Same-sex Intercourse Research Articles

The Association between Intentional Overdose and Same-Sex Sexual Intercourse in a Cohort of People who Inject Drugs in Melbourne, Australia

ABSTRACTBackground: People who inject drugs (PWID) are at disproportionately high risk of suicidal behaviors, as are individuals who report same-sex attraction or experience. However, there is little evidence of compounded risk of suicide for individuals who report same-sex sexual intercourse (SSI) and are PWID. Objectives: To explore the associations of lifetime intentional overdose amongst a cohort of PWID, with particular attention to those reporting SSI. Methods: The sample included 529 participants, from an ongoing cohort of 757 PWID. An “ever” SSI variable was created for participants who reported sexual intercourse with a same-sex partner at any longitudinal interview. We explored the adjusted associations between SSI and lifetime intentional overdose using logistic regression. Results: Ninety-one (17%) participants reported ever experiencing an intentional overdose. Forty-one (8%) participants reported SSI at any interview. Three hundred and sixty (68%) participants reported diagnosis of a mental health condition. Diagnosis of a mental health condition (AOR = 2.02, 95% CIs: 1.14, 3.59) and SSI (AOR = 2.58, 95% CIs: 1.22, 5.48) significantly increased the odds of lifetime intentional overdose. Conclusions/Importance: We found a heightened risk of intentional overdose amongst PWID reporting SSI, after controlling for diagnosis of a mental health condition. Services need to be aware of this heightened risk and target interventions appropriately.

Anti-homosexual legislation and HIV-related stigma in African nations: what has been the role of PEPFAR?

ABSTRACT Background: Gay men and other men who have sex with men are disproportionately burdened by HIV infection. Laws that penalize same-sex intercourse contribute to a cycle of stigma, homonegativity and discrimination. In many African nations, laws criminalizing homosexuality may be fueling the epidemic, as they dissuade key populations from seeking treatment and health care providers from offering it. Objectives: We analyzed the ways in which policies and practices of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program addressed pervasively harsh anti-homosexuality laws across Africa. Given the aim of the US PEPFAR program to reduce stigma surrounding HIV, we explored how PEPFAR may have used its influence to reduce the criminalization of homosexuality in the countries where it operated. Methods: We assessed homosexuality laws in 21 African countries where PEPFAR funding sought to reduce the HIV epidemic. We examined PEPFAR Policy Framework agreements associated with those countries, and other PEPFAR documents, for evidence of attempts to reduce stigma by decriminalizing homosexuality. Results: We found 16 of Africa’s 21 PEPFAR-funded countries had laws characterized as harsh in relation to homosexuality. Among the top eight PEPFAR-funded countries in Africa, seven had harsh anti-homosexuality laws. Most (14) of the 16 African ‘Partnership Framework’ (PEPFAR) policy agreements between African governments and the US State Department call for stigma reduction; however, none call for reducing penalties on individuals who engage in homosexual behavior. Conclusions: We conclude that while PEPFAR has acknowledged the negative role of stigma in fueling the HIV epidemic, it has, so far, missed opportunities to explicitly address the role of the criminalization of homosexuality in feeding stigmatizing attitudes. Our analysis suggests mechanisms like PEPFAR Partnership Framework agreements could be ideal vehicles to call for removal of anti-homosexuality legislation.

Type of sexual intercourse experience and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among youths: a cross-sectional study in South Korea.

BackgroundDespite abundant theoretical evidence of higher rates of suicide among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths, little is known about the relationship between suicide and types of sexual intercourse experience in youths. This study examines the association between the type of intercourse experience and suicide risk outcomes (SROs: suicidal ideation, plans for suicide, suicidal attempts) from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey.MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data from 146,621 students aged 12–17 years for the years 2012 and 2013. We defined lesbian, gay, or bisexual youth as youths who engaged in a type of sexual intercourse (same-sex or both-sex intercourse). A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between intercourse experience and SROs.ResultsThe results showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was higher among youths with same-sex intercourse experience (45.9% for females, 33.7% for males) than among youths with opposite-sex intercourse experience (42.2% for females, 23.8% for males) and those with no experience in intercourse (21.0% for females, 12.7% for males). After adjusting for revealed risk factors that were associated with suicide risks, among males, suicide risks based on intercourse experience seemed to increase in the following order: no experience in sexual intercourse, opposite-sex, same-sex, and then both-sexes sexual intercourse experience. Same- and both-sexes intercourse related SROs are strongly linked to violence (being physically assaulted, threatened, or bullied) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV infection. Those having no sexual intercourse experience showed the least probability of suicide risks among youths.ConclusionThe SROs of youths with same-sex or both-sex intercourse experience had strong associations with gender (males), violence, and STDs. Therefore, school educators must continue to advocate for and to implement LGB inclusive policies and programs in order to promote safe and supportive learning environments where all students are protected from health risk behaviors.

