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Background. The patterns of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in populations may be influenced by the sexual mixing within the population. We aimed to investigate the assortative sexual mixing pattern by bisexuality in male-male partnerships. Methods. This was a retrospective repeated crosssectional study of men with mostly regular male partners attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2011 and 2019. Data on sexual practices, including their sexual practices, presence of other male/female sex partners and the gender of sexual partners in the previous 3 and 12 months, were collected using computer-assisted self-interview. We calculated the proportion of male partnerships where at least one man in the partnership reported a female sex partner. Results. A total of 2056 male-male partnerships (i.e. 4112 individuals) with a median age of 29 years (IQR 25 to 35) were included. Overall, in 94.4% (1941/2056) of male-male partnerships both men had male partners only; however, in 5.5% (113/2056) of partnerships, one man had both male and female partners, and in 0.1% (2/2056) partnerships, both men had both male and female partners. No assortative relationship was found on the sexual mixing by bisexuality in male-male partnerships due to the low assortativity coefficient (r = 0.006, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.016). Conclusion. One in 20male-male partnerships had at least one man who had both male and female partners within the preceding year. Individuals were not selective by bisexuality, suggesting that partnerships of bisexual individuals are mixed proportionately to the distribution of their characteristics. Still, these sexual mixing practices may affect STI transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving HIV detection and prevention remains a critical public health initiative that requires policy-based solutions. This study sought to compare HIV detection/prevention behaviors before and after healthcare reform in Massachusetts, USA, among heterosexually active persons — the group with the highest reported number of undiagnosed HIV cases. The current study sought to (1) characterize differences in insurance coverage and HIV detection/prevention behaviors between cycles 1 (2006) to 5 (2019); (2) evaluate socio-demographic disparities in insurance coverage accounting for cycle; and (3) evaluate associations between health insurance coverage and HIV detection/prevention behaviors accounting for cycle and socio-demographics. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project: Boston HET cycle (i.e., made up of heterosexually active persons living in the Boston area) data. Descriptive, bivariate (e.g., chi-square), and multiple logistic and negative binomial loglink regression analyses were conducted. Results: In chi-square analyses with post hoc Bonferroni tests, the proportion of participants with current health insurance significantly increased from cycle 1 (77%) to cycle 2 (95%), p <.001. In the regression models that controlled for NHBS cycle, 1-year change in age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.05), female gender (aOR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.48, 4.69), and change in education category (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.39) were associated with a higher likelihood of having health insurance. In regression models that controlled for cycle, age, gender, and education, participants with health insurance were more likely than those without insurance to report seeing a medical provider in the past year (aOR = 3.49, 95% CI = 2.32, 4.66), ever having an HIV test (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.35, 2.69) and more frequent HIV testing in the past 2 years (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.44, 95% = 1.14, 1.82). Participants with health insurance did not differ from those without insurance in number of vaginal condomless sex partners (IRR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.41) but did report more condomless anal sex partners in the past year (IRR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.46, 2.65). Conclusions: This study demonstrates how health insurance coverage is positively associated with HIV detection and prevention relevant to both US and international efforts to end the HIV epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the self-perceived impact of parental suicide in adolescence, of a father, on his daughter's intimate, heterosexual relationships in adulthood. The aim of the research was to ascertain if, and how, paternal suicide, in a young woman's adolescence, affects her intimate, heterosexual relationships, in adulthood. Four participants who had lost their fathers to suicide between the ages of 10 and 19, were interviewed, and transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings conclude that the majority of participants had experienced difficulties in establishing intimate relationships that fully met their needs. Participants perceived these factors were directly linked to their suicide loss. Four main group experiential themes arose from the data: isolation; connection with self and others; post-traumatic stress; and anxiety and shame. This research raises awareness for counsellors and helping professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Civil partnerships first became available to mixed-sex couples in England and Wales in December 2019. To date, there has been no research exploring the perspectives of mixed-sex couples who choose to become civil partners. We interviewed 21 people, as individuals or in couples, who were considering, planning, or had already entered into a civil partnership. Our thematic analysis resulted in two themes. In Free from the patriarchal baggage of marriage: Civil partnership as a clean slate of equality, we discuss how participants portrayed marriage as imbued with problematic traditions. In contrast, civil partnerships were portrayed as a contemporary form of relationship recognition that was in fitting for them and their relationships. In the second theme, Doing thing differently? Rejecting or reimagining weddings we discuss how participants critiqued traditions to navigate whether and how to reject them entirely, or attempt to creatively reimagine them. We consider the implications of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in opioid misuse coincides with increased sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV incidence. Transactional sex is an under-researched phenomenon among Black Americans who misuse opioids, and may increase their risk of STI or HIV transmission. Given the disproportionate impact of the opioid epidemic on Black Americans and the risks associated with opioid misuse, the current study aims to investigate sociostructural factors, history of violence, and sexual risk factors associated with transactional sex among Black men and women. A sample of n = 375 Black adult Kentuckians reporting opioid misuse completed a survey including transactional sex, sociostructural, violence history, and sexual risk measures. Results of chi-squares and independent samples t -tests revealed that compared to men who did not report engaging in transactional sex, men who engaged in transactional sex were less educated, reported being sexually assaulted or having an unwanted sexual experience in their lifetime, and were more likely to use opioids or cocaine before or during sex in the last year. Women who engaged in transactional sex had a history of violence, more structural barriers, higher psychological distress, and engaged in more sexual risk behaviors compared to women who did not engage in transactional sex. Implications for future research and interventions with this population are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People's attitudes toward members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community have been an important issue that has persisted in society through time. Researchers have conducted numerous studies to understand members of this sexual minority group. However, studies geared toward an understanding of transgender individuals have been minimal compared to other members of the LGBT community, especially in the Philippines, where there has been increased visibility of transgender people in mainstream media. Most Filipinos still have difficulty understanding and accepting the concept of transgender as a gender identity distinct from being gay or lesbian, which are sexual orientations. Thus, this descriptive cross-sectional study aims to describe the current attitudes of heterosexual cisgender Filipinos toward transgender individuals and compare these attitudes across Filipinos of different research demographic variables. A sample of 657 Filipinos from the Philippines (282 males; 375 females, 18 to 57 years old) completed the Attitudes Toward Transgender Men and Women Scale and the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs scale. We compared hetero cisnormativity across groups on assigned sex at birth, religions, generations, and relationship statuses. Results show that cisgender heterosexual Filipinos who are males, married, Born Again Christians, and belong to Generation X still view transgender people negatively. We also compared the participants' attitudes toward trans men versus trans women. The results showed that Filipino participants in our study had more significant anti-transgender prejudice toward trans women than trans men. We also discussed the implications of our findings and future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare differences in suicidality and self-harm between specific lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) groups, and investigate whether minority stress factors might contribute to any associations, addressing methodological limitations of previous research. Methods: We analysed data combined from two population-based representative household surveys of English adults (N = 10,443) sampled in 2007 and 2014. Using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, educational attainment, area-level deprivation, and common mental disorder, we tested the association between sexuality and three suicide-related outcomes: past-year suicidal thoughts, past-year suicide attempt, and lifetime non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH). We added bullying and discrimination (separately) to final models to explore whether these variables might mediate the associations. We tested for interactions with gender and survey year. Results: Lesbian/gay people were more likely to report past-year suicidal thoughts [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20; 95% CI 1.08–4.50] than heterosexuals. No minority group had an increased probability of suicide attempt. Bisexual (AOR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.78–5.11) and lesbian/gay (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.73–5.88) individuals were more likely to report lifetime NSSH than heterosexuals. There was some evidence to support a contribution of bullying in the association between lesbian/gay identity and past-year suicidal thoughts, and of each minority stress variable in the associations with NSSH. There was no interaction with gender or survey year. Conclusion: Specific LGB groups are at elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and NSSH, with a possible contribution of lifetime bullying and homophobic discrimination. These disparities show no temporal shift despite apparent increasing societal tolerance towards sexual minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differences in mating strategies and partner preferences are well established. However, most research solely focused on heterosexual women and men. We examined the mate selection, marriage, and age preferences of a sample of lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women and men (LGB) who took part in an online dating survey. Additionally, we analyzed inter- and intrasexual differences in these preferences. A total of 710 participants rated the importance of 82 mate selection criteria and 10 marriage criteria, and they also indicated their age preferences and short-term and long-term relationship orientation. An exploratory factor analysis suggested 11 relevant domains of mate selection in the LGB sample, with sex, age, and long-term relationship orientation being relevant predictors of differences in these domains. We compared the LGB data with data collected from 21,245 heterosexual women and men on the same mate selection criteria. Results showed that the participants' sex was the most important predictor of differences in mate selection and marriage preferences, while intrasexual variables (sexual orientation and relationship orientation) explained only a small part of the variance. We incorporated the results into the current discussion about partner preferences and sexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Africa, promises and legal progress notwithstanding, homophobia is still pervasive. LGBTQIA people experience serious rights violations, according to an analysis of numerous literary sources, especially journals, which was done for this article. They also encounter problems with their physical and mental well-being, face stigma and discrimination, and are not allowed to participate in cultural customs like customary male circumcision. It has been demonstrated that social work can be vital in ensuring that LGBTQIA people are able to exercise their rights, educate the public, and push for severe punishments for homophobes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which receptive anal intercourse (RAI) increases the HIV acquisition risk of women compared to receptive vaginal intercourse (RVI) is poorly understood. We evaluated RAI practice over time and its association with HIV incidence during three prospective HIV cohorts of women: RV217, MTN-003 (VOICE), and HVTN 907. At baseline, 16% (RV 217), 18% (VOICE) of women reported RAI in the past 3 months and 27% (HVTN 907) in the past 6 months, with RAI declining during follow-up by around 3-fold. HIV incidence in the three cohorts was positively associated with reporting RAI at baseline, albeit not always significantly. The adjusted hazard rate ratios for potential confounders (aHR) were 1.1 (95% Confidence interval: 0.8–1.5) for VOICE and 3.3 (1.6–6.8) for RV 217, whereas the ratio of cumulative HIV incidence by RAI practice was 1.9 (0.6-6.0) for HVTN 907. For VOICE, the estimated magnitude of association increased slightly when using a time-varying RAI exposure definition (aHR = 1.2; 0.9–1.6), and for women reporting RAI at every follow-up survey (aHR = 2.0 (1.3–3.1)), though not for women reporting higher RAI frequency (> 30% acts being RAI vs. no RAI in the past 3 months; aHR = 0.7 (0.4–1.1)). Findings indicated precise estimation of the RAI/HIV association, following multiple RVI/RAI exposures, is sensitive to RAI exposure definition, which remain imperfectly measured. Information on RAI practices, RAI/RVI frequency, and condom use should be more systematically and precisely recorded and reported in studies looking at sexual behaviors and HIV seroconversions; standardized measures would aid comparability across geographies and over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore whether lesbian women's preferences for a sperm donor or a long-term mate show a pattern similar to those of heterosexual women. Three hundred and eighty-three donor insemination patients, of whom 278 were heterosexual and 105 were lesbian, completed a questionnaire comprising a series of 35 traits and rated the importance of each trait in a sperm donor and again in a long term mate. Results showed that traits relating to socioeconomic status, genetic background and general health, physical appearance, and personality were rated by lesbian women as more important in a long-term mate than in a sperm donor. It was further found that both heterosexual and lesbian women attached higher importance to the socioeconomic status, personality and physical appearance of the long-term mate than of the sperm donor; heterosexual women attached similar importance to the genes and health of a long-term mate and a sperm donor, while lesbian women attached greater importance to the genetic background and general health of the sperm donor than those of a long-term mate. The implications and interpretations of the findings are discussed in light of Trivers' parental investment theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous studies on sexual behaviors, there are limited studies investigating compatibility between two partners. The objective of this study was to review the factors associated with sexual compatibility in couples. A review study was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and through searching for published English and Persian articles on factors associated with sexual compatibility with a time limit up to December 2019. International and Iranian Electronic databases including Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scientific Information Database (SID), Irandoc, and Magiran were searched using search terms relating to "sexual compatibility" and other equivalents. All quantitative and qualitative full-text studies that had addressed associated factors with sexual compatibility were included. Six quantitative articles and one qualitative article were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Sexual compatibility was related to self-awareness, mental body image, personality-psychological maturity, and some sexual behaviors of the subjects. Couples' sexual companionship was a necessary component for their sexual compatibility. Considering the association of sexual compatibility with variables such as positive self-awareness and mental body image, personality-psychological maturity, sexual behaviors, and sexual companionship, it seems that using these variables can help predict the sexual compatibility of couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of partnership status (married, unmarried-partnered, and unpartnered) on retention in care among newly diagnosed (2013–2017), cisgender heterosexual people with HIV in Birmingham, Alabama (n = 152). This study evaluated all scheduled HIV primary care provider visits for two years following diagnosis date. A kept-visit measure was calculated such that, if an individual attended ≥1 visit in each of the four 6-month intervals, they were considered to have high visit constancy. A missed-visit measure was categorized as ≥1 no-show vs. 0 no-show for first and second year after diagnosis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression models. Models were adjusted for confounding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The study population was 76% Black, 57% male, median age of 37 years. Overall, 65% had high visit consistency and 34.5% had ≥1 no-show in both years. Compared to unpartnered, married individuals had higher visit constancy [AOR (95% CI): 2.88 (1.02, 8.16)]; no differences were observed among unmarried-partnered individuals. No differences in having ≥1 no-show among partnership status groups were observed for either year. These findings suggest potential success of interventions involving a social confidant in optimizing retention in care among newly diagnosed, heterosexual PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Genital ulcer disease (GUD) often creates diagnostic difficulty in developing countries like India, with limited resources available in the health-care system. The changing etiology in GUDs over the years makes it imperative that a correct diagnosis is made to establish appropriate treatment and formulate awareness programs. Aims: This study was done to determine the recent trends in the demographic parameters, clinical presentations, etiology of GUDs, and their association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to August 2022 at the Dermatology Outpatient Department in our hospital. All the patients who presented with GUDs were included after written informed consent. The diagnosis of GUD was confirmed by thorough clinical examination and appropriate laboratory test. