Straight Culture

2021 ◽  
pp. 93-125
Author(s):  
Tony Silva
Keyword(s):  
Rural Area ◽  
Small Town ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Youth Sports ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Dominant Group ◽  
Families Of Origin ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Bisexual Identity

The men interviewed considered straightness as an identity, a way of life, or a community. Identifying as straight meant they could continue relationships with their women partners, children, extended family, friends, and other people in their straight communities, relationships they did not think possible with a gay or bisexual identity. It also meant they could avoid stigma and could feel connected to a socially dominant group. In terms of identity, having sex with men was largely irrelevant. They were not “closeted” gay or bisexual men. They identified as straight. In short, the men interviewed were secretive about their sex with men, not their identities. Embeddedness in heterosexual culture reinforces their straight identity, regardless of the fact that they might have sex with men. Key straight institutions described by the men interviewed included their childhood families of origin; religion; school or youth sports; and the families they formed as adults. Most felt that part of a straight man’s life in a rural area or small town was being a husband or father and found great meaning in this. Not coincidentally, many also perceived partnerships with women or childrearing as central to their straight and masculine identities.

Still Straight

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Silva
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Dominant Group ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Mountain West

Hundreds of thousands of straight American men have had sex with multiple men. Not all are closeted gay or bisexual men. Nor are they all just experimenting. This book examines the stories of sixty such men in rural areas and small towns across the Pacific Northwest, the Mountain West, and the Midwest. They identified as straight primarily because they are embedded in institutions and communities that reward male heterosexuality and masculinity. The author refers to all of this as “straight culture.” Most identified as straight not because they hated gay or bisexual men. Instead, they felt that most aspects of their lives were heterosexual. Those married to women wanted to stay that way and saw their role as a husband as key to their straightness. They considered their sex with men mostly irrelevant to their identity. All described themselves as masculine, too, and many felt that identifying as gay or bisexual would have threatened their masculinity. Wanting to avoid discrimination and enjoying being part of a socially dominant group played roles as well. Most of these men were also primarily or exclusively attracted to women. Many began having sex with men only later in life to continue having sex but without feeling as though they were cheating on their wives. The stories of the men interviewed are filled with irony and paradox yet are also genuine. Overall, the book explores this question: What if heterosexuality, and particularly male heterosexuality, is not always what it seems?

Helping a Buddy Out

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-157
Author(s):  
Tony Silva
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Small Town ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Hooking Up ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Three Components

The men interviewed interpreted sex with men as compatible with heterosexuality and masculinity. What the author calls “bud-sex” is the way rural and small-town, white, straight men interpret or engage in sex in ways that reinforce their heterosexuality and masculinity. While the sex these men have with other men involves acts similar to those between gay and bisexual men, the meanings they attach to these acts differ greatly. Bud-sex has three components. First is hooking up with other masculine, white, and straight or bisexual men. Second is having secretive, nonromantic sex. And third is interpreting male-male sex as largely unthreatening to masculinity, heterosexuality, or marriage. Bud-sex, with its unique understandings of gender and sexual identity, reflects and reinforces the men’s embeddedness in straight culture. Sexual identity and masculinity depend on what sex acts mean, rather than on mere mechanics. Consequently, interpretations of sexual practices, not sexual practices in and of themselves, are crucially important. For the straight men interviewed, their interpretations both reflected and reinforced their embeddedness in straight culture. Bud-sex allows straight men to enjoy male-male sex without threatening either their heterosexuality or their masculinity.

Guys like Me

2021 ◽  
pp. 158-178
Author(s):  
Tony Silva
Keyword(s):  
Small Town ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sex With Men

Most of the men interviewed had sex with men like themselves: masculine, straight or secretly bisexual, and white. This is not happenstance. Sex between similar men is fundamental to bud-sex. Partnering with similar men helps make the encounter seem more “normal” and thus compatible with straightness and masculinity. For the men interviewed, having sex with men like themselves reflects and strengthens their embeddedness in rural and small-town straight culture. White, masculine, straight men reflect the composition of the rural and small-town communities in which these men find comfort and belonging. Sexually partnering with men unlike themselves and unlike the men in their social contexts would have seemed more out of place and thus threatening to their identities. Hence the very institutions that encouraged their masculinity and heterosexuality also shaped their desires for particular kinds of men. Sex with fellow white, masculine, and straight or secretly bisexual men helped them feel more secure in their heterosexuality and masculinity. Being with men like themselves helped make the encounter seem more “normal” to them.

