Gay Men Research Articles

Racial Disparities in a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program: Abstinence-Only Versus a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Program.

Despite overall declines in risky teen sexual activity, racial and ethnic disparities persist. This study compared abstinence-only and comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention (TPP) programs to explore the effects of the programs on teen sexual activity-related outcomes that may differ by race/ethnicity. Program evaluation data were collected from 7th-grade students in comprehensive (N = 3244) and abstinence-only (N = 3172) TPP programs. Differences between outcomes by TPP program were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression for each racial/ethnic group. Black and Hispanic students were significantly less likely to indicate positive attitudes, intentions, and behaviors at baseline. Only white students significantly improved in both programs from pre- to post-assessment. Native American students in the abstinence-only program were significantly less likely than Native American students in the comprehensive sexuality programming to improve from pre- to post-assessment regarding male sexuality, refusal skills, sex and teen norms, and sexual abstinence. The findings suggest that youth of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds do not enter TPP programs with similar attitudes, intentions, or behavior regarding appropriate sexual behavior and that the impact of such programs also may vary by race and ethnicity.

Exploring the experiences of stigma among South African gay men who practice consensual nonmonogamy

Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) refers to an intimate relationship arrangement in which all the parties involved consent to having multiple romantic or sexual partners simultaneously, with the full knowledge and agreement of everyone involved. Although CNM is becoming increasingly more visible in mainstream media and social discourse, it remains a largely non-normative relationship configuration that can elicit stigma directed at those who practice it. The culture of mononormativity, whereby monogamous relationships are held as the ideal or default way for people to structure their intimate connections, may imply that even in the gay community, where a history of openness towards, and experimentation with, alternative relationship configurations exists, affirmative attitudes towards CNM cannot be guaranteed. This qualitative study explored the experiences of stigma among South African gay men who practice CNM, with a particular focus on stigma reported by CNM practitioners from within the gay community. Seven self-identified gay men who practice CNM were recruited to participate. Each participant took part in an unstructured individual interview which was then transcribed and subject to a thematic analysis. Analysis of the data revealed three main themes: creating CNM as homonormative; interpersonal (in)significance of CNM, and stigmatising narratives of CNM. Together, the findings highlight that while gay men who practice CNM may experience stigma from within the gay community, they adopt different approaches at managing this stigma, such as, by constructing CNM as a cultural norm for gay men and by interpreting their participation in CNM as a personally meaningful and fulfilling alternative to monogamy.

Proximal and distal minority stressors and mental health among young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Kisumu, Kenya.

Young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Kenya experience pervasive intersectional stigma and discrimination, contributing to elevated levels of negative mental health symptoms. Grounded in the Minority Stress Model, this paper explores associations of proximal and distal minority stressors with three types of negative mental health outcomes among young HIV-negative GBMSM (n = 63) between the ages of 19-34 who participated in a pilot trial of a sexual health intervention. Using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 screening measures, levels of clinically significant symptoms were reported as follows: 15.8% depressive symptoms, 12.7% anxiety symptoms, 31.7% posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results from stepwise linear regression analyses suggest that GBMSM-related stigma (distal stressor) was the strongest correlate for all three mental health outcomes, and concealment motivation (proximal stressor) was an additional significant correlate only in the depressive symptoms model. These findings should be viewed with caution and seen as initial observations given the small sample which limits our interpretations of the findings. Structural-level interventions are needed to decrease GBMSM's exposure to intersectional stigma and discrimination, such as decriminalization of same-sex sexual activity, as well as individual and group-level interventions that assist GBMSM with improving their adaptive coping strategies.

Relationship Status Rather than Sociosexuality or Sexual Orientation Predicts Male Sexual Functioning.