Strange bedfellows: Qurʾan interpretation regarding same-sex female intercourse

ABSTRACTSome twentieth-century interpreters assert that the Qurʾan forbids same-sex female intercourse. Neo-traditional Shiʿi and Sunni interpreters converge on this point, even as they diverge from their respective traditions in tafsir, innovate in interpretive strategies, and ignore Arabic grammar. Their assertions raise questions about the nature of the Qurʾan, methods of interpreting it, and its status as scripture in contradistinction to hadith and opinion of early authorities. This article compares neo-traditional interpretation of Qurʾan 4:15–16 by Ayatollah Khui and Rashid Rida with a range of tafsir texts to reveal the contradictions between answers offered by a variety of scholars, modern and medieval, female and male, Shiʿi and Sunni.

Knowledge and perception of young adults in Nigeria on effectiveness of condom use in prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Although sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health problem affecting every region of the world, the higher prevalence and mortality rate of STIs in developing countries of the world, like Nigeria, make them serious public health issues in this region. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of young adults in Nigeria on the role of condom (both male and female condoms) as a preventive measure against STIs during heterosexual and homosexual intercourse. Data was collected from participants selected from the northern and southern Nigeria using self-administered questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Knowledge of condom efficacy in STI prevention was satisfactory. However, knowledge and practice of the correct use of condom was poor. Only 47.1% of the 102 participants in this study reported correct condom use of wearing condoms before staring intercourse and removing condoms after ejaculation. As a strategy to include the experiences, knowledge and perception of men who have sex with men, this study asked the question on condom use during anal sex. Only 24.4% of the male participants indicated they have never had anal sex while for females, the percentage was more than half (53.5%). Condom use during anal sex was low with only 20.6% of participants reporting condom use during anal sex. Negative perceptions about condom use - such as that condom use promotes sexual promiscuity, and not using condoms with steady sexual partners - were significant in this study. Also, condom use errors were common in this study. There is a wide gap in knowledge of correct condom use in this population. There is need for interventions that address the issue of condom use during anal and same-sex sexual intercourse in this population.

Homosexuality as a crime in Cameroon

Homosexuality as a crime in Cameroon Matsinkou Tenefosso Sydoine Claire, Emmanuel Jua Juakom Abstract It is universally recognized that homosexuality is criminalized in Cameroon. Meanwhile, most human rights lawyers who defend the cause of homosexuals in Cameroon as well as other international organizations go ahead to say that the punishment for homosexual orientation does not only violate international human rights but also violates the Cameroonian law on homosexuality itself. To them, Article 347 bis of the Cameroon Penal Code which punishes homosexuality is limited to same-sex intercourse and not extended to sexual orientation as a whole. Cameroonian authorities on their part have charged persons with homosexuality without any proof of such same-sex intercourse. In this article, we operate a close look at the content of the law on homosexuality in Cameroon, as well as the content of the word homosexuality itself in order to see the extent to which homosexuality is punished in Cameroon. We arrive at the conclusion that Article 347 bis though seemingly limited to punishing same-sex intercourse is a purposeful act by Cameroonian legislature to punish homosexual orientation and not just same sex intercourse. That the struggle of human rights defenders to ensure respect for the rights of homosexuals by promoting the respect for Article 347 bis will continue to yield little success due to disparities in its interpretations. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v3n2a12

Fanny Hill in Bombay: The Making and Unmaking of John Cleland by Hal Gladfelder (review)