Men Who Have Sex With Men and HIV Risk Behavior: Exploring the Influence of Masculinity Within the Social Ecological Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 511-533
Author(s):  
Kenneth C. Hergenrather ◽  
Diona Emmanuel ◽  
Robert J. Zeglin ◽  
David J. Ruda ◽  
Scott D. Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behavior ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Ecological Model ◽  
Hiv Risk Behavior ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sex With Men

In the United States, gay, bisexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) represent 86% of new HIV infections among males. Approximately 1 in 7 men with HIV are unaware of their HIV status (CDC, 2017, 2019a, 2020a). To explore influences on MSM HIV risk behavior, the authors performed a systematic review of quantitative studies conducted in the U.S. assessing what is purported as masculinity. From 30 identified studies, significant findings were framed within the Social Ecological Model (SEM) levels (e.g., Individual, Relationship, Community). SEM level themes were applied to create the Masculinity 10, a preliminary 10-item assessment to explore the influence of masculinity on MSM HIV risk behavior. To increase MSM engagement in HIV prevention and treatment, the influences of masculinity (e.g., attitude toward sexual minorities, appearance, emotion, temperament, substance use, sexual activity, social support, intimate relationships, health care) on HIV risk behavior should be further explored.

scholarly journals Pilot Trial of a Sexual Health Counseling Intervention for HIV-Positive Gay and Bisexual Men Who Report Anal Sex without Condoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor A. Hart ◽  
Natalie Stratton ◽  
Todd A. Coleman ◽  
Holly A. Wilson ◽  
Scott H. Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Sexual Compulsivity ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Even in the presence of promising biomedical treatment as prevention, HIV incidence among men who have sex with men has not always decreased. Counseling interventions, therefore, continue to play an important role in reducing HIV sexual transmission behaviors among gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. The present study evaluated effects of a small-group counseling intervention on psychosocial outcomes and HIV sexual risk behavior. Method HIV-positive (HIV+) peer counselors administered seven 2-hour counseling sessions to groups of 5 to 8 HIV+ gay and bisexual men. The intervention employed information provision, motivational interviewing, and behavioral skills building to reduce sexual transmission risk behaviors. Results There was a significant reduction in condomless anal sex (CAS) with HIV-negative and unknown HIV-status partners, from 50.0% at baseline to 28.9% of the sample at 3-month follow-up. Findings were robust even when controlling for whether the participant had an undetectable viral load at baseline. Significant reductions were also found in the two secondary psychosocial outcomes, loneliness and sexual compulsivity. Conclusions The findings provide preliminary evidence that this intervention may offer an efficient way of concurrently reducing CAS and mental health problems, such as sexual compulsivity and loneliness, for HIV+ gay and bisexual men. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02546271

scholarly journals Between Mainland and Island: Causes for Migration and the Way of Life of Chinese Mainland Migrant Workers in Bó’áo

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Gumpenberger
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Small Town ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Hainan Island ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Local Society ◽  
Rapid Transformation ◽  
The Way

Abstract This article presents the results of a case study conducted in Bó’áo, a small town on Hǎinán Island currently undergoing rapid transformation. Triggered by the founding of the Boao Forum for Asia, an unknown fishing village has turned into an important location for conferences and tourism. On the basis of Grounded Theory this case study focuses on migrant workers from mainland China, using qualitative semi-structured interviews in order to explore the causes behind this migration influx to Bó’áo. In addition, this paper investigates the way these migrants organise their lives in this small town by raising the question of social integration within the local society—a topic largely neglected in the general academic discourse in and on China. The results of this study show that the level of education determines both reasons for migration as well as the way the migrant workers organise their everyday lives and the way in which they interact with locals. This paper also scrutinises common concepts of integration, e.g. the need to acquire the language spoken by the majority.