Male sexual functioning is a prerequisite for conception and consequently for reproduction and is thus a crucial mechanism from an evolutionary and social perspective. Previous studies reported better sexual functioning in coupled compared to single individuals. However, it is not clear whether sexual functioning increases or decreases with a short-term casual sexual strategy, which is another possibility, along with a long-term strategy. Furthermore, sexual orientation may represent yet another mating strategy that may influence sexual functioning. Here, we aimed to test the possible associations between male sexual functioning and sexual strategies, as measured through sociosexuality, relationship status, and sexual orientation. We hypothesize that due to its relationship with the evolved motivation of mate acquisition and mate retention, both stable relationships and sociosexuality would be positively associated with male sexual functioning. We did not expect significant differences in sexual functioning among men with different sexual orientations. We sampled 427 healthy men of different sexual orientations (203 heterosexuals, 77 bisexuals, and 147 gay men) who completed the Male Sexual Function Index (MSFI) and its subscales of desire, arousal, erection, orgasm, and satisfaction; the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory-Revised; and sociodemographic questions. A multivariate general linear model showed that, compared to single individuals, partnered individuals reported greater MSFI-arousal, MSFI-erection, MSFI-orgasm, and MSFI-satisfaction. Sociosexuality and sexual orientation only weakly predicted MSFI domains. Male sexual functioning thus seems to be moderately associated with a long-term mating strategy and can thus serve for relationship maintenance rather than for acquiring new partners.

Algorithmic camouflage: Exploring the shadowbans imposed by algorithms to moderate the content of Chinese gay men

This study employs semistructured interviews and algorithmic ethnography to explore how algorithmic shadowbans have been used to moderate content related to Chinese gay men and achieve targeted algorithmic governance. Through a multimethod approach combining both thematic analysis and discourse analysis, this study claims that algorithms impose seemingly tolerant but actually restrictive shadowbans, which are thematized as “(im)permissible searching” and “(un)smooth posting,” on Chinese gay men. This study conceptualizes such algorithmic shadowbans as “algorithmic camouflage,” emphasizing the opacity of the roles, behaviors, and purposes of algorithms toward specific users from an interactive perspective, highlighting the “hypocrisy” of algorithms. Under hypocritical algorithmic shadowbans, this study suggests that a highly camouflaged “de-gaying” discourse—through compositions of dehumanization, de-emotionalization, and dramatization—is being shaped by algorithms on Chinese digital platforms.

Slamsex as slow edgework: Sexualized drug use and harm reduction in post-AIDS Taiwan

BackgroundSince the mid-2010s, slamsex—sexualized drug use involving intravenously injecting meth—has rapidly emerged in metropolitan gay communities as a sociosexual practice necessitating harm reduction interventions. However, its impact on gay men's sociosexual lives and HIV technologies is not well understood. This paper addresses this gap by investigating two intertwined temporal dimensions of slamsex, viewing it as a form of slow edgework in post-AIDS Taiwan. MethodsEthnographic research was conducted in Taiwan between 2022 and 2024, involving 30 interviews with gay men who practice slamsex and 7 HIV/AIDS NGO representatives. Semi-structured interviews focused on slamming events, covering their edge, transition, and healthcare network. ResultsFindings reveal paradoxes within edgework, demonstrating that slamsex can be both extreme and risky, as well as slow and mundane. Participants navigated state surveillance and the materiality of syringes through meticulous risk calculations and digital-savvy strategies for acquiring clean syringes. The practice involved risk and a networked economy of care services provided by other injectors. In response to HIV technologies (PrEP and viral load disclosure), gay men in this study normalized HIV/AIDS while developing a sense of vulnerability to their own infection. ConclusionIn the era of HIV/AIDS normalization, slamsex as slow edgework underscores the need for temporally and spatially nuanced discussions on drug policy. This study highlights the importance of culturally tailored interventions that consider slow, networked interactions to provide harm reduction for men on the chemsex scene, as well as the needs for more evidence-based, non-discriminatory research on queer sexual health and drug studies.

Gay Dreams: Exploring the Relationship Between Sexual Orientation and Dream Content in Men.

