Potential Sexual Partners Research Articles

Determinants of the expression of sexual behaviour in mammals

Abstract The article contains a literature review of facts and views on the strategies of sexual behaviour in mammals, taking into account the role of the animal’s species, sex, and position in the herd. The role of the senses, brain, and hormones in the expression of animals’ sexual behaviour is discussed, as well as the role of induction of the coitus reflex and social behaviour in the reproduction of present-day wild and domesticated animals. The analysis shows that the predominant strategy of sexual behaviour in females is to attract multiple potential partners to acquire the best male. The predominant strategies in the sexual behaviour of males of most mammalian species are aimed at fertilizing as many females as possible. Expression of sexual behaviour requires the generation of a set of characteristic sexual reflexes that indicate readiness to copulate and are sexually stimulating. Animals are differ in expressing their sexual behaviour. Some individuals react quickly and dynamically to sexual stimuli and immediately begin coitus, while others require longer preparation for successful coitus. Sexual behaviour influences the status of individuals in some species. Wild mammals with high expression of the sexual behaviour typical of a given species usually occupy a dominant position, which gives them an advantage in the search for breeding partners, access to food, and the expression of preferred social behaviour. Expression of sexual behaviour is stimulated by stimuli from potential sexual partners, which induce copulatory reflexes. These reflexes have been described in numerous animal species. They should be generated in the proper order and proceed without disruption for successful coitus and fertilization to occur.

How music-induced emotions affect sexual attraction: evolutionary implications.

More than a century ago, Darwin proposed a putative role for music in sexual attraction (i.e., sex appeal), a hypothesis that has recently gained traction in the field of music psychology. In his writings, Darwin particularly emphasized the charming aspects of music. Across a broad range of cultures, music has a profound impact on humans' feelings, thoughts and behavior. Human mate choice is determined by the interplay of several factors. A number of studies have shown that music and musicality (i.e., the ability to produce and enjoy music) exert a positive influence on the evaluation of potential sexual partners. Here, we critically review the latest empirical literature on how and why music and musicality affect sexual attraction by considering the role of music-induced emotion and arousal in listeners as well as other socio-biological mechanisms. Following a short overview of current theories about the origins of musicality, we present studies that examine the impact of music and musicality on sexual attraction in different social settings. We differentiate between emotion-based influences related to the subjective experience of music as sound and effects associated with perceived musical ability or creativity in a potential partner. By integrating studies using various behavioral methods, we link current research strands that investigate how music influences sexual attraction and suggest promising avenues for future research.

IJCM_415A: “Swipe, Match, Risk: A study about Dating applications amongst the youth of a metropolitan city.

Background: One of the primary goals of young adulthood is to establish a committed romantic relationship. During the last decade, the Internet has become an important platform to initiate contact with potential romantic or sexual partners. The Statista Market Forecast estimated that by the end of 2019, there were more than 200 million active users of dating apps worldwide. The current study is an attempt to understand the usage of the dating apps among young adults, the target users of these apps. Objective: 1. To estimate the prevalence of use of internet-based dating applications in the youth. 2. To study the pattern of social and sexual encounters through these apps. 3. To understand the reasons for the usage of the apps. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done amongst 18-25 years college students from a metropolitan city of India. Minimum sample size required for the study was 1012. Ethical approval was obtained from local ethics committee & data was collected via a Google form amongst students from colleges in particular area of city. Results: 1641 respondents participated in the study. Majority of the participants were females, belonging to the age group of 18-21 years. Dating applications were used by 208 participants. The most common reason for use was finding love/partner, casual sex & exploring/experimenting. Association between use of dating applications was statistically significant with gender, duration of stay in Mumbai, relationship status, sexual orientation and habits. Conclusion: The use of dating apps was 12.7% in this study. The risk factors associated with dating apps were male gender, residing in Mumbai since more than an year, habits like smoking, alcohol etc. Sexual orientation & relationship status were also significant risk factors for use of dating applications.