scholarly journals General practitioner awareness of sexual orientation among a community and internet sample of gay and bisexual men in New Zealand

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Ludlam ◽  
Peter Saxton ◽  
Nigel Dickson ◽  
Anthony Hughes
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men

INTRODUCTION: General practitioners (GPs) can improve HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, vaccination and wellbeing among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) if they are aware of a patient?s sexual orientation. AIM: To estimate GP awareness of their GBM patients' sexual orientation and examine whether HIV and STI screening was associated with this. METHODS: We analysed anonymous, self-completed data from 3168 GBM who participated in the community-based Gay Auckland Periodic Sex Survey (GAPSS) and internet-based Gay men's Online Sex Survey (GOSS) in 2014. Participants were asked if their usual GP was aware of their sexual orientation or that they had sex with men. RESULTS: Half (50.5%) believed their usual GP was aware of their sexual orientation/behaviour, 17.0% were unsure, and 32.6% believed he/she was unaware. In multivariate analysis, GP awareness was significantly lower if the respondent was younger, Asian or an 'Other' ethnicity, bisexual-identified, had never had anal intercourse or had first done so very recently or later in life, and had fewer recent male sexual partners. GBM whose GP was aware of their sexual orientation were more likely to have ever had an HIV test (91.5% vs 57.9%; p<0.001), specific STI tests (91.7% vs 68.9%; p<0.001), and were twice as likely to have had an STI diagnosed. DISCUSSION: Lack of sexual orientation disclosure is resulting in missed opportunities to reduce health inequalities for GBM. More proactive, inclusive and safe environments surrounding the care of sexual orientation minorities are needed in general practice to encourage disclosure. KEYWORDS: Culturally competent care; general practice; HIV; HPV; sexual health; sexual orientation

scholarly journals 1281. Awareness of U=U Among Gay and Bisexual Men Who Have Sex with Men

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S461-S461
Author(s):  
Meredith E Clement ◽  
Rick Zimmerman ◽  
Josh Grimm ◽  
Joseph Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Negative ◽  
Strong Agreement

Abstract Background The “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (“U=U”) campaign is gaining traction, but prior studies from 2012–2017 have shown that the proportion of gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) who are aware of or have perceived accuracy of U=U is low. We report findings from a survey administered to GBMSM in 2018 to understand whether the landscape is changing with respect to U=U message dissemination. Methods GBMSM were recruited on gay dating apps to complete a 96 question survey. Survey data were collected in April-August of 2018. Collected data elements included demographic information, HIV status, ART and PrEP use, and beliefs and opinions regarding HIV transmission. Results 969 GBMSM completed the survey; of whom, 678 had analyzable data (241 had never had anal sex with a man and 54 were missing ≥1 of the variables used in the analysis). Average age was 43 years, 65% were white, 15% black, 15% white, and 15% were HIV-infected (of whom 92% were on anti-retrovirals). Of the 85% who were HIV-uninfected, 39% were on PrEP. In response to the statement that a person with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to an HIV-uninfected person, 24% strongly agreed. Among HIV-negative GBMSM, 33% of those on PrEP agreed and 12% of those not on PrEP agreed. Among those living with HIV, 42% agreed. A multivariable logistic regression was run to explain correlates of strong agreement with U=U, using the following variables: age, education, being Black, being Hispanic, relationship status, number of lifetime male sexual partners, condom use with most recent anal sex, HIV status, PrEP use, and attitudes about living with HIV. Variables associated with strong agreement with U=U were living with HIV (AOR = 1.63, P < 0.001), taking PrEP (AOR = 2.85, P < 0.001), most recent encounter’s condom use (AOR = 2.22, P = 0.003), and having positive attitudes about living with HIV (AOR= 1.93, P < 0.001). Table 1 shows percentages for each of these variables (bivariate relationships) strongly agreeing with U=U. Conclusion Now that U=U has been scientifically proven, the challenge is public awareness. U=U awareness seems to be improving among GBMSM, with HIV-negative GBMSM making the greatest strides. Education around U=U and PrEP efficacy may help reduce guilt around HIV transmission and alleviate HIV stigma. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals PO 8483 ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN HIV AND OTHER STIS AMONG GAY, BISEXUAL MEN AND TRANSGENDER WOMEN IN NAIROBI, KENYA