Although numerous individual factors influencing dream content have been explored, research on the link between sexual orientation and dreaming remains limited. This study examined this relationship among 119 German-speaking men (mean age = 31.97 years), including 55homosexual and 64heterosexual participants. Participants completed a questionnaire on their waking life sexuality and dreams and provided two dream reports. Homosexual men reported more sexual partners in waking life and lower satisfaction with their sexual orientation compared to heterosexual men. No significant differences were found in dream recall frequency, emotional tone, nightmare frequency, or distress, though homosexual men reported more sexual dreams. Dream reports showed no significant differences in sexual interactions or the number of sexual partners between groups, but homosexual men's dreams featured a higher ratio of male to female characters and more romantic relationships with men. These findings partially align with the continuity hypothesis, suggesting that the dream content of homosexual men reflects their social interactions and romantic preferences. Overall, the study suggests that homosexual and heterosexual men share a similar dream pattern. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of considering sexual orientation in dream research to better understand the intersection of sexuality and unconscious processes.

Vedic astrological factors for human immunodeficiency virus transmission within male individuals with sexual orientation as homosexual

Background: For almost more than 70 years, the modern science had labeled homosexuality as a mental disorder and was part of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) until the fifth edition was released in the year 2013 and homosexuality was removed from the mental disorder list. Despite of the removal of homosexuality along with all kind of sexual orientation from mental disorder, it is still being considered taboo in the society. From Sanatana Dharma perspective, homosexuality is very well mentioned in multiple scriptures. In Vedic Astrology as well, this homosexuality along with diseases due to sexual intercourse is being described. In this modern era, one of the most common disease due to sexual intercourse is HIV. Although, HIV is considered relatively new transmission due to its first scientific mention in the late twentieth century, the symptoms and overall nature of this disease is clearly described in Vedic Astrology. Finding: This research paper is an extension of the existing research paper in the field of Vedic Astrology especially in the field of Vedic Astrology focusing on HIV transmission. A total of 314 HIV positive samples was collected from 18 countries selected from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa as well as Australia in order to have a coverage of all the continents. All these HIV positive people belong to LGBT community, to be very specific Gay (homosexuals) and have been identified as HIV transmission due to anal intercourse with another Gay partner. The Astrological Natal Chart were analyzed for all these 314 samples against the KIRAN sutra (5 thumb rules) to find the possibility of HIV based on the sutras i.e. rules. Out of 314 samples, 310 charts fit the criteria (KIRA sutra) mentioned in the KIRAN sutra for HIV transmission. 4 samples were not checked against the criteria (N) due to insufficient Nakshatra-Pada i.e. Constellation-Phase coverage along with the complex nature of the Nakshatra sutra i.e. N sutra of KIRAN sutra. The result indicates that the KIRAN sutra is very effective sutra even to identify the HIV transmission from male-to-male partner with an accuracy of 98.73% (310 cases out of 314 cases) using only 4 sutras i.e. KIRA. Conclusion: The research is an effort to raise awareness and to help males with homosexual orientation to identify whether they are highly prone to HIV or not using their Vedic Astrological Natal Chart so that they can take preventive action. A new yoga i.e. Samalaingika Yauna Sankramaṇa Yoga is being introduced in the field of Medical Astrology focusing on males with sexual orientation as homosexual, commonly known as Gay in LGBT community in order to support Gays living a HIV free life without judging their sexual orientation. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study introduces the application of the KIRAN sutra from Vedic Astrology as a predictive method for assessing HIV transmission risk in homosexual men, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.73%, along with the introduction of a new configuration, Samalaingika Yauna Sankramaṇa Yoga.

Breakthrough Rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections After Meningococcal B Vaccination: Microbiological and Clinical Features.