GLADFELDER, HAL. Fanny Hill in Bombay: The Making and Unmaking of John Cleland. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012. 311 pp. $54.95. Hal Gladfelder's deeply researched and thoughtfully assembled biography of John Cleland makes good on its promise reopen [his] writing in all its messiness of being written (4). Cleland here is an eccentric figure who strategically navigated eighteenth-century print culture and politics. Gladfelder's exhaustive work with primary documents provides a welcome supplement to William Epstein's 1974 biography, which dealt sketchily with Cleland's career beyond Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. Gladfelder does devote substantial time in the third and fourth chapters to this most famous of Cleland's works. The first of these situates the novel within the discourse on sodomy, suggesting Cleland and his contemporary Thomas Cannon, author of Ancient and Modern Pederasty Investigated and Exemplify'd, explored the category not to vilify same-sex intercourse but to portray erotic desire as a range of non-normative sexual behaviors. (Cannon's pamphlet is extant only in legal transcriptions, and Gladfelder's ample quotations provide unprecedented access to this lost work.) In these writings, eros turns the body topsy-turvy, and desire and its objects are distanced from restrictive moralistic and heteronormative paradigms (77). Gladfelder's reading of Cleland's sodomy scene, which has received so much critical attention, is the most persuasive and textually attentive treatment I've encountered, acknowledging echoes of anti-sodomy stances but showing ultimately that its continuities with heterosexual scenes challenge eighteenth-century distinctions between natural and unnatural desire. The fourth chapter argues that Cleland's prose fiction. Woman of Pleasure in particular, unseats familiar conventions of the early English novel in favor of experimenting with new instructive modes: repetition and folly. In sum, Gladfelder provides a thick and comprehensive account of Woman of Pleasure, parsing its internal sexual deliberations with as much care as its engagement with literary culture more broadly. But perhaps most importantly, this book examines Cleland's entire career, from his first Bombay clerical writings to his late linguistic and political tracts. Rather than try to account for the sources and works covered--Gladfelder's research in this regard is exhaustive--I'll offer here what I found to be the most transformative revelations. First, Gladfelder's work with Cleland's correspondence brings to life an articulate, bold, erratic, even volatile personality. Advocacy for Indian citizens in 1730s Bombay, humble self-defense following Woman of Pleasure's publication, desperate applications to his mother for an early inheritance--his various legal negotiations show him to be alternately persuasive, self-pitying, and ferocious. …

Investigation of HIV and syphilis infection status and risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men in four cities of China

To investigate HIV and treponema pallidum infection status, risky sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) and its impact factors in China. Snowball sampling was used to recruit subjects from April to August in 2008 in Beijing, Harbin, Zhengzhou and Chengdu city. Serological test of HIV and treponema pallidum were conducted and a questionnaire survey was undertaken among subjects. The questionnaire included social demographics, characteristics of sexual partners and sexual behaviors. A total of 1693 subjects was enrolled in present study, which included 1390 MSM/M (82.1%) and 303 MSMW (17.9%). The infection rate of HIV among MSM/M and MSMW subjects were 7.0% (97/1390) and 6.6% (20/303), respectively. The infection rate of treponema pallidum among MSM/M and MSMW subjects were 11.9% (166/1390) and 13.2% (40/303), respectively. The proportions of MSM/M subjects who never used or sometimes used condoms when having same-sex anal intercourse in recent 6 months were 8.6% (120/1390), 45.3% (630/1390), respectively. The according proportions among MSMW subjects were 10.2% (31/303), 44.6% (135/303), respectively. Among MSM/M subjects, the risk factors of risk sexual behaviors included having less than 6 sexual partners (OR = 6.03, 95%CI: 2.54 - 14.28), no same-sex regular sexual partner (OR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.30 - 3.65), no same-sex casual sexual partner (OR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.79 - 4.71), T-pattern only during anal intercourse (OR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.13 - 2.37) or P-pattern only (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.04 - 2.41). Among MSMW subjects, the risk factors of same-sex risk sexual behaviors included having less than 6 sexual partners (OR = 12.95, 95%CI: 2.38 - 70.52), no same-sex regular sexual partners (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.21 - 0.85), never used condom during heterosexual intercourse (OR = 3.53, 95%CI: 1.48 - 8.42). The infection rate of HIV and treponema pallidum among MSM subjects were quite high, and the same-sex risk sexual behaviors among MSM subjects were ubiquity, whose risk factors including having less than six of sexual partners, no same-sex casual sexual partner, T-pattern or P-pattern only during anal intercourse and never used condemn during heterosexual intercourse among MSMW subjects no same-sex regular partner was a risk factor in MSMS population, while having same-sex regular partners was a risk factor in MSMW population.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 6, 11, 16, and 18 Seroprevalence Is Associated with Sexual Practice and Age: Results from the Multinational HPV Infection in Men Study (HIM Study)

