Self-identified Gay Men Research Articles

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

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

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

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

The discursive manifestation of normativities in coming-out-to-family discourses in Japanese social media

Abstract This study investigates the discursive manifestation of normativities and participants’ orientation to them for identity work in coming-out-to-family discourses in Japanese YouTube videoclips posted by self-identified gay men. The study focuses on how the participants – the YouTubers and their family members – use discourses of normativity as a resource to illegitimize and legitimize sexual identities. It also touches on the conceptualization of homonormativity in the Japanese context. The analysis suggests that in societies like that of Japan, where heteronormative ideals are deeply entrenched in the culture, homonormativity may not be fully conceptualized at the level of local gay male communities, while the dominant heterosexual community, conversely, may have a clear vision of homonormativity for these individuals. It thus further considers the viewpoints that shape normativities for marginalized social groups.

Have a Woman’s Heart but a Man’s Face: Perceptions of Gay Relationships in Greek Gay Men

AbstractIn this qualitative study, we build upon the findings of previous research by investigating the perceptions and attitudes of 10 self-identified gay men in Greece, toward gay relationships, the influence of Greek society upon them, masculinity, partner preferences, and self-disclosure. A critical thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed that most participants held negative views regarding same-sex relationships among gay men possibly due to internalizing the homonegativity of Greek society which was consistently acknowledged. They further expressed preference for masculine partners and tended to avoid feminine gay men, preferring to befriend them rather than pursue a romantic relationship with them. Although many participants described masculine gay men as reserved, distant, and emotionally restricted, they still preferred them as partners. Furthermore, most participants expressed negative opinions about self-disclosure, possibly due to the identity confusion caused by the rejection for their sexual orientation Greek social environment. Similarly, when it came to LGBTIQ + rights activism, participants were opposed, contending that it caused more confusion and discord within the younger generation of gays rather than fostered positive change. This research makes a unique contribution by presenting a realistic account of gay men’s contradicting views of their selfhood, a disbelief in gay relationships, an outright preference for masculinity in partnerships, a disdain for gay rights activism, and fear of self-disclosure. These perceptions and attitudes appear to be due to the long history of societal marginalization and rejection and may be subject to change as Greece moves toward a more accepting environment for LGBTIQ + rights.

Social Representations of Homosexuality During the Childhood of Gay Men

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

The Importance of Body Acceptance in Exploring the Relationships of Mindfulness-Based Constructs to Eating Behaviours among Gay and Bisexual Men

IntroductionMindfulness and mindfulness-based constructs (e.g. self-compassion and mindful eating) have been negatively associated with problematic eating and body-related issues in general and other specific populations. Exploration of mindfulness-based concepts in relation to problematic eating would provide novel insight into the relationships of these elements among gay and bisexual men. The present research aimed to identify the role of body acceptance in exploring previous relationships between mindfulness-based constructs and eating behaviours.MethodsParticipants completed an online questionnaire, comprising measures assessing mindfulness, self-compassion, mindful eating, body acceptance, grazing, emotional eating, restrained eating and external eating (data collection occurred in 2022). Correlation and further mediation analysis was employed to assess the relationships of these constructs within the present sample (n = 164).ResultsPositive associations between body acceptance and mindfulness-based concepts and negative associations to problematic eating (grazing; emotional, restrained, and external eating) were found within a sample of self-identified gay and bisexual men. Mediation analysis showed the importance of body acceptance in exploring relationships between mindfulness, self-compassion, and mindful eating to grazing, emotional, restrained and external eating.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of body acceptance when considering the development of mindfulness- and/or compassion-based interventions to attenuate problematic eating among gay and bisexual men.Policy ImplicationsThis research consolidates the importance of mindfulness and related constructs when considering problematic eating, which should be reflected in policy aiming to attenuate unhealthy eating in specific populations.

Older, self-identifying gay men's conceptualisations of psychological well-being (PWB): A Canadian perspective.