4CMenB appears to be effective in reducing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) infections. Aims are to assess factors associated with breakthrough rectal Ng after 4CMenB and evaluate clinical and microbiological characteristics of breakthrough infections compared with before vaccination. This was a retrospective study of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) vaccinated with 4CMenB (2 doses) between 2017 and 2023 at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute), Milan, Italy, and tested for rectal Ng. Rectal Ng infection is considered breakthrough if it occurs >1 month after the second 4CMenB dose and with positive nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) result. Follow-up was from July 2017 (first 4CMenB vaccination) to November 2023 (data freeze). Rectal Ng was screened with both NAAT and gonococcal-specific cultures. Characteristics of individuals with or without breakthrough Ng and of Ng infections before or after 4CMenB were compared using Mann-Whitney and χ2/Fisher tests. Overall, 473 GBMSM vaccinated with 4CMenB were included, with a median age (interquartile range) of 43 (37-51) years; 451 of 473 were living with human immunodeficiency virus. The percentage of NAAT-positive rectal Ng swab samples was 76 of 957 (7.7%) after 4CMenB and 51 of 456 (11.1%) before. Breakthrough rectal Ng after baseline were 76 in 57 of 473 people. People with rectal Ng after 4CMenB were younger, more likely to have a previous sexually transmitted infection, and had more sexual partners than those without (all P < .001). Breakthrough rectal Ng infections were less frequently symptomatic (34.2% vs 66.7%; P = .001) and more likely with negative gonococcal-specific culture (55.3% vs 19.6%; P < .001) compared with before vaccination. Breakthrough rectal Ng infections after 4CMenB were 76 in 57/473 people, preferentially identified in GBMSM with higher-risk sexual behaviors, were less often symptomatic, and more often with negative gonococcal-specific cultures, suggesting lower infection virulence.

A gay autoethnography: Gender, sexuality, and organizations

AbstractWould the effeminate boy be an outsider or a fruit that grew far from the tree? Understanding the trajectory of a male child with effeminate traits can unveil practices of various institutions regarding boys and men with these characteristics, bringing to light organizational practices that are not limited to homophobia but also to “effeminophobia.” This autoethnography is an exercise in reclaiming one's own history, marked by violent exclusions, domination, and subjugation, with the aim of explaining how heterosexual normativity impacts the bodies and subjectivities of effeminate individuals. This account begins in the 1990s in the city of Barra do Piraí, a locality located in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, which was governed by male domination and influenced by a colonial culture. In this context, it is important to note that I do not consider it possible to define a period for analysis in terms of years, but rather within a biological time frame, encompassing the stages of life. Therefore, this delimitation begins in childhood and extends into adulthood. This autoethnography is dedicated to discussing effeminophobia directed toward children and adults in various institutions, especially in the workplace. To do so, it utilizes the social and professional trajectory of a young gay man who managed to become an adult.

How can HIV self-testing facilitate increased access to HIV testing among multiply marginalised populations? Perspectives from GBMSM and trans women in England and Wales

Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) may facilitate marginalised populations’ uptake of HIV testing, but whether the extent of marginalisation challenges individual uptake of HIVST remains under-researched. We aim to explore the perspectives of multiply marginalised cis-gender gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and trans women on whether HIVST might increase their uptake of HIV testing. Methods We reanalysed qualitative interview data from SELPHI (the UK’s largest HIVST randomised trial) collected between 2017 and 2020 from marginalised populations, defined as people self-identifying as non-heterosexual, transgender, non-White ethnicity and/or with low educational attainment. Thirty-eight interviews with multiply marginalised individuals were thematically examined using the framework method. We specifically focussed on kit usability (a function of the interaction between blood-based HIVST kits and users), perspectives on how HIVST can improve access to HIV testing and suggestions on need-based scale-up of HIVST. Results HIVST kits were considered usable and acceptable by multiply marginalised GBMSM and trans women. The majority of interviewees highlighted multi-levelled barriers to accessing HIV testing services due to structural and social marginalisation. Their multiply marginalised identities did not impede HIVST uptake but often form motivation to self-test. Three potential roles of HIVST in the HIV testing landscape were identified: (1) alternation of HIVST and facility-based testing, (2) integration of HIVST into sexual health services and (3) substituting facility-based testing with HIVST in the future. Perceived beneficiaries of HIVST included trans communities, individuals with undisclosed sexuality and people with physical disabilities. Discussion HIVST can facilitate marginalised populations’ access and uptake of HIV testing by alternating with, integrating into and substituting for facility-based services in the UK. Marginalised identities did not present challenges but rather opportunities for person-centred scale-up of HIVST. Future implementation programmes should ensure equitable access to HIVST among trans people, men unable to disclose their sexuality, and perhaps people with physical disabilities.

