Gay Men Research Articles

The Resistance is Always Black and Queer: Leadership as Resistance in Black Male Initiative and Men of Color Mentorship Programs

Defining leadership and student leader identity often brings a complex and complicated reality for Black students in higher education settings. Leadership identity, models, and practices are often grounded in Whiteness, heteronormativity, and cis-heteropatriarchy, which causes complex ways of understanding leadership. Thus, the purpose of this research is to explore how Black gay, bisexual, and queer men (BGBQM) redefine leadership as resistance and nuanced activism within Black male1 initiatives (BMI) and Men of Color (MoC) mentorship programs, given their Blackness and queerness identities. Using arts-based research (ABR) methodology, this research explores the following research questions: (1) How do BGBQM define masculinity and queerness and (2) how do BGBQM experience and enact nuanced activism in challenging heteronormativity and cis-heteropatriarchy in BMI and MoC mentorship programs? Findings are presented in a podcast script format to illuminate how these men center queerness and femininity, while challenging hegemonic masculinity and heteronormative notions of leadership engagement and development within BMI and MoC mentorship program settings.

Prospective screening for monkeypox infection among users of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Denmark.

During the 2022 outbreak of mpox (previously called monkeypox), which primarily affected Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (GBMSM), testing was mainly limited to individuals with symptoms of infection. Although sporadic cases of mpox continue to be diagnosed in Denmark, the feasibility of screening asymptomatic high-risk populations, such as those using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is still unknown. During the autumn of 2022, a rectal swab test for mpox PCR was included in the routine sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening for PrEP users. The screening included 224 asymptomatic men with a median age of 36.5years. One patient (0.4%) tested positive for mpox. Ten (4.5%) and nine (4.0%) had chlamydia and gonorrhea, respectively. Our study demonstrates that screening for mpox is feasible in two Danish PrEP clinics.

Masking Sexuality: Studying Gay Men’s Closeting Strategies through Contemporary Bollywood

Masking Sexuality: Studying Gay Men’s Closeting Strategies through Contemporary Bollywood

Are All Gay Men at Risk of Developing HIV/AIDS? Why China's Mass HIV Testing Has Majorly Targeted Gay Men in the Era of Biomedicalization.

Global HIV/AIDS responses have been increasingly biomedically dominated over the past years. In line with this shifting paradigm, China has prioritized mass HIV testing as a practical approach to controlling its HIV/AIDS epidemics among at-risk populations, especially gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study analyzed why China's mass HIV testing mainly targeted gay men by understanding the perspectives of public health professionals, community-based organization (CBO) workers, and gay men. In addition, this study revealed the tensions and unintended consequences of HIV/AIDS prevention and the representation of gay men in China. The study involved fieldwork conducted in a major city in Eastern China from 2015 to 2019. Semi-structured interviews were held with participants from the three abovementioned groups (N = 25). The study identified four processes concerning why gay men are mainly targeted for HIV testing. Some public health professionals believe that being a gay man is equivalent to having HIV/AIDS risks. In addition, this study particularly noted tensions between public health professionals and gay men, including gay men-identified CBO workers, over whether mass HIV testing should target gay men or anyone who engaged in sexual risk behaviors. This study argued that a particular focus on gay men due to pursuing biomedical advances in HIV/AIDS prevention seems to have unintendedly stereotyped gay men based on the presumptions that they are at risk of developing HIV/AIDS. In addition, this study corresponded to the broader social scientific discussion concerning whether HIV/AIDS intervention should target specific sexual risk practices or sexual identity/population.

Conceptions of sexual health by gay men living with HIV in serodifferent couples in Montreal, Canada: results from a qualitative analysis.