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Results: Out of 135 cases of GUDs, the majority were males (79%). The most common age group was 21–30 years, with a mean age of 35.23 ± 14.98 years. Most of the patients were heterosexual (90%). Multiple sexual partners were found in 40% of cases. Herpes genitalis was the most common GUD (59%), followed by syphilis (15%). HIV infection was found in 6.6% of cases. Conclusion: This study represents the increasing burden of viral GUDs compared to the last three decades. The ulcerative sexually transmitted infection facilitates the transmission of HIV. In this HIV era, there is a need for increased efforts toward acknowledgment, safe sexual practices, periodic screening, and sexual health awareness programs in the high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual satisfaction is a relevant indicator of sexual health, and psychotherapeutic interventions for sexual dysfunction also promote sexual satisfaction in men and women. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies for sexual dysfunction, including third-wave approaches, are effective in treating sexual dysfunction. Thus, third-wave cognitive-behavioral constructs may play a significant role in sexual satisfaction. This study intends to examine the predictive role of mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion and acceptance, and action constructs on cisgender heterosexual men's and women's sexual satisfaction. A web survey including self-report measures for assessing mindfulness awareness and attention (MAAS), self-compassion (SCS), acceptance and action (AAQ), and sexual satisfaction (GMSEX) was disseminated during 2022, and a sample of 420 participants was collected (n = 238 women; 56.7%; n = 182 men; 43.3%). No statistically significant differences were found between cisgender heterosexual men and women on mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion, acceptance and action, and sexual satisfaction. In addition, all variables account for 6.5% of cisgender heterosexual men's and women's sexual satisfaction variance, and mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion, and acceptance and action positively predicted sexual satisfaction. Overall, mindfulness awareness and attention, self-compassion, and acceptance and action play a significant predictive role in cisgender heterosexual men's and women's sexual satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores men's use of dating apps with an emergent body image focus, addressing cisgender, heterosexual men's feelings about dating app profile pictures. Drawing from interviews with 15 cisgender, heterosexual men residing in Australia about their use of dating applications including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, this paper examines how cisgender, heterosexual men construct their dating app profile pictures, and the decisions they make about the content of images they use for dating profile pictures. Utilizing concepts of self-presentation, authenticity, and bodily reflexive practices, this paper argues that the men in the study are attempting to present authentic and real selves in a dating world, while being confronted by concerns regarding body image and perceptions of ideal bodies. They also demonstrate conflicting desires to appear more muscular, fit, and athletic while not presenting as vain or narcissistic. In the process of creating profiles, these men develop a sense of self drawing on understandings of masculinity and specifically notions of idealized male bodies, which simultaneously run counter to the very authentic images of the self they seek to present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized a social constructivist lens to explore African American heterosexual men's attitudes toward marriage and provide an understanding of how African American heterosexual men conceptualize themselves in the context of marriage. Focus groups were conducted with African American heterosexual men aged 24–34 years old from a large, metropolitan midwestern city (N = 17). Participants were asked how they felt about marriage, how they thought their peers feel about marriage, and the positive and negative attributes of marriage. Thematic analysis revealed several themes including struggles of Black masculinity, dilemmas within the Black male-female dynamic, and role confusion; resulting in personal ambivalence about their decision to enter into marriage. Findings suggest that their conceptions of manhood in the context of American racism is the pretext that plays a significant role in the decision to take on important roles such as husband. Using Powell and Mattis (2005) Relational Framework of Masculinity, I discuss how African American men's conceptualization of manhood may contribute to how these men engage with significant life transitions, such as marriage. Suggestions for future research and practice implications for work with African American heterosexual men is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In Spain, the sexual route is the main route of transmission in new HIV diagnoses. Men who have heterosexual relations are the second group with the highest incidence of new HIV cases and have the highest rates of late diagnosis in Spain. Planning the response to the HIV epidemic requires specific and updated information on this group. This study aims to analyze sexual practices and frequency of condom use in heterosexual and bisexual men and identify variables that explain inconsistent condom use in vaginal intercourse. Methods: The sample consists of 386 men between 18 and 57 years of age (M = 24.61; SD = 6.74). Results: The results indicate that the percentage of consistent condom use in vaginal intercourse is 