Subtle Biases Towards a New Colleague Depend on Sexual Orientation and Relationship Status

Abstract Background Allonormative beliefs entail the idea that all people desire sexual activity with other people. Single and/or asexual individuals may face social disapproval or discrimination for not being in line with allonormative beliefs. The present study investigated whether individuals offered help or were likely to befriend a new co-worker differently depending on the co-worker’s sexual orientation (i.e., heterosexual vs. asexual) and relationship status (i.e., in a relationship vs. single). Methods The online study included 1,028 participants (50.0% women and 50.0% men; Mage = 29.2, SD = 8.8) from German-speaking countries. Each participant read one of twelve short descriptions of a working situation in which they got to know a new co-worker. The description of the new colleague’s gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status varied. Participants had to indicate how likely they would share information with, befriend, gossip about, or have other-interests in the new colleague. A multivariate analysis of co-variance was calculated. Results Female participants had lower intentions to share knowledge with persons who were singles by circumstance than with persons in a relationship and male participants were more likely to befriend a single gay man by choice than a gay man in a relationship. Conclusions Bias against single persons or prejudice resulting from heteronormative beliefs might lead to subtle differences in behavior towards a co-worker. Such subtle “micro-practices” can be harmful because micro-practices accumulate over time and situations. Interventions at organizations need to help employees realize their own biases that might be based on prejudices against people with different sexual orientations and relationship statuses. Key messages • Overall women are more pressured by allonormative ideas and might therefore have lower intentions to share knowledge with persons who were singles by circumstance than with persons in a relationship. • The differing treatment of single gay men by choice and gay men in relationships may not be solely due to adherence to allonormativity, but rather could stem from heterosexist beliefs.

Exploring the mental health impact of asylum-seeking of sexual minority men: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Sexual minority individuals, often called LGBTQ+, encounter significant danger and violence in some countries worldwide. This forces many to seek asylum in a range of European countries. The study aimed to explore the experiences of seeking asylum and its implications for the mental health of sexual minority forced migrant men in Sweden. Methods An exploratory qualitative approach was used, and 15 adult gay and bisexual cisgender men were interviewed individually. Participants were recruited through a combination of purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling. Systematic text condensation was used to analyze data. The analysis was conducted in close collaboration with three migrants with lived experience. Results The asylum-seeking process proved emotionally challenging, involving procedures with negative impacts on mental health. Challenges included disclosing intimate information during asylum interviews and enduring long periods of uncertainty with limited information on asylum case progress. Fundamental to participants’ experiences were the behaviors and attitudes of the professionals involved in legal procedures. Disrespectful and homophobic conduct during asylum interviews, enacted by interpreters and caseworkers, had been experienced by participants. The accuracy of interpretation emerged as crucial, possibly influencing the outcome of asylum claims as well as participants’ comfort in sharing information. Conclusions Sexual minority men seeking asylum in Sweden find themselves in an unfamiliar and emotionally challenging position. The challenges highlighted in this study implicates that the stressful asylum process may lead to health burdens among this population. The study emphasizes the critical role of a safe, affirming and supportive environment for asylum seekers. Further research is needed to develop effective support methods to ensure the health and well-being of sexual minority forced migrant populations during the asylum process. Key messages • The stressful asylum process may lead to health burdens among forced migrant sexual minority men. • There is a need for public health action to develop effective support methods addressing the mental health challenges faced by sexual minority forced migrants during their asylum process.

Queer citizenship in 1990s Britain

ABSTRACT This article argues that the 1990s was a distinctive period in the British queer experience. A perceived rise in violent homophobic attacks marks the decade out, as does the activist culture which emerged to counter it. The article argues that ideas of citizenship became an important vehicle for queer activists, especially when challenging legal inequalities such as the age of sexual consent for gay men. Queer citizenship campaigns highlighted the state of legislated inequality for queer Britons which was seen to be worsening during the 1990s. This article examines two main examples of such campaigns, grassroots direct-action movements and legal test cases, arguing that queer citizenship was an increasingly useful concept for queer activists and campaigners.