Gay, bisexual, and other men (GBM) who have sex with men living with HIV in serodifferent couples (one partner living with HIV, the other HIV-negative) may encounter unique sexual health challenges. This study aimed to explore their definition of sexual health that could improve service provision. We interviewed 10 gay-identified men living with HIV from 2017 to 2019 as part of CTNPT013, a study on the sexual health of HIV serodifferent GBM couples conducted at two HIV-specialised clinics in Montreal, Canada. Participants partook in semi-structured interviews on the meaning of sexual health. We performed a content analysis of interview transcripts, coding them according to the 10 dimensions of Robinson's Sexual Health Model. Mean age of interviewees was 35.4years (s.d.,10.2; range, 20-53). Every dimension of Robinson's model was spontaneously evoked, except for body image and spirituality. All men indicated intimacy/relationships (e.g. sexual agreements) and sexual health care/safer sex (e.g. HIV management, risk behaviours) as relevant aspects of sexual health. Other dimensions included: positive sexuality (n=7), such as pleasure and enjoyment during sex; talking about sex (n=5), which mainly concerned HIV disclosure; sexual functioning (n=4); challenges to sexual health (n=3), including substance abuse; and culture/sexual identity (n=3). Two participants (n=2) cited masturbation/fantasy. This study emphasises the multi-faceted nature of sexual health for gay men with HIV in serodifferent couples and the pivotal roles of relationships, HIV, risk management (e.g. via health care, knowledge), and positive sexual experiences. These dimensions could be considered in sexual health promotion interventions targeting this population.

Gay Men's Gender Experiences in Police Academy

<p>本研究探討警校男同志在學期間所經驗到校園中性別相關的文化，以及這些經驗對他們產生的影響和相對應之因應與調適。研究以女性主義觀點的敘事研究方法，招募四位正在就學或畢業三年內之警校男同志進行半結構式訪談，採「類別-內容」分析法處理資料。研究結果包含四大部分：（1）警校文化可歸類成三部分:官僚體系、傳統封閉、訓練因素；（2）警校男同志除了受其所身處警校文化影響外，也經驗到警校中的性別文化:反女權、異性戀霸權、陽剛文化；（3）在這些多元因素與壓迫相互交織下，警校男同志在校多數時間經歷來自不同對象（老師、隊部師長、同儕）的恐同與歧視；（4）前述經驗使警校男同志感受到身為校內性少數的孤單感及內化恐同所帶來的不舒適感，同時也發展出不同的因應與調適（直接回應、間接調適、尋求支持）。結論:置身於一個父權、官僚體系、結構性的文化脈絡與體制下，警校男同志確實經驗到歧視與恐同，雖然有發展出一些因應策略以利在此環境中生存下來，但還是感受到很深的孤單感。根據研究結果，本文在教育與輔導實務上，建議警校教師、隊部師長及諮商輔導中心進行性平友善校園活動之推展、相關法規與制度之修訂，並期待校方領導階層能有效帶領警校體制與系統進行相關倡議活動；此外，也建議未來研究可更聚焦多元及性少數學生在警校之處境，以促進多元性別相關議題在這些單位受到重視。</p> <p> </p><p>This study aimed to investigate gay men’s gender experiences, their ways of coping, and what strategies they arm themselves with to fight sexual prejudices at the Taiwan Police Academy. This qualitative study used narrative inquiry, based on feminist perspectives, for data analysis. Four gay men who were currently attending the Taiwan Police Academy or had graduated within three years participated in semi-structured interviews. The analysis of their stories revealed the following: (1) The cultural environment of the Taiwan Police Academy is (a) a bureaucracy that is not conducive to promoting the visibility of gender equality issues, (b) traditional closures that cannot keep up with the evolution of the times, and (c) de-gendered collective life management and training. (2) Gender-related cultures are (a) threatened men’s right and anti-feminism, (b) heterosexual hegemony of lecture arrangement, and (c) masculinity of femininity-rejection. (3) Participants reported experiencing homophobia and discrimination from faculty and peers, as well as the intersectionality of multiple oppression. Homophobia and discrimination can be divided into three categories based on the following three topics: (a) Non-heterosexual sexual orientation, (b) atypical gender expression, and (c) gender difference. The first topic of discrimination can be divided into three subcategories: implicit discrimination, personally experienced discrimination, and common ubiquitous discrimination in everyday life. Discrimination against atypical gender expression was targeted toward men who spoke more feminine. The third type of discrimination against gender differences occurs in gender stereotypes and the misogyny or objectification of women. (4) With respect to impact, there are two phenomena from the finding: (a) Feeling alone was the shared experience of the participants in the homophobic and oppressive environment. They all consistently mentioned that they had few gay friends in police academies. (b) The participants experienced different degrees of internalized homophobia; some said that an unfriendly environment made them less self-accepting because of their gay status, whereas others said they would never want to be gay again in life. Additionally, regarding coping strategies, the participants developed different strategies to deal with the discrimination, isolation, and microaggressions they encountered in schools. These strategies included three types: (1) direct responses (self-deprecating, counterattack, and education in an opportune time); (2) indirect self-regulation (pretending to be heterosexual, intentionally ignoring unfriendly comments, assuming that it can divert attention if viewed from a different respective, and choosing an identity with advantageous attributes); and (3) seeking support from friendly peers, professors, and faculty of student corps (especially Captain, Associate Captain, and Lieutenant); furthermore, some participants availed themselves for counseling and guidance resources. Surrounded by a patriarchal, bureaucratic, and heteronormative system with restrictive structures, gay men at the Taiwan Police Academy had indeed experienced real discrimination and homophobia. Although they had developed different coping strategies to survive in the environment, they still needed to protect their educational status and safety by hiding their sexual minority identity. Implications and recommendations for faculty and counselors to reduce oppression or discrimination against LGBTQIA and students studying at the Taiwan Police Academy were provided based on the findings of this study. In future studies, researchers can explore other sexual minorities in police academies, such as lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders. Suggestions for Police Academy teaching and team management can be summarized as follows: (1) School leaders take the lead in promoting gender equity education; (2) Implementing gender-related regulations and laws in traditional closures; (3) Create a gender-equal and friendly life management and training space; (4) Create a learning environment free from gender bias and discrimination. Additionally, practical advice to the Counseling Center in the police academy includes how to reduce the stigma associated with counseling and how to explicitly take a gender-friendly stance. This is the first study to investigate the educational experience of sexual minority students, especially gender experiences, at the Taiwan Police Academy. More research on sexual orientation and gender identity experiences at the Taiwan Police Academy is needed to promote an understanding of gender equity in masculine-dominant educational systems.</p> <p> </p>