64.9%. Not consuming drugs before sexual intercourse, perceiving a high self-efficacy for condom use, and good assertive communication skills are factors that positively influence condom use. In contrast, a high level of sexual compulsivity is a risk factor. The proposed model explains between 29.1% and 40% of the variance. Conclusions: and Policy Implications. Preventive actions implemented in this group should include work sessions that focus on developing assertive skills, reducing risks associated with drug use, and providing cognitive strategies to cope with compulsive sexual thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores findings from 23 expert stakeholder interviews on working with cisgender heterosexual men and boys in the fields of gendered violence prevention, relationships and sexuality education (RSE), sexual health, sport, and emotional and mental well-being. It focuses on how organisations and individual consultants navigate political and social tensions when working with boys and young men. Findings from these interviews note several significant challenges and barriers stakeholders face in implementing programs designed to support cisgender, heterosexual boys and young men, particularly in areas of sex, sexual health and wellbeing. These include 1) broader questions as to who is responsible for teaching about sex, relationships, and sexuality; 2) the lack of public support in running programs about sex and sexuality, 3) uncertainty as to the best settings to engage boys and young men, and 4) hostility or lack of engagement with program content. We highlight the implications of these challenges for policy and practice, as well as recommendations for how to address some of these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cisgender heterosexual boys and young men in Australia may experience or perpetuate a range of harms in their romantic and sexual encounters with women due to expectations that they adhere to problematic ideals and norms concerning masculinity and heterosexuality. This paper explores expert stakeholders' perceptions on these key issues, and their broader implications for policy and practice. Methods: Using inductive thematic analysis techniques, this paper draws on semi-structured interviews from 23 expert stakeholders working across sectors of gendered violence prevention, sexual health, relationships and sexuality education, sport, and emotional and physical wellbeing. Results: Findings note several key concerns, including (1) hesitation and lack of adequate information regarding relationships with women; (2) the potential negative influence of pornography; (3) the lack of opportunities to be engaged in sexual health promotion initiatives; and (4) limited opportunities to have meaningful conversations about dating, sex, and intimacy. Conclusions: Expert stakeholders note several important gaps in policy and practice that need to be addressed to better support cisgender heterosexual boys and young men, and to confront gendered violence and sexual violence. Social and Policy Implications: Understanding these gaps is vital for policymakers, content and program creators, and service providers working with cisgender heterosexual boys and men. We advocate for thinking about a strategy that is centred around "heterosexual intimacies", in which addressing boys and young men's sexual health and wellbeing is brought together with gendered violence prevention and sexual violence prevention initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies investigate group sex among heterosexuals. The aim of this study was to provide an exploration of characteristics and practices among heterosexual men and women who engage in group sex.Method: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May 2019 and March 2020 among heterosexual men and women attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were asked whether they had participated in group sex (sex involving more than two participants) in the past 3months, the size of the most recent event, sexual activities in which they engaged, and condom use.Results: Of 3277 heterosexuals surveyed (1509 women and 1768 men), the mean age was 29.9years (s.d. 8.8) and more than half (56.0%, n=1834) were born outside Australia. One in 20 participants (5.4%) had engaged in group sex in the past 3months with the number of events ranging 1-10times. Kissing was the most common activity in group sex, and women were significantly more likely to kiss a same-sex partner than men. Overall, of 165 participants who engaged in vaginal sex, 57 (34.5%) reported always using condoms and changing condoms between consecutive partners. Of the 100 men and women who had condomless vaginal sex, 79 (79.0%) received or performed fellatio after condomless vaginal sex.Conclusion: About two-thirds of heterosexuals who engaged in group sex neither used condoms nor changed condoms between partners in the most recent group sex event. Safe sex messages on changing condoms between partners and between sexual activities should be reinforced for sexually transmitted infections prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed changes in sexual behaviour among people with HIV (PWH) over 20 years. Condom use with stable partners steadily declined from over 90% to 29% since the Swiss U = U statement with similar trajectories between men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals. Occasional partnership remained higher among MSM compared to heterosexuals even during COVID-19 social distancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Canada, heterosexual African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) men tend to suffer a disproportionate burden of HIV. Consequently, studies have examined the underlying contributors to this disparity through the nexus of behavioral and structural factors. While findings from these studies have been helpful, their use of deficit and risk models only furthers our knowledge of why ACB men are more vulnerable to HIV infection. Thus far, there is a dearth of knowledge on how heterosexual ACB men mobilize protective assets to promote their resilience against HIV infection. Methods: As part of a larger Ontario-based project called weSpeak, this study examined how ACB men acquire protective assets to build their resilience to reduce their HIV vulnerability. We analyzed three focus group discussions (n = 17) and 13 in-depth interviews conducted with ACB men using NVivo and a mixed inductive-deductive thematic analyses