Protocol for a systematic search and critical discourse analysis of research on national HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programmes among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents the acquisition of HIV, most commonly taken in the form of a pill. PrEP is an efficacious tool for HIV prevention, including among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). PrEP is often provided through formal PrEP programmes. Research on these programmes may employ discourses shaped by heteronormativity and homophobia. Given that expert language influences how HIV prevention is understood and delivered, problematic discourses in research likely extend into PrEP implementation. This study will use critical discourse analysis (CDA) to explore research on PrEP programme implementation for gbMSM. Within this literature, we will identify interpretive repertoires used to discuss gbMSM; the subject positions afforded to gbMSM; and the implications of these interpretive repertoires and subject positions for gbMSM engaging with HIV PrEP programmes. Systematic search methods identified relevant articles through timebound searching (2012-2023) in ProQuest ASSIA, EBSCOhost PsycInfo, OVID Medline, OVID Embase, and EBSCOhost CINAHL, with forward and backward citation searching of included studies. Grey literature will be identified through ProQuest and Google Scholar. Screening will be conducted by two independent reviewers, who will conduct random partial double screening for titles and abstracts and for all full text articles. Data will be analysed and synthesised using CDA informed by critical realism (CR). CDA focuses on relationships between language and power, including how language enables inequality. The analytic process will explore the background of included studies, identify themes, and analyse external and internal relations in included studies. Highlighting issues with discourses in PrEP implementation may enhance reflective engagement with assumptions underlying this research, preventing further stigmatisation of gbMSM's sexual and protective practices. As PrEP programmes become more common, diverse and inclusive perspectives in PrEP programme research may inform interventions that enhance their acceptability and implementation.

Toward improving anal health care among GBMSM in Kenya: Lessons from a patient’s illness, treatment and recovery journey

ABSTRACT We aimed to illuminate the challenges of treating anal diseases among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in a homophobic climate amid resource constraints. Building on a long-term Kenyan-Canadian collaboration, an anal healthcare intervention study, known as the WEMAH Project, was initiated in January 2022. The initial collaborative work strengthened existing anal health services provided at a community-based clinic serving GBMSM in Nairobi. The illness and treatment journey for one patient is highlighted. Prior to attending the community clinical programme, reluctance to disclose symptoms to other healthcare workers, misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment, absence of physical exam conducted, lack of access to effective medications, and self-treatment attempts not only led to late disease detection but also exacerbated the illness itself, culminating in advanced disease progression accompanied by severe pain and suffering. However, once connected to the community clinic with the enhanced anal healthcare programme, the disease was effectively managed by the clinical team. Although specialised clinics have been established throughout Kenya to meet the STI-related needs of GBMSM, the constellation of factors highlighted in one patient’s journey, from illness to recovery, reveals important gaps in Kenya’s existing sexual health programme for GBMSM.

“I Feel More Masculine Having Sex with a Woman Than Being Fucked by a Man”: Masculinity and Bisexual Men's Experiences of Sex with Women and Men

ABSTRACT Prior research with heterosexual and gay men suggests that heteronormative, hegemonic masculine norms influence sexual behaviors, including in relation to sexual health, and in sex between men, positioning in anal intercourse. This qualitative study offers an in-depth account of how bisexual men’s beliefs about masculinity and about the gendered nature of certain sexual behaviors may influence their experiences of sex with women and men, and the sexual practices they engage in. Twenty-two bisexual men participated in one-to-one, semi-structured interviews, where they were asked about their experiences of sex with women and men in relation to their beliefs about masculinity. A reflexive thematic analysis identified the influence of prevailing discourses of heteronormativity and hegemonic masculinity on sexual experiences and behaviors. Participants’ beliefs about masculinity and the gendered nature of certain aspects of sex influenced experiences relating to sexual performance, sexual assertiveness, positions adopted, practices engaged in, and how gender was enacted in sexual encounters. Sex with women was experienced as more masculine than sex with men: Participants described feeling more sexually assertive than their sexual partners, in control of the encounter, and responsible for facilitating their partners’ sexual pleasure. Sex with men was experienced as more egalitarian and provided favorable opportunities to relinquish sexual control and responsibilities around facilitating pleasure, and to feel less masculine, including by engaging in receptive anal intercourse. Findings therefore indicate that, for some bisexual men, masculinity is highly salient, influencing a range of sexual behaviors and experiences in sex with women and with men.