(290) Exploring the Link Between Conformity to Masculine Ideologies and Responses to Sexual Rejection in Cisgender Men and Cisgender Women

Abstract Introduction Sexual rejection occurs when a person’s sexual advances are terminated by a potential sexual partner, leading to responses that may disregard the partner’s choice, such as attempts to entice or express resentment. Traditional masculine ideologies (TMIs) could play a role in motivating enticing or resentful responses. TMIs often emphasize superiority, encompassing power, control, dominance, and frequent sexual activity. When individuals adhering to TMIs face sexual rejection, they may experience feelings of inferiority and respond with enticing or resentful behaviors to reassert superiority. Objective Explore links between TMIs and the use of enticing and resentful responses following experiences of sexual rejection. Methods A German-speaking sample of 351 cisgender men and 345 cisgender women (age: M = 28.11, SD = 8.05) were randomly assigned to read one of two hypothetical stories in which participants should imagine being sexually rejected by their partner (rejection condition), or engaging in sexual activity with their partner (no-rejection condition). Afterward, participants had to report how they would react to sexual rejection. TMI was assessed with the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory. Results Compared to cisgender women, cisgender men more often would react with enticing tactics (β = .77, p < .001). Compared to participants who were rejected, participants who were not rejected more often would react with enticing tactics (β = .43, p < .001). Participants with higher levels of TMIs (being a playboy, dominating women, holding heterosexual self-presentation) more often would react with enticing tactics (β = .18, p < .001; β = .15, p < .001; β = .11, p < .001, respectively). Compared to men with higher levels of TMI (heterosexual self-presentation), women with higher levels of TMI (heterosexual self-presentation) more often would react with resentful responses (β = .68, p < .001). This effect was reinforced through sexual rejection, as opposed to no sexual rejection (β = -.63, p < .001). Conclusions When sexual rejection hasn’t occurred men are more inclined to enticing behaviors. This tendency may stem from potential misunderstandings about desires and consent after initial sexual intercourse. Conversely, when sexual rejection does occur, resentful responses are more common among women adhering to a heterosexual self-presentation. Heterosexual self-presentation might align with adherence to traditional sexual scripts in which men are not expected to decline the sexual advances of a desiring woman. Consequently, rejection may be perceived as a direct challenge to their identity as a woman, triggering feelings of resentment. Therapists can apply these findings to better assist individuals or couples in their sexual relationships. By examining how adherence to traditional gender norms and scripts influences reactions to sexual rejection, therapists can help clients recognize these influences and promote respectful responses that honor all partners’ desires and boundaries. Disclosure No.

Discriminatory Desires and Disintegrated Sexual Selves: An Investigation into Selective Sexual Preferences and the Limitation of Sexual Autonomy

This article examines the apparent tension, recently highlighted by Amia Srinivasan, between sexual autonomy and one’s responsibility to critically engage with their desires in the context of Selective Sexual Preferences (SSP). Many see SSP, criteria employed for excluding and including potential sexual partners, as a fundamental expression of one’s sexual autonomy. Simultaneously, these preferences mirror oppressive social structures and have detrimental effects on already marginalized groups. Noting this politicalness, authors like Srinivasan hold that we have an obligation to critically engage with our desires. Such engagement impedes, however, our sexual autonomy, which presupposes we are all free in developing and enacting our desires. Sexual autonomy and moral responsibility seem to be at odds. This article argues that this tension is a fabrication. More specifically, it posits that SSP are morally objectionable because they signify a limitation of one’s own sexual autonomy and that of others. To do so, this article moves beyond the dominant liberal approach to autonomy and examines sexual autonomy through the lens of Catriona Mackenzie’s Integrated Bodily Perspective. Together with empirical findings regarding effeminophobia in the gay community, this reconceptualization shows that SSP signify a twofold limitation of sexual autonomy. SSP may be a symptom of the limited sexual autonomy of the individual expressing them. As SSP reify oppressive social norms, they can contribute to the disintegration of others’ sexual perspectives, thus constituting a limitation of their sexual autonomy as well. Consequently, this article argues that sexual autonomy is not limited by our obligation of critical reflection but can rather be enhanced by it. It lastly considers the position of critical reflection and argues that while insufficient, critical reflection marks a necessary, possible, and fruitful starting point for approximating sexual justice.

Enhancing Campus Safety: Exploring Student Perspectives on a Text Message-Delivered Intervention for Addressing Sexual Violence and Alcohol Use.