Assessing HIV risk and the social and behavioural characteristics of gay and bisexual men who have recently migrated to Australia: an analysis of national, behavioural surveillance data 2019-2021.

Overseas-born gay and bisexual men (GBM) are overrepresented in HIV diagnoses in Australia. We assessed social and sexual behaviours, and the use of HIV prevention and testing, by region of birth and length of residence in Australia. We sought to identify similarities and differences between recently arrived and non-recently arrived GBM from non-English-speaking countries to improve targeting and engagement with HIV testing and prevention. Data were collected in national repeated, behavioural surveillance surveys conducted across Australia during 2019-2021. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that differentiated between recently arrived (<2 years) and non-recently arrived (≥2 years in Australia) GBM from non-English-speaking countries. Among 24,707 participants in 2019-21, 2811 (11.4%) were from high-income English-speaking countries, 714 (2.9%) were recently arrived overseas-born GBM and 3833 (15.5%) were non-recently arrived migrants. Recently arrived GBM were most likely to be born in Asia (36.1%) and Europe (21.1%). Compared with non-recently arrived GBM, recently arrived GBM from non-English-speaking countries were younger (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.94-0.96, p<0.001), more likely to be students (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.11-1.85, p = 0.005), less likely to be in full-time employment (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.46-0.69, p <0.001), more likely to report consistent condom use (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.01-1.66, p = 0.039), but had lower awareness (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.80, p<0.001) and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (22.8%, vs. 32.3%, χ2 (1, 4185) = 23.78, p<0.001), and similar levels of casual sex with a risk of HIV acquisition or transmission (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.98-1.69, p = 0.066). Recently arrived GBM reported similar levels of lifetime HIV testing (aOR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.54-1.74, p = 0.915) and recent HIV testing (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.86-1.22, p = 0.779), but were much less likely to have tested at general practitioners (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.41-0.68, p<0.001) and more likely to report testing at hospitals (aOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 2.53-4.43, p<0.001), at home (aOR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.63-4.99, p<0.001), or community-based services (aOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.84, p = 0.043). Recently arrived GBM from non-English-speaking countries reported similar levels of risk of HIV acquisition to longer-term residents in Australia, but lower levels of PrEP awareness and use, and more reliance on HIV testing services which are free or low cost. It is necessary to enhance access to HIV testing and prevention among recently arrived GBM in Australia.