approach. Results: The findings show that ACB men mostly relied on personal coping strategies, including sexual abstinence, to build resilience against HIV. Interpersonal resources such as family, friends, and religious communities also played an important role in constructing ACB men’s resilience. ACB men bemoaned their lack of access to essential institutional resources, such as health services, that are important in managing HIV adversity. Conclusion: Based on these findings, there is an urgent need for HIV policy stakeholders, including service providers, to engage the ACB community in the design of intervention programs. Additionally, addressing the socioeconomic disadvantages faced by ACB communities will increase the capacity of ACB men to develop resilience against HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how concepts of sexual communication and sex are discussed in #MeToo commentaries. Previous research has focused primarily on questions of consent, gendered power relations and sexual violence against women. Drawing from work that has called for more reflexive considerations of desire and pleasure in #MeToo, I undertake a critical feminist discourse analysis of over 163 traditional news, online magazine and social news articles commenting on #MeToo, sexual communication, dating and heterosexual relations between men and women. The findings of this analysis note discourses underpinning tensions between what constitutes ideal or appropriate forms of sexual communication, uncertainties as to what effectively makes sex 'good' or 'bad', moralisations regarding how 'good' and 'bad' sex are possible, and contradicting accounts of women's capacity for sexual empowerment. Through highlighting the incongruities in expectations as to how individuals should proceed sexually and romantically in a #MeToo era, I conclude with a discussion on how we can think about such relations within a consideration of a 'self-in-process' and 'subject-act-ivity' framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focussed on deconstructing heterosexuals’ stigmatisation of LGBT in the context of religion in Malaysia. The qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 21 heterosexuals (Buddhist, Christian, Muslim). The interview questions focussed on societal and personal views of LGBT. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts totalling 30,488 words showed the lay perspective on the construction of homosexuality in terms of personal choice, situational factors, and ideologies of stigma. The participants were able to empathize with personal choice only because they perceived the LGBT individuals had no chance of reverting to a so-called normal identity. The participants reanimated, rehearsed and re-presented the ideological defence of heterosexuality through repeated stigmatisation of difference and non-conformity in the context of the normative religious beliefs. They also perceived homosexuals as a potential threat to the morality of the norm-compliant population, prone to emotional and psychological instability, and a threat to the veneer of normalcy. The study showed that such popular theorising is not a neutral instrument of knowledge but one that carries ideological power in normalizing stigma towards LGBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender-Based (GB) intimate partner violence is a social and public health issue globally. Several risks of violence related to male sexual partners' perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) following the disclosure of their female intimate partners' HIV + status have been reported. No research has been conducted on male sexual partner's perspectives of perpetrating IPV following their female intimate partners' disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive status as a risk factor for the perpetration of IPV in Ghana. The objective of this study is to explore and describe male sexual partners' views or perspectives of perpetrating IPV following their female intimate partners' disclosure of being HIV positive in Ghana. Interpretive phenomenological approach was used to collect and analyse data from a purposive sample of 18 Male participants whose female intimate relations informed them of being HIV + in Ghana. The sample population was taken from Ghana because such research has been reported elsewhere but none has been done in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect the data. The interview guide covered topics such as background information, participants' reaction to HIV positive disclosure, lived experiences of participants, and Participants' understanding of different forms of IPV. The findings of this study reveal five main themes that emerged from the interviews which include views on the perpetration of emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse; views on the perpetration of sexual deprivation; views on the perpetration of social isolation; views on the perpetration of financial abuse and views on escalated perpetration of physical abuse. From the data, HIV positive status disclosure served as a risk factor for different forms of GB IPV against HIV positive women in Ghana, thus making this group more vulnerable and exposed to more GB IPV. Strategies to prevent the perpetration of IPV against women newly diagnosed as HIV positive are needed. We recommend screening all newly diagnosed HIV-positive women for abuse as an additional prevention strategy for IPV associated with disclosure of positive HIV status. HIV positive status disclosure serves as a risk for the perpetration of IPV. Men are predisposed to violence upon hearing that their female heterosexual intimate partners are HIV positive. HIV infection information is distressful to receive from an intimate partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men should not be overlooked in research on human papillomavirus (HPV) and its associated genital diseases. This is because men infected with HPV are not only at higher risk of genital cancers, but also increase their partners’ risk of HPV infection and reinfection through sexual contact. Herein, we summarized the state of knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of HPV infection in men as well as the possible effects of the prevention and treatment of HPV in men on their female partners. Condom use, smoking cessation, male circumcision, and HPV vaccination for men each play an important role in preventing HPV infection within heterosexual couples. Additionally, men could choose