Mind the Gap! LGBTQ + Population’s Perceptions of Discrimination and of Legal Innovation

Abstract Introduction Homosexuality was decriminalized in Portugal in 1982, and several legislative changes have emerged since the beginning of the twenty-first century. However, 2010 marked the beginning of the approval of fundamental laws for the life of LGBTQ + people, such as same-sex marriage, access to parenthood and the right to self-determination of gender identity. Despite these advances, discrimination is still present in Portuguese society. Methods The aim of this investigation is to study the processes and experiences of discrimination of LGBTQ + people in their daily lives, analyzing the perception of the discrepancy between legislation and the experiences of participants. Its aim is also to analyze the strategies suggested by the participants to reduce this discrepancy. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 LGBTQ + participants, of various sexual orientations (six gay men, three lesbian women, six bisexual persons, five pansexual individuals, and one who identified as “other”) and gender identities (six transgender participants, including two trans men, two non-binary persons, one trans woman, and one genderqueer participant). Results Content analysis of these interviews resulted in 828 units of analysis coded in 30 categories. The participants reported that they have gone through multiple experiences of discrimination in different contexts and that they recognize forces of resistance to legal innovation. Conclusion There is a gap between legal advances and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Portugal, who still report discrimination experiences in many domains of daily life. Policy Implications Implications for research and public policies are presented, particularly considering the need to inform and provide training to both strategic audiences and stakeholders and to inform the larger population to promote social change.

Exploring the Role of Social Support and Sexual Functioning: A Study of Chemsex and Sober Sex in Men Who Have Sex with Men

ABSTRACT Research on chemsex, the intentional use of certain drugs in sexual contexts by gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), has been growing in recent years although, even today, much of it focuses on drug use and its consequences, rather than on the sexual and social experiences of users. This study aimed to explore the influence of social support and sexual functioning on the frequency of chemsex and sober sex. A sample of 160 MSM WAS recruited through social media and NGOs. Through regression analysis, it was found that lower perceived social support and greater number of routes of drug administration predicted a higher frequency of chemsex practice. On the other hand, higher perceived social support, higher levels of desire and arousal, and fewer routes of drug administration predicted a higher frequency of engaging in sober sex. This study provides empirical evidence that both social support and sexual functioning are key elements in chemsex and have an impact on both the frequency of chemsex and sober sex. Given the importance of these elements, we suggest that interventions should be framed holistically. Nevertheless, not all chemsex is problematic and it is a free choice in sexuality.

A qualitative study of Chicago gay men and the Mpox outbreak of 2022 in the context of HIV/AIDS, PrEP, and COVID-19

During the 2022 mpox outbreak, our study conducted 30 interviews with a recruited sample of Chicago gay men (age 18+) during June-September to investigate their experiences of mpox, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. Participants were interviewed with a semi-structured guide about gay sexual identity and social experiences; HIV/AIDS, ART, and PrEP; and COVID-19 behaviors and vaccination. All 30 interview respondents had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and expressed minimal COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. All the men living with HIV in our study were on ART with HIV well controlled. A majority of HIV- participants (70%) were on PrEP, with participants universally aware of PrEP benefits. Additionally, most participants had already received at least one shot of the Jynneos mpox vaccine, with many interviewees enduring long lines, sometimes at multiple locations, before vaccination in primarily gay social spaces. These Chicago gay men demonstrated widespread enthusiasm for mpox vaccination as a disease prevention strategy and most of them had already been vaccinated despite significant barriers. The enthusiasm of the participants in our study emerged within a medical landscape shaped by both COVID-19 vaccination and HIV/AIDS-related health interventions including ART and PrEP, which may have helped instill increased medical trust among this population. Our study suggests that out urban gay men may comprise a distinctive minority population with increased medical trust due to specific social, sexual, and historical experiences.