Disclosure Concerns and the Correlation Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Taiwan.

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are associated with the widespread human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in Taiwan. Additionally, little is known about disclosure patterns and rates, as well as factors influencing disclosure, among GBMSM living with HIV in the country. HIV prevention for GBMSM is effective when HIV status is disclosed. For instance, GBMSM disclosing their HIV status can result in early pre-exposure prophylaxis with a serodiscordant partner. In this cross-sectional study of 200 GBMSM living with HIV conducted from June to November 2020, we assessed internalized homophobia (IHP Scale) and social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), as well as self-reported disclosure and non-disclosure. Among the participants, 75.5% revealed their HIV status within 3 months of diagnosis. Younger age, occupation type, and number of sexual partners were some factors associated with disclosure. Those receiving more social support and who experienced less IHP were more likely to reveal their HIV status. On the contrary, older GBMSM and GBMSM living with HIV who worked in educational enterprises still experienced severe IHP. Policymakers and healthcare practitioners should be aware of the problems faced by GBMSM living with HIV and offer practical assistance to improve their mental health.

Using an intersectionality-based approach to evaluate mental health services use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

To cope with homonegativity-generated stress, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) use more mental health services (MHS) compared with heterosexual men. Most previous research on MHS among GBM uses data from largely white HIV-negative samples. Using an intersectionality-based approach, we evaluated the concomitant impact of racialization and HIV stigma on MHS use among GBM, through the mediating role of perceived discrimination (PD). We used baseline data from 2371 GBM enrolled in the Engage cohort study, collected between 2017 and 2019, in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, using respondent-driven sampling. The exposure was GBM groups: Group 1 (n = 1376): white HIV-negative; Group 2 (n = 327): white living with HIV; Group 3 (n = 577): racialized as non-white HIV-negative; Group 4 (n = 91): racialized as non-white living with HIV. The mediator was interpersonal PD scores measured using the Everyday Discrimination Scale (5-item version). The outcome was MHS use (yes/no) in the prior 6 months. We fit a three-way decomposition of causal mediation effects utilizing the imputation method for natural effect models. We obtained odds ratios (ORs) for pure direct effect (PDE, unmediated effect), pure indirect effect (PIE, mediated effect), mediated interaction effect (MIE, effect due to interaction between the exposure and mediator) and total effect (TE, overall effect). Analyses controlled for age, chronic mental health condition, Canadian citizenship, being cisgender and city of enrolment. Mean PD scores were highest for racialized HIV-negative GBM (10.3, SD: 5.0) and lowest for white HIV-negative GBM (8.4, SD: 3.9). MHS use was highest in white GBM living with HIV (GBMHIV) (40.4%) and lowest in racialized HIV-negative GBM (26.9%). Compared with white HIV-negative GBM, white GBMHIV had higher TE (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.29) and PDE (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.24), and racialized HIV-negative GBM had higher PIE (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.17). Effects for racialized GBMHIV did not significantly differ from those of white HIV-negative GBM. MIEs across all groups were comparable. Higher MHS use was observed among white GBMHIV compared with white HIV-negative GBM. PD positively mediated MHS use only among racialized HIV-negative GBM. MHS may need to take into account the intersecting impact of homonegativity, racism and HIV stigma on the mental health of GBM.

Harm reduction and multidisciplinary consultations for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men practising chemsex based in a French infectious disease unit: patients' characteristics and perceptions.

