Recent studies have found that many young African American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) do not identify as bisexual or non-heterosexual. The present study explored the mental journeys of twenty African American MSMW as they decided to undergo HIV testing. The rejection of sexual identity labels may contribute to the rising annual HIV infection rate among African American men who have sex with men (MSM) and MSMW. Furthermore, sexual identity ambivalence may lead to secretive sexual behavior and failure to disclose homosexual relations to female partners, behavior colloquially referred to as “down-low.” Greater understanding of the nuanced distinctions between sexual identity and behavior may help public health researchers address the needs of this racial and sexual minority that remains especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
Background: Southern African American men are disproportionately affected by HIV. Barbershops, however, can aid inreducing the prevalenceof the disease. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine southern African American men’s risky sexual behaviors and readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. Methods:Participants completed surveyson their risky sexual behaviors and readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. Results: The participantsused condoms infrequently, had multiple sexual partners, and used drugs and alcohol. Theyweremoderately prepared forbarbershop-based HIV prevention programs. Conclusion: These findings have implications for the development of barbershop-based HIV prevention programs for this group.
Rationale, Design and Methods of the Ecological Study of Sexual Behaviors and HIV/STI among African American Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Southeastern United States (The MARI Study)