Many older gay men experience diminished psychological well-being (PWB) due to unique circumstances including discrimination, living with HIV, and aging through the HIV/AIDS crisis. However, there remains ambiguity as to how older gay men define and understand PWB. Our team interviewed and analyzed the accounts of 26 older (50+) self-identifying English-speaking men living in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We drew on tenets of constructivist grounded theory and intersectionality to account for unique contextual considerations and power relations. Semi-structured Zoom interviews were conducted from August-October 2022. Interview transcripts were compared to generate high-order conceptual findings underpinned by processes understood as central to PWB. Three PWB temporal processes highlighted interlocking social and contextual circumstances intersecting with power and maturation: (1) being emotionally balanced, (2) living gratitude (3) and fully embracing self-acceptance. Being emotionally balanced supported the affective and sustainable state of contentment, living gratitude drew from the wisdom of accrued experiences to cultivate a positive affective state inclusive to recognising social location privileges, whilst fully embracing self-acceptance redressed the harms of anti-gay discourses that men endured throughout their lives. The knowledge is relevant to service and resource development to deliver tailored PWB supports to older gay men.

Unsheltered Rainbows: Meaning of Home among Homeless and Runaway Sexual Minority

Home is a warm refuge for many individuals; however, some were not gifted and became unsheltered. Various sociopolitical factors include multiple layers of oppression, mental health, and unsatisfactory relationship scaffold rootlessness. The study aimed to explore the meanings of home among seven gay homeless and runaways. They were recruited through homogenous purposive and snowball sampling. It charted the track of interpretative phenomenological qualitative research and employed photovoice, a visual methodology. Participants were 18 and above self-identified gay men who had experienced youth homelessness for over a year. Framework analysis and triangulation were employed for the interpretation and validation. For the results, the cohort’s meanings of home are forming a non-normative family (nourishing emotional connection with significant non-relatives and achievement of heteronormative goal), characteristics of a home (physical qualities and experiential qualities), positive and emotional environment, emblem of achievement, and genuine parental acceptance. Findings suggest that birth-home and homelessness experiences contribute to conceptualizing and characterizing home as a physical structure and experience. Thus, diversity and inclusivity are social issues that need to be highlighted.

Internalized Homonegativity and Psychological Distress Among Chinese Gay Men: The Mediating Role of Loneliness and the Moderating Role of Authoritarian Filial Piety.

Purpose: Previous research has consistently found that internalized homonegativity is a salient predictor of psychological distress, but how and when this relationship occurs is unclear, especially among Chinese sexual minority individuals, who are less frequently studied in the literature. This study explored whether the cultural norm of filial piety moderates the indirect association between internalized homonegativity and psychological problems (i.e., symptoms of anxiety and depression) through a sense of loneliness. Methods: To study this question, data were collected from 426 self-identified gay men in China, from February to July 2021, using an online platform. Demographic data, loneliness, authoritarian filial piety (AFP), and internalized homonegativity were measured in this cross-sectional study. Results: In the direct and mediation models, internalized homonegativity had a significant association with psychological distress. In the moderated mediation model, AFP strengthened the effect of internalized homonegativity on loneliness. The indirect positive effect of internalized homonegativity on psychological distress through loneliness was stronger for participants with higher AFP. Conclusions: Loneliness appears to play a role in the relationship between internalized homonegativity and psychological distress. Intervention programs for reducing psychological distress among sexual minority individuals should especially target gay men who endorse high levels of AFP because as a group, their internalized homonegativity is more likely to have a stronger impact on psychological health through loneliness compared with those with low levels of AFP.

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.

Examining the Influence of Pre-HAART Experiences on Older, Self-Identifying Gay Men’s Contemporary Constructions of Quality of Life (QOL)

ABSTRACT Some older gay men (50+) experience diminished quality of life (QOL) due to historical and ongoing discrimination in addition to living through a collective trauma—the pre-HAART era of the HIV/AIDS epidemic—characterized by the absence of treatment and rampant discrimination targeting gay men. A growing body of literature, however, illustrates that older gay men demonstrate remarkable resilience but little is known about how QOL is conceptualized and how these conceptualizations are potentially shaped by pre-HAART experiences. The current study drew on constructivist grounded theory methods to examine how QOL is conceptualized in light of the sociohistorical relevance of pre-HAART. Twenty Canadian based gay men aged 50+ participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom. Ultimately, QOL is understood as experiencing contentment, which is made possible by the development and implementation of three key processes: (1) developing and cultivating meaningful connections, (2) growing into and embracing identity, and (3) appreciating the capacity to do what brings joy. QOL for this group is greatly informed by a context of disadvantage, and the demonstrated resilience warrants further investigation to meaningfully support the overall well-being of older gay men.