Chemsex, a type of sexualised drug use, is expanding among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), with physical and mental health risks. Health-seeking behaviours of GBMSM practising chemsex is not clear. Harm reduction (HR) consultations for GBMSM engaging in chemsex and seeking comprehensive services including HR were offered in a Parisian infectious disease unit. From December 2021 to January 2022, HR consultation patients completed an online survey on their consumption, health, used services, and perspective on consultations. We generated descriptive statistics, and tested (χ 2 ) the relationship between reporting a specialised follow-up and perceived usefulness of intervention. Of 172 patients, a total of 96 GBMSM (55.2%) completed the survey. Most ever consumed substance was 3-methylmethcathinone (3MMC; 92/96; 95.8%). Before consultations, about half consumed at least once a week (50/96; 52%), most reported negative impacts of chemsex on their social (60/96, 62.5%), professional (56/96, 58.3%), intimate (53/96; 55.21%), or sexual life (52/96; 54.17%). Also, more than two-thirds (n =57; 69.38%) had received a follow-up in specialised services: one-third had been followed in addictology (28/96, 29.2%) and/or psychotherapy (32/96, 33.3%), and one-fourth (24/96, 25.0%) had used emergency services. After consultations, three-quarters perceived the intervention as useful (n =74; 77.08%); we found no significant relationship with receiving a specialised follow-up; and most were satisfied with professionals' listening (90/96; 93.8%), and reported reduced risks (80/96; 83.3%). Multidisciplinary HR, preventive, diagnostical, and therapeutic sexological and psychiatric interventions are greatly needed among GBMSM practising chemsex. HR interventions accessible in services already attended by GBMSM are a valuable option.

The many lives of writer Jef Last (1898-1972) Anti-fascist, socialist, humanist and gay rights activist

Writer, poet, painter, journalist, translator and compelling speaker: Jef Last roamed the globe, fought in the Spanish Civil War, joined the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation, and became an outspoken gay rights activist during and after World War II. His political journey started in 1917 when he joined the Social Democratic Workers Party. From there he had brief yet tumultuous stints in the Revolutionary Socialist Party of Henk Sneevliet and the Dutch Communist Party. Disappointed with socialism and the Soviet Union, he identified as a humanist in later life. Last was controversial yet appealing, and both selfish and selfless. Difficult to categorise, Last insisted on the indivisibility of his identity and experiences as an antifas- cist fighter and a gay man. This biographical article explores the many social identities of Jef Last.

Measuring HIV Acquisitions Among Partners of Key Populations: Estimates From HIV Transmission Dynamic Models.

Key populations (KPs), including female sex workers (FSWs), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and transgender women (TGW) experience disproportionate risks of HIV acquisition. The UNAIDS Global AIDS 2022 Update reported that one-quarter of all new HIV infections occurred among their non-KP sexual partners. However, this fraction relied on heuristics regarding the ratio of new infections that KPs transmitted to their non-KP partners to the new infections acquired among KPs (herein referred to as "infection ratios"). We recalculated these ratios using dynamic transmission models. One hundred seventy-eight settings (106 countries). Infection ratios for FSW, MSM, PWID, TGW, and clients of FSW were estimated from 12 models for 2020. Median model estimates of infection ratios were 0.7 (interquartile range: 0.5-1.0; n = 172 estimates) and 1.2 (0.8-1.8; n = 127) for acquisitions from FSW clients and transmissions from FSW to all their non-KP partners, respectively, which were comparable with the previous UNAIDS assumptions (0.2-1.5 across regions). Model estimates for female partners of MSM were 0.5 (0.2-0.8; n = 20) and 0.3 (0.2-0.4; n = 10) for partners of PWID across settings in Eastern and Southern Africa, lower than the corresponding UNAIDS assumptions (0.9 and 0.8, respectively). The few available model estimates for TGW were higher [5.1 (1.2-7.0; n = 8)] than the UNAIDS assumptions (0.1-0.3). Model estimates for non-FSW partners of FSW clients in Western and Central Africa were high (1.7; 1.0-2.3; n = 29). Ratios of new infections among non-KP partners relative to KP were high, confirming the importance of better addressing prevention and treatment needs among KP as central to reducing overall HIV incidence.

Hiding in plain sight: highlighting the research gap on access to HIV and other sexual health services for underrepresented gay men in developed Western countries - insights from a scoping review with a focus on Arab men.

