Subjective Sexual Experiences of Behaviorally Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States: Sexual Attraction, Sexual Behaviors and Condom Use

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Phillip W. Schnarrs, Indiana University; Brian Dodge, Indiana University; Michael Reece, Indiana University; Gabriel Goncalves, Indiana University; Omar Martinez, Indiana University; Barbara Van Der Pol, Indiana University; David Malebranche, Emory University; Maresa Murray, Indiana University; Ryan Nix, Step Up Inc.; James Fortenberry, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-04-18
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 Informa UK Limited
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15299716.2012.674863
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Bisexuality
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 246
• End Page: 282
• Grant/Funding Information: Funding for this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health R21 HD 059494 (Brian Dodge, Ph.D., Principal Investigator)
• Keywords: sexual attraction; condom use; MSMW; stress
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Studies concerning behaviorally bisexual men continue to focus on understanding sexual risk in according to a narrow range of sexual behaviors. Few studies have explored the subjective meanings and experiences related to bisexual men’s sexual behaviors with both male and female partners. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 men who engaged in bisexual behavior within the past six months. Participants were asked about their subjective sexual experiences with male and female partners. Findings suggest adherence to normative gender roles, with attraction to men and women conforming to these stereotypes, as well as a segregation of sexual behaviors along gendered lines. Overall, condom use was influenced by perceptions of potential negative consequences. Based on these findings, it remains critical that public health and other social and behavioral sciences continue to study bisexual men’s sexual health issues as separate and distinct from their exclusively homosexual and heterosexual counterparts. Keywords: Bisexuality, Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW), Sexual Behaviors, Sexual Attraction, Condom Use