure events, defined here as condom breakage and slippage. In a prospective, observational cohort study of 343 HIV serodiscordant male couples recruited through high HIV caseload clinics and hospitals between 2012 and 2016 in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, condom failure rates and associated factors were analysed, including with the study partner versus other sexual partners. There were 717 reported instances of condom failure from an estimated total of 25,831 sex acts with condoms, from over 588.4 participant years of follow up. Of the HIV-negative partners (n = 343) in the study, more than a third (n = 117, 36.7%) reported at least one instance of condom failure with any partner type during study follow-up. Condom failure with their study partner was reported by 91/343 (26.5%) HIV-negative partners, compared with 43/343 (12.5%) who reported condom failure with other partners. In total, there were 86 events where the HIV-negative partner experienced ano-receptive condom failure with ejaculation, representing 12.0% of all failure events. In multivariable analysis, compared to Australia, HIV-negative men in Brazil reported a higher incidence risk rate of condom failure (IRR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.01–2.68, p = 0.046) and HIV-negative men who reported anal sex with other partners reported an increased risk of condom failure compared with men who only had sex with their study partner (IRR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.08–3.33, p = 0.025). Although at least one event of condom failure was reported by a significant proportion of participants, overall condom failure events represented a small proportion of the total condom protected sex acts.

Stated preferences for new HIV prevention technologies among men who have sex with men in India: A discrete choice experiment.

India has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world. Despite successes in epidemic control at the population level, a concentrated epidemic persists among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). However, India lags in implementation of biomedical prevention technologies, such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In order to inform scale-up of new HIV prevention technologies, including those in the development pipeline, we assessed willingness to use oral PrEP, rectal microbicides, and HIV vaccines, and choices among product characteristics, among MSM in two major Indian cities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a discrete choice experiment (DCE), an established methodology for quantitively estimating end-user preferences in healthcare. Survey participants were randomly assigned to one of three questionnaire versions, each of which included a DCE for one prevention technology. Participants were recruited using chain-referral sampling by peer outreach workers, beginning with seeds in community-based organizations and public sex environments, in Chennai and Mumbai. DCE data were analyzed using random-parameters (mixed) logit (RPL) models. Among participants (n = 600), median age was 25 years, with median monthly income of INR 9,000 (~US$125). Nearly one-third (32%) had completed a college degree and 82% were single/never married. A majority of participants (63%) reported condomless anal sex in the past month. The acceptability of all three products was universally high (≥90%). Across all three products, four attributes were significant predictors of acceptability-with efficacy consistently the most important attribute, and in decreasing order of preference, side-effects, dosing schedule, and venue. MSM varied in their preferences for product attributes in relation to their levels of education and income, and engagement in sex work and HIV risk behavior. This study provides empirical evidence to facilitate the integration of end users' preferences throughout design, testing, and dissemination phases of HIV prevention technologies. The findings also suggest action points and targets for interventions for diverse subgroups to support the effectiveness of combination HIV prevention among MSM in India.

A Qualitative Study Exploring Aging Gay and Bisexual Men’s Needs From Healthcare Services in Israel

Abstract Introduction Older gay and bisexual men are exposed to heightened risks of physical and mental health disorders. Therefore, understanding their unique needs from healthcare services is essential and is set at the focus of the present study. Methods The current qualitative study explored aging gay and bisexual men’s unique experiences and needs from healthcare services in Israel. Participants (N = 80, age range 47–82, M = 59.59, SD = 7.40) were interviewed in the years 2018–2020 and queried regarding their needs from and experiences with healthcare services, which were later thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis. Results Six themes were identified from participants’ responses: Romantic relationships and parenting, sexuality in old age, ageism, loneliness, the need for a unique support framework for the gay and bisexual communities, and perceived factors preventing accessibility to healthcare services. Conclusions The results revealed certain barriers for attaining healthcare services as well as the need for distinctive health and psychological services for gay and bisexual men. Policy Implications The participants’ unique experiences and needs may aid in offering useful solutions for policy makers, social agents, and clinicians in order to improve healthcare services utilized by aging gay and bisexual men.