Alcohol-related sexual violence, including sexual coercion, nonconsensual contact, and rape, is prevalent on college campuses. The purpose of the study was to investigate college students' feedback and recommendations regarding content for a text-message-delivered harm reduction intervention to jointly address alcohol use and alcohol's role in sexual violence risk. This qualitative thematic study used focus groups and individual interviews to collect feedback from 61 college students between February 2019 and July 2020. Targeted recruitment resulted in a sample that was nearly half queer/ lesbian, gay, bisexual (46.2%) or trans* (9.8%) identified students. Participants endorsed text messaging as an effective way to reach college students but diverged in specific content they felt was relevant and appropriate for a universal education intervention. Students preferred content describing individual strategies versus those requiring collaboration from friends or potential sex partners. Students also preferred content phrased as suggestions or questions versus declarative statements. Although most participants recognized the value of content related to consent, sexual violence, sexual health, and resources, a few male-identifying participants failed to recognize that content as important to their experience. Maintaining brevity while discussing consent in the overlapping settings of drinking and interpersonal relationships was described as a particular challenge. Students in our sample highlighted the challenges of sharing sexual violence and alcohol-related harm reduction text messaging because of the complexities of rape culture, consent, and interpersonal dynamics during college student drinking events.

Current characteristics of the HIV/syphilis co-infection epidemic

Syphilis, alongside with HIV infection, remains a pressing public health issue due to its widespread prevalence among high-risk groups: men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and female sex workers (FSW). The MSM group shows a disproportionately high prevalence rate of HIV infection, with cases of syphilis/HIV co-infection also on the rise in this population. The increase in these co-infection cases deserves special attention. According to the literature, the rate of HIV infection among syphilis patients averages 15.7%. In addition, it varies significantly, going from 3% in the general population to 90% among MSM. Epidemiological surveillance data showed an increase in cases of HIV/syphilis co-infection in the MSM group, with the proportion of co-infection patients varying from 30 to 60% depending on the region. This syndemia can be explained by the fact that syphilis can contribute to HIV transmission and acquisition. The risk of HIV infection is 2 to 5 times higher among people with syphilis. At the same time, STDs are more and more difficult to control as the Internet and dating applications have made it easier to find potential sex partners. Given the high prevalence rate of syphilis among MSM, screening, diagnosis and treatment of STDs in this population should be a health care priority. Early detection and timely treatment of these socially significant diseases play an important role in epidemic prevention measures.

Behavioural adjustments enable the colonization of subterranean environments

Abstract Specialized subterranean species are iconic examples of convergent evolution driven by environmental constraints, representing an ideal model system for eco-evolutionary studies. However, scientific research on the behavioural adaptations of subterranean organisms has lagged and is biased mostly towards a few model species. Through a systematic literature review, we aimed to assess quantitatively whether a congruent evolution of behavioural traits among subterranean species exists. We considered four types of behaviours (exploratory, feeding, social and anti-predator) and tested predictions about their occurrence among species with different degrees of adaptation to subterranean environments. We argue that these behaviours constitute the earliest adaptations to three main ecological factors characterizing subterranean habitats, namely the constant darkness, the limited food resources and the reduced predator pressure. Darkness selects for individuals that rely on non-visual cues to explore their surroundings, track food resources and locate potential sexual partners. The reduced availability of food promotes high foraging plasticity and deters species from adopting aggressive behaviours towards conspecifics. The reduced predator pressure allows species to abandon specific anti-predator behaviours and permits safer execution of their biological activities. Our analyses show that these four behaviours are likely to represent the result of an early convergent adaptation to the subterranean realm.