Few human papillomavirus (HPV) serology studies have evaluated type-specific seroprevalence of vaccine HPV types in men. This study investigates seroprevalence of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18, and associated risk factors in men residing in three countries (United States, Mexico, and Brazil). Data from 1,477 men aged 18 to 70 enrolled in the HPV Infection in Men Study (HIM Study) were analyzed. Serum antibody testing was performed with virus-like particle-based ELISA. Potential risk factors were assessed for individual HPV types by the use of logistic regression. Overall, HPV-6, 11, 16, and 18 seroprevalence was 14.8%, 17.3%, 11.2%, and 5.8%, respectively. Thirty-four percent of men were seropositive to one or more HPV types. When examined by sexual practice, 31.2% of men who had sex with women, 65.6% of men who had sex with men (MSM), and 59.4% of men who had sex with both men and women (MSMW) were seropositive to one or more HPV types. Seroprevalence increased with age among young-to-middle-aged men with significant upward age trends observed for HPV 11, 16, and 18. Men with multiple lifetime male anal sex partners were 2 to 4 times more likely to be HPV 6 or 11 seropositive and 3 to 11 times more likely to be HPV 16 or 18 seropositive. Our data indicate that exposures to vaccine HPV types were common in men and highly prevalent among MSM and MSMW. Our study provides strong evidence that the practice of same-sex anal intercourse is an independent risk factor for seroprevalence of individual vaccine HPV types. Examination of antibody responses to HPV infections at various anatomic sites in future studies is needed to elaborate on the mechanism.

The Influence of Physical Body Traits and Masculinity on Anal Sex Roles in Gay and Bisexual Men

Sociological, psychological, and public health studies document that many gay and bisexual men may self-label by their anal penetrative role (i.e., bottom or exclusively receptive; top or exclusively insertive; or versatile, both receptive and insertive during anal intercourse). Yet, what orients men to think of themselves as tops, bottoms or versatiles is poorly understood. We surveyed 429 men engaging in same-sex anal intercourse to investigate the degree to which anal penetrative self-identity was concordant with actual penetrative behavior. Additionally, the roles of masculinity and physical body traits (e.g., penis size, muscularity, height, hairiness, and weight) were tested as correlates of anal penetrative identity and identity-behavior concordance. Tops and bottoms showed a high degree of concordance between identity and enacted behavior; however, only half of versatiles reported concordant identity and behavior (i.e., wanting to be versatile and actually reporting versatile behavior). Generally, tops reported larger penises than bottoms. They also reported being comparatively more masculine than bottoms. Versatiles fell somewhat between the tops and bottoms on these traits. Of the six independent variables, penis size and masculinity were the only two factors to influence concordance or discordance between identity and penetrative behavior. Our study suggests that the correlates of gay men's sexual self-labels may depend on objective traits in addition to the subjective pleasure associated with receptive or insertive anal intercourse.

Attitude Toward Homosexuality among Anglicans in England: the Effects of Theological Orientation and Personality

Disapproval of homosexuality (homonegativity) was assessed using a four-item summated scale in a sample of 7,295 readers of the Church Times who were regular worshippers at Anglican churches in England. The theological orientation of respondents was assessed on three scales measuring preference for liberal or conservative, catholic or evangelical, and charismatic or non-charismatic expressions of faith. Individual differences in personality were assessed using the abbreviated form of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised (EPQR-A). Scores on the homonegativity scale were generally high, indicating disapproval of same-sex intercourse, same-sex marriage and the ordination or consecration of practising homosexuals. After allowing for sex and age, the main predictors of homonegativity were the three measures of individual theological orientation, each having an independent and additive effect. All four scales of the EPQR-A predicted homonegativity to some extent, but the most important relationships were a negative correlation with the psychoticism scale and a positive correlation with the lie scale. In liberal catholic and broad churches, it appeared that those who were psychologically most susceptible to social conditioning were most likely to be homonegative, but this was not the case in conservative evangelical churches.