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A44.2-A44
Author(s):  
Rodah Wanjiru ◽  
Joshua Kimani ◽  
Adrian Smith
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Male Birth ◽  
Sex With Men

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) are a key target population for HIV prevention and control in Kenya. Although male sex workers remain the focus of research in Nairobi, HIV/STI prevalence has not been assessed among the wider MSM population since 2010. This study set out to reassess prevalence and associations of HIV and other STIs.MethodsRespondent-driven sampling recruited 618 MSM. Eligibility criteria were age 18+, male (birth or currently), Nairobi residence and consensual oral or anal intercourse with a man in the last year. Consenting participants completed an online survey including current experience of STI symptoms. Participants tested for HIV [Determine, First Response [2nd gen] and GeneXpert HIV-Qual [4th gen]], syphilis [RPR/TPHA], hepatitis B and C [HBsAg and HCV ELISA], urine and rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea [GeneXpert CTNG]. Associations with prevalent HIV were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsHIV prevalence was 26.4% [22.6–30.6] including 0.5% [0.2–1.5] detected solely on 4th gen testing. Prevalent HIV was independently associated with age, lower education, Kenyan birth, transgender identity and exclusive sex with men in the past 3 months but dependently associated with STI symptoms. Prevalence of syphilis was 0.8% [0.3–1.9]; hepatitis B 4.4% [3.4–6.9]; hepatitis C 0.5% [0.2–1.5]. Current symptoms consistent with urethritis were reported by 6.4% [4.5–9.0] of participants. Prevalence of urethral GC and CT were 4.4% [2.9–6.7] and 7.3% [5.2–10.3] respectively. Symptoms consistent with proctitis were reported by 8.6% [6.3–11.6] of participants. The prevalence of rectal GC and CT were 13.3% [10.4–16.8] and 8.7% [6.7–11.2] respectively. Overall, only 17.7% [9.2–31.2] of participants with urethral CT/NG and 17.8% [10.7–28.0] rectal CT/NG were symptomatic.ConclusionThe burden of HIV among gay, bisexual and other MSM (GBMSM) remains considerably higher than other men in Nairobi, whilst the prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis C are relatively low. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections, particularly rectal, are common and frequently asymptomatic. Capacity of GBMSM-friendly and community-based providers to offer CT/NG screening should be prioritised.

scholarly journals Secondary Syphilitic Lesions

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Baughn ◽  
Daniel M. Musher
Keyword(s):  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
The United States ◽  
Secondary Syphilis ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Secondary Stage ◽  
Cutaneous Reactions ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Historical Accounts ◽  
Untreated Individuals

SUMMARY An important theme that emerges from all early historical accounts is that in addition to the decreased virulence of Treponema pallidum, the incidence of secondary syphilis has decreased drastically over the past three centuries. Even in the early 20th century, most syphilologists were of the opinion that the disease had undergone changes in its manifestations and that they were dealing with an attenuated form of the spirochete. Such opinions were based primarily on the observations that violent cutaneous reactions and fatalities associated with the secondary stage had become extremely rare. The rate of primary and secondary syphilis in the United States increased in 2002 for the second consecutive year. After a decade-long decline that led to an all-time low in 2000, the recent trend is attributable, to a large extent, by a increase in reported syphilis cases among men, particularly homosexual and bisexual men having sex with men. The present review addresses the clinical and diagnostic criteria for the recognition of secondary syphilis, the clinical course and manifestations of the disease if allowed to proceed past the primary stage of disease in untreated individuals, and the treatment for this stage of the disease.

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