Gender Role Conflict, Gay Identity, Relationship Love Types and Relationship Satisfaction in Greek Gay Men: A Path Model

We examined the relations between Gender Role Conflict (GRC) patterns, Gay Identity, Relationship Satisfaction (RS) and three of Sternberg’s Relationship Love Types (Fatuous Love, Infatuation, Companionate Love). Self-identified gay men ( n = 232) completed an online survey. A path model showed that Companionate Love Type mediated effects upon RS. Specifically, (a) the negative effects of GRC patterns, Restricted Emotionality, Restricted Affectionate Behaviour Between Men and Success, Power, and Competition, (b) the negative effect of the Gay Identity dimension, Internalized Homonegativity and (c) the negative effect of Infatuation and the positive effect of Fatuous love. Conclusively, GRC and Gay Identity seem to negatively affect the emotional exchange and communication between partners and their overall subjective evaluation of the relationship. Acceptance and empowerment by the significant other or negotiating one’s role in the relationship may be a better “territory” of confronting and managing Gay Identity and GRC issues in ameliorating one’s relationship.

Body dysmorphia in gay male spaces: the double binds of knowing what you want and simultaneously rejecting it

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a distressing mental health disorder with a prevalence of 2.4% among adults in the United States. While research has previously evaluated the impacts of age and gender differences, there has been a limited focus on the intersection of BDD symptomology and the experiences of sexual minority men. This dearth of research contributes to a lack of understanding, both socio-culturally and clinically, of the lived experiences of gay men with BDD. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences 10 self-identified gay men diagnosed with BDD to gain insight into possible intrapsychic and interpersonal factors that are at play for this population. Analysis, informed by a phenomenological approach, yielded three key themes of double binds experienced by the participants: My Armor is my Spotlight, Wanting Intimacy but Rejecting it, and Caught Between Cultural Expectations and Desires for Self.

What’s culture got to do with it? Latino gay men’s perception of their coming out experience

ABSTRACT Research examining the intersectionality of Latino cultural factors and sexual orientation remains dearth, making it difficult to fully understand the impact cultural factors have on the coming out experience for Latino gay men. To better understand how cultural factors play a role in the coming out process, 15 self-identified Latino gay men, aged 27–40, were surveyed using an integrated approach methodology. Findings suggest that multiple cultural factors within the Latino community influence the coming out process for the men in this study.

Aging out: Place and sexuality

This paper explores LGBT retirees as agents of change who are renegotiating the terms of healthy aging in place and expanding our understanding of lifestyle and retirement migration. For the first time in history, a generation of self-identified lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender individuals have entered retirement. However, their subjective experiences have largely been glossed over in popular discourses of successful aging and migration in heteronormative society. This article explores why and how older LGBT people are choosing housing options to age “out of place” in order to support their sexual lives and identities. Examining the everyday experiences of these seniors—members of a double minority, both aged and LGBT—allows us to disrupt the idea of what healthy “aging in place” means and when it might actually be unhealthy. Employing standpoint theory pushes the analysis of marginalized voices to the fore and allows us to ask about these seniors’ subjective realities. What results is a reimagining of the aging landscape. Interview data from LGBT seniors who have migrated to LGBT naturally occurring retirement communities or LGBT-focused housing complexes in France, Sweden, and Germany are used to stretch our notions of wellbeing and aging in place for these diverse retirees. One finding is that for these LGBT seniors, disrupting social norms by aging out of place is not escapist or amenity-seeking, but is key to honoring their sexuality and aging process in a safe and supportive environment.

Art therapy for chemsex: A pilot study of representations of memories among this subset of self-identified gay men as expressed in gouache painting

This pioneering art-based qualitative phenomenological study examined expressions and representations of memories among Israeli self-identified gay males who engaged in chemsex11A term associated with the gay community int Israel. (combining drugs such as crystal meth and GHB with sexual behavior) as expressed in gouache painting. Fourteen openly self-identified gay secular Jewish men (25-45) represented their chemsex experiences and then described their feelings in semi-structured interviews. The interviews and artwork were analyzed according to the principles of thematic analysis and the phenomenological approach to shed light on gouache paint as a medium that prompts access to the thoughts and feelings of the gay male community involved in chemsex. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: 1. From longing to belonging and visibility, 2. Lack of excitement during sex, 3. Elicitation of the original feelings and sensations when under the influence of drugs, 4. Recalling sexual experiences as reflected in the artwork. The analysis suggested that coming-out processes have certain similarities to immigration processes and are characterized by attempts to affiliate with the peer group while embracing its behavior patterns, even when these are not in line with the individual’s desires. The shame elicited when recalling these sexual experiences generates a need for emotional disengagement to continue functioning. Without a suitable therapeutic response, this may lead to addiction. The gouache medium helped identify a reemerging desire for control the participants felt they had lost.