An uncharted territory of sexualized drug use: exploring the dynamics of chemsex among young and adolescent MSM including self-identified gay men in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Global and local literature depicted the pervasiveness of chemsex among men who have sex with men (MSM), yet there is limited evidence on adolescents and youth. Though literature showed their engagement in chemsex, further exploration is warranted about their socio-sexual contexts and implications. Therefore, this article explored the contexts and implications of chemsex on young and adolescent MSM. This article is extracted from qualitative research evidence, and research data are triangulated by programmatic evidence on adolescent and young MSM from two ongoing pilot interventions. The key motivational factors for engaging in chemsex were primarily rooted in the dynamics of their peer networks. Specifically, the onset of drug use is predominantly attributed to curiosity toward experimentation with methamphetamine, peer influence, propensity to lose weight, and increasing courage to approach potential sexual partners. Moreover, they continued taking drugs as it enhanced their sexual performance, thus perpetuating chemsex. Additionally, the findings revealed several sexual implications of methamphetamine, e.g., bolstering their sexual "stamina," increasing their propensity toward sexual violence, and reducing their decision-making abilities and judgment, thus collectively decreasing condom use. In essence, chemsex is considerably driven by their socio-sexual contexts, thus perpetuating sexual risk behaviors and compromising sexual health outcomes. Therefore, harm reduction interventions targeted need to be designed keeping in mind their socio-sexual dynamics and age.

Romantic Attachment and Sexual Desire: The Role of Desire Target

ABSTRACT Attachment insecurities are characterized by distinct approaches to intimacy and sex, yet their roles in sexual desire remain largely unexamined. Drawing from theories of attachment and behavioral motivation, the current study investigated the role of attachment insecurities in sexual desire and how that role differs by desire target. The Sexual Desire Inventory provided both a general dyadic desire measure and a measure differentiating between partner-specific desire and desire for an attractive potential sexual partner (attractive other desire). In a sample of 321 young adults (51% men), two structural equation models (SEMs) were compared, each with attachment predicting desire: a Dyadic Combined model and a Partner Type model. Models accounted for gender, relationship status, sexual identity, racial/ethnic identity, number of previous sexual partners, and measurement error. Preliminary confirmatory factor analyses indicated adequate factor loadings (>.40) for both desire measures, yet superior fit for the partner type measure. In the SEMs, the Partner Type model outperformed the Dyadic Combined model across all indices. Attachment avoidance predicted lower partner-specific desire, yet higher attractive other desire. Attachment anxiety predicted higher partner-specific desire, yet was unrelated to attractive other desire. Findings suggest the discomfort with intimacy characterized by attachment avoidance deters interest in sex with romantic partners, yet may enhance sexual interest in nonattachment figures. Several discrepant associations across desire measures indicate that distinguishing between desire targets is critical for fully understanding individual differences in desire. Partner-specific sexual desire may be a unique experience that should not be conflated with other forms of sexual desire.

Censorship, cultural expectations and transformations: The role of genitalia in disabled lives

Deploying theories of power and stigma, this article aims to discuss the perceptions of genitalia and the cultural expectations of genital transformations and representations in consideration to disability. Through a transcription-based content analysis of the audio description (AD) used in Series 10 of Naked Attraction (2016–present), this article aims to explore how the media shapes expectations and feeds into the problematic and powerful impact that audio description can have upon disabled individuals. This article focuses upon the representational transformations of genitalia from the corporeal into the visual, then, delving deeper, from the televisual to the audio, using this double layer of transformation to look at the deeper complexities at play. By AD not using the correct terminology for genitalia, an inclusion/exclusion or us/them dualism is formed based on power relations which make assumptions about disabled individuals. These assumptions are that disabled individuals either do not want or do not have the capacity to consent to sex. This links to the infantilization and patronization that disabled individuals are subjected to within wider society. A further aim is to interrogate how these expectations are perpetuated through televisual representations to create power relationships, and the impact this has upon disabled individuals. The shielding/censorship of genitalia from disabled individuals is evident in AD on television shows such as this, which contains euphemisms for genitalia rather than accurate descriptions. This feeds into the desexualization of disabled individuals and conflation and confusion between asexuality and disability alongside the dismissal of disabled individuals as potential sexual and life partners. This article shows how ableism runs through society perpetuated by the media and the effects this has on the disabled community.