Strategies pertaining to HIV and sexual health for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have shifted focus towards underrepresented subgroups within some developed Western countries. Although emerging research exists on some subgroups, limited attention has been given to the needs of Arab GBMSM in these contexts. Considering they are part of a large diaspora, understanding their access to services is crucial. This paper focuses on Arab GBMSM as a case study within a scoping review, highlighting their hidden status within the broader landscape of HIV and sexual health research for GBMSM in the West. A multi-method search strategy was employed, including searching four electronic databases using several terms within each of the following search topics: Arab, GBMSM, HIV and other sexual health services, and developed Western countries. Of the 384 articles found, only one addressed the research question and met the inclusion criteria, revealing a stark scarcity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for this population. This review highlights a paucity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for underrepresented GBMSM populations in developed Western countries. The literature indicates that, for Arab men, this may be due to a difficulty in participant recruitment and poor data collection efforts. By focusing on one hidden population, we aim to advocate for inclusive policies and interventions that promote equitable sexual health access for all. Addressing this research gap aligns with broader local and global HIV strategies to reduce disparities among underrepresented GBMSM populations.

Comparison of Empirically Derived and Model-Based Estimates of Key Population HIV Incidence and the Distribution of New Infections by Population Group in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The distribution of new HIV infections among key populations, including female sex workers (FSWs), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID) are essential information to guide an HIV response, but data are limited in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed empirically derived and mathematical model-based estimates of HIV incidence among key populations and compared with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates. We estimated HIV incidence among FSW and MSM in SSA by combining meta-analyses of empirical key population HIV incidence relative to the total population incidence with key population size estimates (KPSE) and HIV prevalence. Dynamic HIV transmission model estimates of HIV incidence and percentage of new infections among key populations were extracted from 94 country applications of 9 mathematical models. We compared these with UNAIDS-reported distribution of new infections, implied key population HIV incidence and incidence-to-prevalence ratios. Across SSA, empirical FSW HIV incidence was 8.6-fold (95% confidence interval: 5.7 to 12.9) higher than total population female 15-39 year incidence, and MSM HIV incidence was 41.8-fold (95% confidence interval: 21.9 to 79.6) male 15-29 year incidence. Combined with KPSE, these implied 12% of new HIV infections in 2021 were among FSW and MSM (5% and 7% respectively). In sensitivity analysis varying KPSE proportions within 95% uncertainty range, the proportion of new infections among FSW and MSM was between 9% and 19%. Insufficient data were available to estimate PWID incidence rate ratios. Across 94 models, median proportion of new infections among FSW, MSM, and PWID was 6.4% (interquartile range 3.2%-11.7%), both much lower than the 25% reported by UNAIDS. Empirically derived and model-based estimates of HIV incidence confirm dramatically higher HIV risk among key populations in SSA. Estimated proportions of new infections among key populations in 2021 were sensitive to population size assumptions and were substantially lower than estimates reported by UNAIDS.

Notified cases of mpox in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a descriptive study, 2022.

To describe the profile of cases of mpox in the city of Rio de Janeiro between June and November 2022. This was a descriptive study of secondary data obtained from mpox notification forms. Socioeconomic, clinical and spatial data were analyzed. Of the 928 cases, 93.7% were male, 85.0% cisgender male, 65.6% homosexual, 41.8% between 30 and 39 years old, and 41.0% were of White race/skin color. A total of 34.5% had immunosuppression due to illness, and 41.9% reported their HIV status as being positive. The most prevalent signs and symptoms were: skin lesions (96.6%), especially with multiple manifestations (67.8%) in the genital region (46.1%), in addition to fever (58.3%), adenomegaly (43.3%) and headache (38.7%). Most notifications occurred in public services (81.3%) and in hospital care (51.3%). The study revealed high incidence of mpox, especially among young, cisgender and homosexual men. Most cases were mild, with genital lesions, progressing to cure without hospitalization. Person-to-person transmission was predominant.

Preference for long-acting injectable for ART and PrEP among people with and without HIV: a cross-sectional study in Argentina.