“I wasn’t feeling like I belonged in my skin”: How self‐identified gay men in the UK experience unhelpful incidents in talking therapy1

AbstractBackgroundContemporary psychological research and practice in Western Societies oppose pathologising perspectives about same‐sex attraction. Nonetheless, recent research indicates gay men may still experience unhelpful incidents in talking therapy in relation to their sexual/affectional orientation. Research focusing on how self‐identified gay men (SIGM) experience these unhelpful incidents, however, remains sparse.AimThe objective of the present study is to offer insight into the phenomenon of unhelpful experiences of SIGM clients in relation to their sexual/affectional orientation.MethodThe data were collected through individual, semi‐structured interviews of six SIGM (aged 25–57), describing how they currently experience these unhelpful incidents. This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to capture the lived experiences and sense‐making of the participants.FindingsThe following three Master Themes were identified: (1) Making Sense of Disconnection, (2) A Rejecting Therapy for a Gay Individual, and (3) Understanding the Impact of Unhelpful Incidents Outside Therapy. The unhelpful experiences of SIGM clients appeared to be largely coloured by the sense of disconnection they felt from their therapists. These followed an experience of therapy that they felt did not acknowledge or embrace their individual gay identity. Participants relayed how these experiences impacted their lives outside therapy. Despite the significant and lasting negative impact, however, all imparted a sense of managing to move on to some extent.ConclusionsThe present research could encourage therapists and researchers to continue pursuing and embracing helpful ways of working therapeutically with SIGM and other sexual, gender and intersecting identities.

Bodies becoming art: Using a Deleuzian approach to explore the bodies and health of gay men

The ways gay men navigate socially constructed body tensions are explored through a post-structural lens. Nine self-identifying gay men in Canada used photovoice to create images that expressed their beliefs, values and practices about their bodies. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews to discuss the meanings of their images. Three discursive considerations were created from the analysis of both interviews and the photographs. Participants attempted to create bodies aligned with the dominant body ideals for gay men but, in doing so, often suffered from emotional harm that negatively shaped their health and well-being. Some participants, however, through the process of creating their bodies were able to find new connections and new understanding of their bodies. They were able to find new ways of being outside the rigid body ideals set before them. Through the post-structural lens of the research, participants’ bodies can be conceptualized as bodies becoming art.

Queer family intimacies: sex and love between primos in Mexico

ABSTRACT This paper presents the rich and detailed sex life stories of two self-identified cisgender gay men. Both recalled in retrospect their romantic and sexual experiences with their respective close in age first cousins during their adolescence. Both men described their experiences as voluntary and a positive influence on their emotional and sexual development as self-identified gay men. The men were born and raised in contrasting contexts: the first in a small town in Jalisco, the second in Mexico City. Both men participated in a larger study that gave life to experiences of incest as documented through storytelling, and the stories men shared speak for themselves. However, they also provide insightful reflections on cultures of family intimacy in Mexico.

The diverse joys of sex and relationships in straight, gay, and bisexual Polish men.

The purpose of this study was to describe sexual orientations, intimate relationships, sexual behaviours, and pleasure in self-identified straight, gay, and bisexual men. The analysis drew on a database obtained from a cross-sectional online study of the sexuality of Polish straight (SM; N = 1,079), gay (GM; N = 1,704) and bisexual (BM; N = 713) men. This data was utilised to compare men from these three groups across their sexual orientations, intimate relationships and sexual behaviours, including the most pleasurable sexual activities. In general, the sexualities of GM and BM seem to be more diverse and less oriented to particular sexual activities. Sexual minority men (SMM) tended to be more often in open (nonexclusive) relationships, had more diverse sexual experiences, and enjoyed a greater variety of sexual activities. This particularly concerned BM. Present analysis revealed patterns and significant differences in sexual orientations, intimate relationships, sexual behaviours, and pleasure of SM, GM and BM. The results, pointing to a greater diversity of sexual expression and preferences in SMM, may both trigger reshaping of some of the stereotypical beliefs, as well as positively influence educational (sexual education, specialized teaching) and clinical practice (more accurate assessment of patients' needs and problems).