Adult and Pediatric Emergency Department Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV Screening: Programmatic Overview and Outcomes

To measure the prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among emergency department (ED) patients who accept screening, and to assess treatment outcomes and risks for infection. Research staff offered voluntary testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia (by urine transcription-mediated amplification) and HIV (by enzyme immunoassay/Western blot of oral mucosal transudate) to ED patients. Pediatric (15-21 years) and adult (22-29 years) patients were eligible for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing; patients aged 15-54 years were eligible for HIV testing. The authors surveyed behavioral risks of patients accepting HIV testing. From November 2003 to May 2004, 497 of 791 eligible pediatric patients (63%) and 1,000 of 2,180 eligible adult patients (46%) accepted screening for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and/or HIV. There were 41 patients infected with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both among 380 pediatric patients (10.8%) and 11 of 233 adult patients (4.7%); 14 of 52 patients (27%) were treated presumptively by ED clinicians. Through study efforts, 33 of the 38 remaining patients were treated (90% overall treatment). Eight HIV infections were diagnosed: seven of 969 adult patients (0.7%) and one of 459 pediatric patients (0.2%); five HIV-infected patients (63%) received test results, and three (38%) attended an HIV clinic. Gonorrhea or chlamydia infection in pediatric patients was associated with multiple sex partners, same-sex intercourse, and suspicion of sexually transmitted diseases by the ED clinician. The high prevalence of gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infection among pediatric ED patients tested supports consideration of expanded screening. Targeted HIV screening with rapid tests merits exploration in the authors' ED, given the low-moderate numbers of patients identified through screening, receiving test results, and linked to care.

Gender and sexual orientation differences in sexual response to sexual activities versus gender of actors in sexual films.

In this study, the authors investigated the hypothesis that women's sexual orientation and sexual responses in the laboratory correlate less highly than do men's because women respond primarily to the sexual activities performed by actors, whereas men respond primarily to the gender of the actors. The participants were 20 homosexual women, 27 heterosexual women, 17 homosexual men, and 27 heterosexual men. The videotaped stimuli included men and women engaging in same-sex intercourse, solitary masturbation, or nude exercise (no sexual activity); human male-female copulation; and animal (bonobo chimpanzee or Pan paniscus) copulation. Genital and subjective sexual arousal were continuously recorded. The genital responses of both sexes were weakest to nude exercise and strongest to intercourse. As predicted, however, actor gender was more important for men than for women, and the level of sexual activity was more important for women than for men. Consistent with this result, women responded genitally to bonobo copulation, whereas men did not. An unexpected result was that homosexual women responded more to nude female targets exercising and masturbating than to nude male targets, whereas heterosexual women responded about the same to both sexes at each activity level.