(077) Physiological Synchrony and Sexual Satisfaction: A Replication and Extension

Abstract Introduction Physiological synchrony (PS) refers to a pattern of psychophysiological covariation in the context of close relationships that is thought to develop as a function of dynamic, reciprocal exchanges across biological systems over time (for a review, see Palumbo et al., 2017). There is strong evidence to suggest that PS is a marker of well-being in romantic relationships, with research illuminating close associations between PS and domains of relational functioning including overall relationship satisfaction and feelings of closeness, connection, and empathy for one’s romantic partner (e.g., Helm et al., 2014; Palumbo et al., 2017; Timmons et al., 2015; Countinho, 2019). More recent research has extended these findings to sexual relationships, finding that PS predicts attraction to a potential sexual partner (Prozachkova et al., 2022) and, in a laboratory setting, global evaluations of sexual satisfaction (Freihart & Meston, 2019). Objective Taken together, there is theoretical and empirical evidence to suggest that psychophysiological attunement between partners may be relevant for their sexual relationship. Building upon these data, the current project seeks to examine PS in a more ecologically valid context: at-home, during sexual activity. The primary aims of the current project include: (1) replicating previous research suggesting that PS observed during non-sexual interactions predicts sexual satisfaction, (2) illuminating whether physiological synchrony manifests between partners during sexual activity, and finally, (3) examining whether the magnitude of the observed synchrony is stronger during sexual activity than during non-sexual interactions. Methods Heterosexual couples in monogamous, romantic relationships were recruited from the community surrounding (University name redacted for review). Participants’ autonomic physiological response were measured in an ambulatory fashion across a baseline task, three non-sexual interpersonal tasks (i.e. looking into each other’s eyes, actively attempting to mirror one another, and holding hands), and sexual activity as measured in three phases (i.e., foreplay, penetrative sex in a prescribed position, and penetrative sex in any position selected by the couple) using chest straps with impedance cardiography technology. Levels of sexual satisfaction were measured via self-report measures that assessed global sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a specific sexual encounter. Results Data analyses are ongoing with an anticipated completion date of January 2023. Results will be updated with an addendum upon data analysis. Conclusions This is the first dyadic psychophysiological study to examine autonomic linkages between partners during sex. Results may illuminate a candidate mechanism for variation in couple-level sexual satisfaction and, to that end, may provide rationale for future treatment development research utilizing psychophysiological attunement to optimize dyadic sexual outcomes. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: SST

Behaviors of the Solitary Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis) in Communal Latrines

Latrines are important sites for intraspecific olfactory communication in mammals, especially for solitary or widely distributed species. Communal latrines give visitors access to information about other visitors, notably conspecific chemical cues, even in their absence. Chemical communication has evolved to allow information transfer among individuals that, due to other ecological constraints, do not co-occur in time. Latrines can be difficult to find and monitor but provide useful information about the behavioral ecology of otters. The aim of this study was to describe the behaviors of Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis, Olfers, 1818) in two communal latrines using video-camera traps. A total of 1,651 one-minute footage of otters visiting the latrines were used to elaborate an ethogram that included individuals (1) passing by, (2) rubbing, (3) scent marking, (4) scratching, (5) in vigilance, (6) smelling, (7) defecating, (8) urinating, (9) digging, (10) self-grooming, and (11) interacting with others. These results suggest that latrines are not only used by Neotropical otters to deposit feces and urine but that they also play a role in intraspecific communication. We suggest that L. longicaudis latrines function as information centers where individuals can monitor the location and activities of potential sexual partners and/or competitors.

“The familiar taste of poison”: a qualitative study of multi-level motivations for stimulant use in sexual minority men living in South Florida

BackgroundIn the US, stimulant use is associated with a 3–6 times greater rate of HIV seroconversion in sexual minority men (SMM) than in those who do not use stimulants. Annually, 1 in 3 SMM who HIV seroconvert will be persistent methamphetamine (meth) users. The primary objective of this qualitative study was to explore experiences of stimulant use in SMM living in South Florida, a high priority region for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.MethodsThe sample included 25 SMM who use stimulants, recruited via targeted ads on social networking apps. Participants completed one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews, conducted from July 2019 through February 2020. A general inductive approach was used to identify themes relating to experiences, motivations, and overall relationship with stimulant use.ResultsMean age of participants was 38.8, ranging from 20 to 61 years old. Participants were 44% White, 36% Latino, 16% Black and 4% Asian. Most participants were born in the US, self-identified as gay, and preferred meth as their stimulant of choice. Themes included: (1) stimulants as cognitive enhancements for focus or task completion, including transitioning to meth after first using prescription psychostimulants; (2) unique South Florida environment where participants could be open regarding their sexual minority status while also being influential on their stimulant use; (3) stimulant use as both stigmatizing and a coping mechanism for stigma. Participants anticipated stigma by family and potential sexual partners due to their stimulant use. They also reported using stimulants to cope with feelings of stigma due to their minoritized identities.ConclusionThis study is among the first to characterize motivations for stimulant use in SMM living in South Florida. Results highlight both the risk and protective factors of the South Florida environment, psychostimulant misuse as a risk for meth initiation, and the role of anticipated stigma on stimulant use in SMM. Understanding stimulant use motivations can help to shape intervention development. This includes developing interventions that address individual, interpersonal, and cultural factors that drive stimulant use and increase risk of HIV acquisition.Trial registration NCT04205487.