Little is known about the preferences for antiretroviral therapy (ART) administration methods, such as oral daily pills or long-acting injectable (LAI) options, as well as preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administration methods among people without HIV in Latin America. This study aimed to assess the preferences for ART administration methods among people with HIV and PrEP methods among those without HIV, as well as to examine the correlations and reasons for these preferences. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire between April and July 2021, using social media accounts of a HIV non-governmental organization. The questionnaire was open to all adults living in Argentina, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The questionnaire included questions on substance use, depression, chronic treatment, previous experiences with injectable medication, and HIV status. Those with HIV answered questions about ART adherence and their preferences for ART methods, while those without HIV were asked about condom use, awareness of PrEP, and their preferences for PrEP methods. Out of 1676 respondents, 804 had HIV, and 872 did not. Among those with HIV, 91.5% expressed a high preference for LAI-ART, with significantly higher preferences among participants with higher educational levels, cisgender gay, bisexual, and queer men, younger individuals, and those with prior injectable medication experience. Among those without HIV, 68% preferred LAI-PrEP, and this preference was positively associated with previous positive experiences with injectable medication. The strong preference for LAI-ART suggests the potential for improved adherence and well-being among people with HIV. Additionally, the preference for LAI-PrEP among those without HIV emphasizes the importance of considering this option for HIV prevention strategies. This study highlights the need to offer diverse methods for ART and prevention to accommodate different preferences and improve health care outcomes in Latin America.

A survey-based assessment of rates and covariates of mpox diagnosis and vaccination provides evidence to refine eligibility criteria for mpox vaccination among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the Netherlands.

The 2022 multicountry mpox outbreaks predominantly affected gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in non-endemic countries, including in the Netherlands. We conducted a survey-based assessment of the alignment between the risk factors associated with mpox diagnosis among GBMSM in the Netherlands and the eligibility criteria used in 2022 for vaccinating this group, with the aim to refine these criteria. An online self-report survey was conducted among adult GBMSM in the Netherlands between 29 July and 30 August 2022, corresponding to the first month of the Dutch mpox vaccination campaign. GBMSM were recruited via advertisements on social media and gay dating apps. Participants reported on their sexual behaviour, mpox diagnosis, and/or (initial) mpox vaccination since the start of the outbreak. Covariables of mpox diagnosis and vaccination were assessed using logistic regression analyses. Of the 2,460 participants, 73 (3.0%, 95% CI 2.3-3.6%) were diagnosed with mpox and 485 (19.7%, 95% CI 18.1-21.3%) had received (initial) mpox vaccination. Using sample weighting, we estimated that, of the GBMSM population aged 18-80 years in the Netherlands, 1.1% (95% CI 0.7-1.6%) had been diagnosed with mpox and 7.8% (95% CI 6.8-8.9%) had received (initial) vaccination. HIV-PrEP use, living with HIV, reporting ≥20 sex partners in the past 12 months, and sex in sex venues/parties in the past 2 months were independent risk factors for mpox diagnosis. Except for sex in sex venues/parties, these variables were also independently associated with mpox vaccination. This study provides novel evidence regarding the degree to which the 2022 eligibility criteria for mpox vaccination align with the risk factors for mpox among GBMSM in the Netherlands. The findings contribute to a refinement of the eligibility criteria for mpox vaccination, to which sex in sex venues/parties should be added.

Comfort with having sexual orientation recorded on official databases among a community and online sample of gay and bisexual men in Aotearoa New Zealand

Comfort with having sexual orientation recorded on official databases among a community and online sample of gay and bisexual men in Aotearoa New Zealand

Social Representations of Homosexuality During the Childhood of Gay Men

This work is the result of research and aims to investigate the social representations that gay people have regarding homosexuality, in this case referred to since childhood; For this purpose, a semi-structured interview of 9 questions was developed based on stage 1 of Cass's model (1979), which involves childhood memories, considering SR as a system of values, notions and practices, a network of concepts, images and knowledge. It was applied to 15 self-identified gay men between 21 and 55 years of age, Mexican inhabitants of the state of Coahuila. A content analysis of each subject's interview responses was carried out on the data obtained through the semi-structured interview, which allowed categories and frequencies to be established.

Corrigendum to “The Life Stories of Older Gay Men in Italy and Their Response to a Tele-Drama-Based Intervention: A Qualitative Study Protocol”

Corrigendum to “The Life Stories of Older Gay Men in Italy and Their Response to a Tele-Drama-Based Intervention: A Qualitative Study Protocol”