Infamous Desire: Male Homosexuality in Colonial Latin America

In Infamous Desire Pete Sigal successfully weaves together works that cover different geographic regions, employ distinct methodological approaches, and use different types of source material. The majority of the pieces are previously unpublished, and Richard Trexler’s and Serge Gruzinski’s previously published contributions are difficult to acquire in their original forms. While each chapter addresses rarely studied topics—such as Ward Stavig’s piece on same-sex relations among Andeans and Luiz Mott’s on hidden male homosexuals in marginal areas of early Brazil—each does so in a particular way. The volume is enriched by the variety of disciplinary approaches, such as the contribution from Michael Horswell from the perspective of literary criticism.One issue the contributors faced concerns the availability of sources. Since male homosexuality fell under the rubric of deviant behavior investigated by the church, the majority of the contributors use Inquisition records, either alone or in combination with other sources. The corpus of sources might be considered small if compared to records for other topics. Those that engaged in same-sex intercourse operated with extreme care, lest they fall victim to trials that could culminate in brutal punishments. Under such circumstances, the scarcity of sources might not necessarily mean a lack of activity, as Luiz Mott postulates (pp. 190–91). By undertaking a queer reading of the existing documents and employing methodological approaches that help discern hidden transcripts and subnarratives, a seemingly small corpus of sources need not hamper the study of a given topic.In one way or another, the chapters directly and indirectly address the issue of what constituted male homosexuality in the societies and in the time frames discussed. As with all socially defined modes of behavior, male homosexuality did not have universal taxonomies of behavior. In some cases, only the passive received the label of “sodomite,” while in others both passives and actives were viewed with equal scorn by heteronormative societies. Furthermore, male homosexuality must be viewed outside strict definitions of binary gender systems and notions of complementarity. In indigenous societies, as Pete Sigal argues for the Yucatec Maya, male homosexuals were not a disruptive and noncomplementary element. Rather, they fit into preexisting gender constructions that viewed them as essential participants in gender schemes based not on linear male and female dualities but rather on multifaceted sexualities possessed by deities and mortals alike. Such gender systems permitted a larger social space for male homosexuals among the Yucatec Maya than among the Spaniards they came in contact with. Their differing social definitions and norms would have profound implications for the hybrid societies that developed in the colonial period.The volume’s importance lies not only in the topics covered but also in its challenges to traditional interpretations of male homosexuality in colonial societies. The dangers of persecution coerced many desiring same-sex relations into inhibition, if not outright denial. In some cases, however—whether because the arm of the Inquisition lacked a thorough investigative capacity or because the marginal nature of the society attracted individuals more tolerant of “deviant” behavior—male homosexuals acted more openly than they did in areas with more rigid social control described in chapters by Luiz Mott and David Higgs.Although the interpretations and use of data are generally strong, at times the writing is heavily peppered with the language of postmodernism. The reader without some basic understanding of postmodern theoretical constructs will be challenged in some places. Another minor weakness has to do with the conclusions. Some of the chapters end abruptly, perhaps betraying their genesis as parts of larger works or indicating that the authors wanted to continue with their discussions beyond the space allotted. The use of specialized language and somewhat abrupt conclusions does not in anyway detract from the overall high quality of the volume, however.Infamous Desire stands alone as an anthology of cutting-edge research on male homosexuality and male same-sex desire in Portuguese and Spanish America. Sigal provides the connective tissue to draw the different chapters into a logical and coherent whole. The book is essential reading for students of sexuality specifically and for colonialists in general. It adds important voices to the growing scholarship on sexuality. Consequently, the book would serve well in graduate seminars and undergraduate upper-division courses alike.

The Old Testament and Homosexuality: A Critical Review of the Case Made by Phyllis Bird

Phyllis Bird’s important article on the Old Testament’s contributions to Christian ethical discussion of homosexuality argues that anti-homosex OT texts are based on an unacceptable worldview, given their disinterest in affective bonds and attention to male honor. This essay points to major problems with Bird’s article. First, Bird fails to distinguish between affective bonds, in which the OT shows a limited interest, and structural prerequisites for sexual activity. Second, Bird misconstrues the story of Sodom as indicting only coercive male-male intercourse by neglecting Gen 9,20–27 and Ez 16,49–50, failing to connect Jdc 19,22–25 and the qedesîm texts, and misreading the effect of introducing such variables as consent and equality. Third, Bird’s attempt at dismissing the Levitical prohibitions as nonrational and preethical falters because she miscasts Lev 18 and 20 as ritual purity legislation, errs in assuming punishment of coerced participants, and fails to recognize that Lev 18 and 20 give greater weight to structuralist arguments from nature than to unbridled male dominance. Fourth, Bird inaccurately portrays Gen 1,27 and 2,21–24 as void of proscriptive implications for same-sex intercourse. Fifth, Bird’s appropriation of the wisdom tradition overlooks the many ways in which such tradition speaks against her position. Sixth, despite Bird’s claim to the contrary, her approach does not attribute meaningful authority to Scripture as Scripture.

Sexual and Demographic Risk Factors for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 According to Schooling Level Among Mexican Youths

