Community involvement among behaviourally bisexual men in the Midwestern USA: experiences and perceptions across communities

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Brian Dodge, Indiana University; Phillip W. Schnarrs, Indiana University; Michael Reece, Indiana University; Gabriel Goncalves, Indiana University; Omar Martinez, Columbia University; Ryan Nix, Step Up Inc; David Malebranche, Emory University; Barbara Van Der Pol, Indiana University; Maresa Murray, Indiana University; James Fortenberry, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-01-01
• Publisher: Routledge Journals, Taylor and Francis ltd.
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 Informa UK Limited
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2012.721136
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Culture, Health and Sexuality
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 9
• Start Page: 1095
• End Page: 1110
• Grant/Funding Information: Funding for this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health (HD 059494, Brian Dodge, Principal Investigator)
• Keywords: GAY MEN; stigma; Social Sciences; SEXUAL HEALTH; Family Studies; LATINO MEN; UNITED-STATES; Social Sciences, Biomedical; social support; WOMEN; bisexual men; Biomedical Social Sciences; community; MINORITY STRESS; HIV; RISK; USA; STIGMA
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Limited research exists regarding community involvement and social support among behaviourally bisexual men. Previous studies suggest that bisexual men experience high levels of social stigma in both heterosexual and homosexual community settings. Research focusing on social support has demonstrated that individuals with limited access to similar individuals experience greater risk for negative health outcomes. Using a community-based research design, participants were recruited using multiple methods. Researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 75 men who reported having engaged in bisexual behaviour within the past six months. Interviews elucidated the experiences of behaviourally bisexual men in heterosexual and homosexual settings, as well as their perceptions of the existence of a bisexual community or bisexual spaces. All participants perceived a lack of a visible bisexual community and expressed difficulty with being comfortable, or a feeling of belonging, within a variety of heterosexual and homosexual community spaces. Findings suggest the need for interventions focused on community building among, as well as creating spaces specifically designed for, bisexual men in order to increase perceived social support and decrease isolation and possible negative health outcomes.