The neural circuits of monogamous behavior.

The interest in studying the neural circuits related to mating behavior and mate choice in monogamous species lies in the parallels found between human social structure and sexual behavior and that of other mammals that exhibit social monogamy, potentially expanding our understanding of human neurobiology and its underlying mechanisms. Extensive research has suggested that social monogamy, as opposed to non-monogamy in mammals, is a consequence of the neural encoding of sociosensory information from the sexual partner with an increased reward value. Thus, the reinforced value of the mate outweighs the reward value of mating with any other potential sexual partners. This mechanism reinforces the social relationship of a breeding pair, commonly defined as a pair bond. In addition to accentuated prosocial behaviors toward the partner, other characteristic behaviors may appear, such as territorial and partner guarding, selective aggression toward unfamiliar conspecifics, and biparental care. Concomitantly, social buffering and distress upon partner separation are also observed. The following work intends to overview and compare known neural and functional circuits that are related to mating and sexual behavior in monogamous mammals. We will particularly discuss reports on Cricetid rodents of the Microtus and Peromyscus genus, and New World primates (NWP), such as the Callicebinae subfamily of the titi monkey and the marmoset (Callithrix spp.). In addition, we will mention the main factors that modulate the neural circuits related to social monogamy and how that modulation may reflect phenotypic differences, ultimately creating the widely observed diversity in social behavior.

Negotiating Use of a Blood-Based, Dual HIV and Syphilis Test with Potential Sexual Partners Among a Sample of Cisgender Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men in New York City.

Cisgender men who have sex with men (cMSM) and transgender women (TGW) are disproportionally burdened by HIV. Among these populations, HIV partner-testing is a highly acceptable harm reduction tool. Particularly, cMSM and TGW report a stronger preference for blood-based tests that include assays for multiple STIs. However, no existing research has explored how these populations negotiate blood-based testing with sexual partners. In the SMARTtest study, 48 sexually active cMSM and TGW took home dual, blood-based HIV/Syphilis kits for self- and partner-testing. After 3months, they completed a follow-up assessment and in-depth interviews about their experiences initiating testing. Of the 42 responding participants, 27 (64%) reported that it had been "fairly" or "very easy" to raise the idea of testing with partners. Participants predominantly employed partner-conscious communication strategies, including framing the testing proposal as a mandatory, non-personal component of their participation in a research study, gradually incorporating testing mentions into discussions about sexual health, and using the kits to facilitate joint testing. Yet, 21 (44%) participants reported having sex with at least one partner they did not ask to test. Concern regarding partner reactions emerged as a significant barrier to discussing test use; similarly, many partners were averse to taking a blood-based test in the context of a casual sexual encounter. Nonetheless, these findings suggest that dual, blood-based HIV/STI rapid tests may represent acceptable harm reduction tools among similar populations of cMSM and TGW, particularly if future partner-testing research is broadened to consider key couples' dynamics that may impact test usage.

Horny for COVID

The COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly disrupted people’s social lives and dating habits. Research has shown a substantial increase in the consumption of erotic and pornographic material during periods of isolation, including narratives focused on quarantine, illness, and even the personification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself as a potential sexual partner. This article considers the latter manifestation of coronavirus-related erotica, focusing on the four-part e-book series, Kissing the Coronavirus, by M. J. Edwards. This article will demonstrate that as a speculative fiction subgenre, works of erotica are worthy of scholarly examination as individual texts, avoiding the tendency to consider such works only in bulk. Kissing the Coronavirus provides an insight into the confusing realities of living during a global pandemic in which knowledge about the virus rapidly changed and fear of infection and continued isolation were constant stressors impacting health and wellbeing.