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the agent causing one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in sexually active individuals, is currently considered a public health problem. In Mexico, there have been no population-based studies of the prevalence and factors associated with HSV-2 infection among young students. The goal was to measure HSV-2 seroprevalence and identify possible associated factors among students in the state of Morelos, Mexico. Through a cross-sectional population-based study involving students at 92 schools in the state of Morelos, Mexico, 898 students aged 11 to 24 years old were identified. All of them reported they had already initiated sexual activity and provided a blood sample to detect the presence of anti-HSV-2 antibodies through the Western blot technique. The association between risk factors and HSV-2 was evaluated through multiple logistic regression analysis with stratification by sex and schooling level. In the population under study, the prevalence of HSV-2 seropositivity was 5.7% (51/898), and the ratio of females to males was 2:1. The prevalence of consistent condom use overall was 22.6% among the 898 students. For students in Morelos State, Mexico, the HSV-2 seroprevalence was higher among the youngest female students (9.5% among junior high school versus 3.3% among university students; P<0.001). The main factors associated with HSV-2 infection were sex (for females the risk was 2.2 times higher than for males; 95% CI, 1.2-3.9); junior high school status (2.5 times higher risk than university students (95% CI, 1.1-6.0); and having had same-sex sexual intercourse (3.5 times higher risk; 95% CI, 1.4-8.9). In contrast with other reports, the HSV-2 seroprevalence was higher among younger people. This finding can be explained by a cohort effect of more exposition to behavioral risks, particularly an earlier age at first intercourse and very low use of condoms among youngest students. Longitudinal surveys about serological responses to HSV-2 infection in different age groups are warranted.

A Comprehensive and Critical Review Essay of Homosexuality, Science, and the "Plain Sense" of Scripture, Part 2

Not treated here are the articles by Phyllis A. Bird and William R. Schoedel. My analysis of Bird’s article will be published separately in a forthcoming issue of Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft under the title “The Old Testament and Homosexuality: A Critical Review of the Case Made By Phyllis Bird.” As for the article by William R. Schoedel, I refer readers to pp. 392-95 in my book The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics (Nashville: Abingdon, 2001), “A Note on Schoedel’s Study of Ancient Causation Theories.” Elsewhere I discuss further the implications of “orientation” theory in antiquity for study of Paul’s discussion of homosexual practice: “Does the Bible Regard SameSex Intercourse as Intrinsically Sinful?” in Christian Sexuality: Normative and Pastoral Principles (ed. R. Saltzman; Minneapolis: Kirk House, 2003), 106-55, specifically pp. 140-52.

High levels of sexual HIV/STD risk behaviour among Roma (Gypsy) men in Bulgaria: patterns and predictors of risk in a representative community sample.

Studies on HIV and STD risk factors among vulnerable minority groups in Eastern Europe are underrepresented in the literature. The rapid increase in HIV and STD rates observed throughout the region may quickly affect impoverished, stigmatized, and underprivileged communities. Roma (or Gypsies) constitute such a vulnerable group. A total of 324 men aged 14-37 years were recruited during June-July 2001 in a Roma community neighbourhood in Sofia, Bulgaria. HIV/STD risk behaviours were widespread. Men reported a mean of 2.4 female partners in the past 3 months and 77% did not use a condom during their most recent vaginal intercourse. 72% of Roma men said they had engaged in anal intercourse with women in the past 3 months and almost 75% of these heterosexual anal intercourse occurrences were unprotected. 27% reported having sex with other men during their lifetimes, 10% had same-sex anal intercourse partners in the past 3 months, and 58% of the most recent anal intercourse acts by these men were not condom-protected. 16% of men reported selling sex, and 32% paid someone for sex. Positive condom-use attitudes, intentions, norms and self-efficacy, as well as younger age and condom availability, were factors associated with lower sexual risk. These factors should be targeted in rapid, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive prevention interventions for Roma communities.

Anodyspareunia, the unacknowledged sexual dysfunction: A validation study of painful receptive anal intercourse and its psychosexual concomitants in homosexual men

This study examines the frequency and duration of pain in same-sex anal intercourse in a sample of 277 adult men who have engaged in, or attempted to engage in, anal intercourse during their lifetime. Whereas estimates of frequency of pain appeared blocked distributed across a 7-point Likert scale, severity of pain appeared positively skewed, with 12% rating it as too painful to continue. Participants rated inadequate lubrication, psychological factors such as not feeling relaxed, and lack of digitopoctic stimulation prior to penetration as the three most important psychophysiological factors predicting pain. Factors associated with a greater amount of pain experienced in anal intercourse were depth and rate of thrusting, lack of social comfort with gay men, being more “closeted,” and less concern over becoming old or unattractive as a gay or bisexual man. Pain was also positively related to anxiety. The use of condoms was not rated highly as a factor in receptive anal pain. Based on these findings, the authors define anodysparmnia to denote painful receptive anal intercourse, and suggest clinical criteria similar to that used for other sexual pain disorders.