How to have sex in a pandemic: the development of strategies to prevent COVID-19 transmission in sexual encounters among gay and bisexual men in Australia

Although many studies reported on decreases in sexual partner numbers among gay and bisexual-identifying men in the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have explored COVID-19 risk-reduction strategies. Drawing on free-text responses in an online survey (from April to July 2020), we describe the ways in which men sought to minimise the risk of COVID-19 in sexual encounters. Partner selection was an important strategy, in particular, restricting sex to men they already knew. Accounts also indicate how participants assessed risk from potential sex partners based on symptoms, residential location, recent travel, work role, and number of other sexual contacts. Less common were in situ practices, such as avoiding kissing. Participants’ responses provide insight into creative community-based responses in the early months of the pandemic, some of which have resonances with early responses to HIV. Findings are discussed in relation to the concepts of ‘lay epidemiology’ and ‘counterpublic health’. In particular, we examine how risks and health are experienced and valued in relation to local knowledges, meanings, and practices; and how practices emerge in response to dominant public health discourses that produce an idealised public based on (hetero)normative assumptions.

Behavioral traits and sexual recognition: multiple signaling in the reproductive behavior of Cyclocephala distincta (Melolonthidae, Cyclocephalini).

Night-foraging cyclocephaline scarab beetles rely on floral structures of specific plant hosts for food and shelter, as well as mating sites. Although the role of floral fragrances as long-range attractants in these interactions has been elucidated, the mechanisms that mediate close-range mate discrimination in aggregations are still unclear. We recorded the mating-oriented behavior of male Cyclocephala distincta, focusing on the influence of contact signaling and movement over mate selection in a series of controlled bioassays. Roughly half of the males chose a conspecific female over another male, readily engaging in copulation upon initial contact. The remainder males required more experience, acquired through successive mounts on both females and males. Eventually, all focal males invested in copulation with females. When faced with the choice for a live or an inert conspecific female, male C. distincta preferred the former in 76% of cases, although we also recorded sexual investment on inert females (10% of cases). In paired experiments with an inert female or a male, nonetheless, focal males significantly opted for the opposite sex, and that included mating with the inert females. Innate characteristics of the females of C. distincta are evaluated by males synergistically, and not separately, in discriminating potential sexual partners.

"BLURRING THE LINE:" INTOXICATION, GENDER, CONSENT AND SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS.

Social concern about sexual practices and sexual consent among young adults has increased significantly in recent years, and intoxication has often played a key role in such debates. While many studies have long suggested that alcohol plays a role in facilitating (casual) sexual encounters, intoxication has largely either been conceptualized as a risk factor, or researchers have focused on the pharmacological effects of alcohol on behaviors associated with sexual interaction and consent. To date little work has explored how young adults define and negotiate acceptable and unacceptable levels of intoxication during sexual encounters, nor the ways in which different levels of intoxication influence gendered sexual scripts and meanings of consent. This paper explores the latter two research questions using data from 145 in-depth, qualitative interviews with cisgender, heterosexual young adults ages 18-25 in the San Francisco Bay Area. In examining these interview data, by exploring the relationship between intoxication and sexual consent, and the ways in which gender plays out in notions of acceptable and unacceptable intoxicated sexual encounters, we highlight how different levels of intoxication signal different sexual scripts. Narratives about sexual encounters at low levels of intoxication highlighted the role of intoxication in achieving sexual sociability, but they also relied on the notion that intoxicated consent was dependent on the social relationship between the partners outside drinking contexts. Narratives about sexual encounters in heavy drinking situations were more explicitly gendered, often in keeping with traditionally gendered sexual scripts. In general we found that when men discussed their own levels of intoxication, their narratives were more focused on sexual performance and low status sex partners, while women's and some men's narratives about women's levels of intoxication were focused on women's consent, safety, and respectability. Finally, some participants rely on 'consent as a contract' and 'intoxication parity'- the idea that potential sexual partners should be equally intoxicated - to handle relations of power in interpersonal sexual scripts. Since these notions are sometimes deployed strategically, we suggest that they may serve to "black-box" gendered inequalities in power between the parties involved.