to test for certain types of HPV, such as the oncogenic HPV16 or HPV18 strains, as part of a routine screening program when their partner is positive for HPV. Although there is no recognized treatment for HPV infection as of yet, immunotherapy drugs, such as toll-like receptor agonists, therapeutic HPV vaccines, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown promising results in clinical trials and in actual clinical practice. HPV infection in men also increases the risk of cervical cancer in their female partners. Because of the high partner concordance for HPV demonstrated in prior research, the prevention and treatment of HPV in men should be explored more comprehensively in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor engagement in HIV care is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased mortality. Our survey examined experiential and circumstantial factors associated with clinic attendance among women (n = 250) and men (n = 106) in London with heterosexually-acquired HIV. While no associations were found for women, among men, sub-optimal attendance was associated with insecure immigration status (25.6% vs. 1.8%), unstable housing (32.6% vs. 10.2%) and reported effect of HIV on daily activities (58.7% vs. 40.0%). Among women and men on ART, it was associated with missing doses of ART (OR = 2.96, 95% CI:1.74–5.02), less belief in the necessity of ART (OR = 0.56, 95% CI:0.35–0.90) and more concern about ART (OR = 3.63, 95% CI:1.45–9.09). Not wanting to think about being HIV positive was the top reason for ever missing clinic appointments. It is important to tackle stigma and the underlying social determinants of health to improve HIV prevention, and the health and well-being of people living with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism influences innate and adaptive immune responses. Among heterosexual couples in the HPV Infection and Transmission Among Couples Through Heterosexual Activity (HITCH) cohort study, we examined whether allele sharing in a couple predicted the partners' infections with the same human papillomavirus (HPV) type.Methods: We tested genital samples from 271 couples for 36 HPV genotypes by polymerase chain reaction. We used direct DNA sequencing to type HLA-B07, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -G. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between the extent of allele sharing and HPV type concordance in which at least 1 of the partners was HPV positive.Results: We identified 106 different HLA alleles. The most common HLA alleles among couples were G*01:01:01 (95.6%), G*01:01:02 (60.1%), DQB1*03:01 (57.2%), and DRB1*07:01 (46.9%). Allele sharing was as follows: 19.6% shared none, 43.2% shared 1 only, 25.1% shared 2, and 12.5% shared 3-5. Irrespective of HLA class, grouped or in combination, the extent of allele sharing was not a significant predictor of type-specific HPV concordance in a couple (odds ratio, 1.1 [95% confidence interval, .5-2.1], for 3-5 vs none).Conclusions: We found no evidence that the extent of HLA allele concordance influences the likelihood of HPV transmission in newly formed heterosexual couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual Orientation is an enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction, with the attractions broadly incorporated under heterosexuality and non-heterosexuality. Societal and other factors seem to affect individuals' perception of their self-identified orientation. Thus, this study sets out to document the distribution of sexual orientation, level of self-reported satisfaction, and factors associated with sexual orientation among unmarried university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 550 respondents sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed via IBM SPSS version 20.0. Results: Most respondents (93.6%) were heterosexuals, 4.7% bisexuals, 1.3% lesbian women and 0.40% gay men. More heterosexuals (80.4%) were fully satisfied with their self-identified sexual orientation compared to 57.2% of non-heterosexuals. Respondents who had religious upbringing and those whose parents were currently married were less likely to have sexual orientation outside of heterosexuality. Conclusion: The most prevalent sexual orientation was heterosexuality, with more heterosexuals also expressing satisfaction than others. With the level of dissatisfaction expressed by those who are not heterosexuals as well as the factors associated with heterosexuality, it is plausible to conclude that societal values and/or prejudices constitute major factors in individuals self-identifying with some particular sexual orientation and the satisfaction derived therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though feminist theory asserts that women's sexuality influences their general relationship with heterosexual men, the leading psychological measure of women's attitudes towards heterosexual men, the Ambivalence towards Men Inventory (AMI), has not yet accounted for sexual orientation as a meaningful individual difference. In this current United States-based research (N = 318), we revisited the AMI to examine women's attitudes towards heterosexual men as a function of women's sexual orientation (i.e. lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual). Drawing from feminist and psychological theories of attitudes towards men, we 1) tested competing hypotheses regarding whether lesbian and bisexual women or heterosexual women would be highest in hostility, and 2) hypothesised that heterosexual women would hold more benevolent attitudes than lesbian and bisexual women. When controlling for feminist identity, lesbian women held more hostile attitudes towards heterosexual men, specifically on subscales of Resentment of Paternalism and Heterosexual Hostility. However, there were no differences in benevolence towards heterosexual men between groups. We discuss hostility as a reaction to gendered oppression and the utility of benevolence in modern times. Testing the AMI with a sexually diverse sample reveals nuanced understandings of intergroup relations and demonstrates a need to establish more inclusive measures of gendered attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal intercourse (AI) is not uncommon among U.S. women and, when condomless, confers a far greater likelihood of HIV transmission than condomless vaginal intercourse. We aim to identify determinants preceding AI, among women with, and women without HIV.Methods: 3708 women living with (73%), and without HIV (27%) participating in the Women's Interagency HIV Study provided sexual behavior and other data at 6-monthly visits over a median of 9 years (1994-2014). We used generalized estimating equation models to examine sociodemographic, structural and behavioral determinants reported in the visit preceding (1) AI, and (2) condomless AI.Results: AI was reported at least once over follow-up by 31% of women without, and 21% with HIV. AI was commonly condomless; reported at 76% and 51% of visits among women living without HIV, and with HIV, respectively. Women reporting AI were more likely to be younger (continuous variable, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.96-0.98), Hispanic (aOR = 1.88, CI:1.47-2.41) or White (aOR = 1.62, CI:1.15-2.30) compared to Black, and have at least high school education (aOR = 1.33, CI:1.08-1.65). AI was more likely following the reporting of either (aOR = 1.35, CI:1.10-1.62), or both (aOR = 1.77, CI:1.13-2.82) physical and sexual violence, excessive drinking (aOR = 1.27, CI:1.05-1.66) or any drug use (aOR = 1.34, CI:1.09-1.66), multiple male partners (aOR = 2.64, CI:2.23-3.11), exchange sex (aOR = 3.45, CI:2.53-4.71), one or more female sex partners (aOR = 1.32, CI:1.01-1.75), condomless vaginal intercourse (aOR = 1.80, CI:1.53-2.09), and high depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.23, CI:1.08-1.39).Conclusion: AI disproportionally follows periods of violence victimization, substance use, multiple sex partners and depression. Better prevention messaging and biomedical interventions that reduce acquisition or transmission risk are needed, but when AI occurs in the context of violence against women, as our findings indicate, focusing on gender-based violence reduction and immediate treatment to reduce HIV transmission risk is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite rises in sexually transmitted infection (STI) notifications among Australian women in the last decade, limited STI surveillance data exist specifically for women who have sex with women. This study aimed to compare differences in sexual practices and positivity for STIs and other genital infections among women who have sex with men only (WSMO), women who have sex with women only (WSWO), and women who have sex with men and women (WSMW), and whether these changed over time. In this retrospective repeated cross-sectional study, women attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2011 and 2019 were categorized as "WSMW," "WSWO," or "WSMO" according to self-reported sexual practices in the previous 12 months. Demographic information, sexual practices, and positivity for STIs and other genital infections were compared between the three groups and over time. A total of 36,147 women (2618 WSMW, 534 WSWO, and 32,995 WSMO) were included. WSMW reported more sexual partners (median = 6; IQR = 4-10) than WSMO (median = 3; IQR = 2-5) and WSWO (median = 2; IQR = 1-4) (p < .001). A higher proportion of WSMW always used condoms with casual male partners compared to WSMO (20.4% vs 15.9%; p < .001). The proportion of women who always used condoms with casual male partners decreased over time in WSMO, (19.9% in 2011 to 15.2% in 2019, ptrend < .001) but not in WSMW. Bacterial vaginosis was more common in WSWO (14.8%) than in WSMW (11.8%) and WSMO (7.7%) (p < .001). Chlamydia was more common in WSMO (9.3%) than in WSMW (6.6%) and WSWO (1.2%) (p < .001). Syphilis was more common in WSMO (1.0%) than in WSMW (0.3%) and WSWO (0.0%) (p = .004). Over time, chlamydia positivity in WSWO increased (from 0.0% to 2.7%, ptrend = .014), and syphilis positivity in WSMW increased (from 0.0% to 0.7%, ptrend = .028); however, positivity of these STIs did not change in other groups. Sexual practices and positivity for STIs and other genital infections differed according to the sex of women's partners in the previous 12 months. Knowledge of these differences is important to account for future changes in STI trends that may occur in these subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Weight bias (WB) is an implicit psychological construct that can influence attitudes, beliefs, body experience, and evaluation of specific psychopathology relationships. Sexual orientation has played a crucial role in developing and maintaining psychiatric conditions linked to body evaluation, but few studies have evaluated possible connected biases. Thus, the paper aims to assess potential relationships between sexual orientation and WB, looking at potential roles in specific psychopathology; (2) Methods: A total of 836 cisgender subjects participated in an online survey, aged between 18 and 42 years old. Two specific aspects of WB were evaluated with validated scales about beliefs about obese people and fat phobia. Demographic variables, as well as depression and eating concerns were evaluated; (3) Results: Gay men and bisexual women showed higher levels of fat phobia, depression, and eating concerns. Regression analysis showed that sexual orientation significantly predicted fat phobia (p < 0.001) and beliefs about obese people (p = 0.014); (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the vulnerability of gay men and bisexual women to cognitive bias about their own bodies, showing a potential vulnerability about body and weight concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged younger than 25 years have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. Current STI prevention strategies for AYA rely primarily on individual approaches, leaving sexual partners with significant unmet sexual and reproductive health care and health education needs. Dyadic interventions may hold promise for harnessing the power of communal coping within relationship dynamics to enhance sexual decision making, communication, and behavior changes that reduce the future risk of STIs. Objective: This paper describes the protocol and research methods of a dyad-based behavioral intervention that augments individual evidence-based interventions with joint health education counseling for heterosexual AYA dyads within a primary care setting. The trial aims to improve partner communication and collaborative sexual decision making and promote the adoption of sexual behaviors such as consistent condom use. The primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a dyadic intervention targeted at preventing STIs in heterosexual couples in an urban setting. Methods: A total of 100 AYA (50 dyads) aged 16 to 25 years, engaged in heterosexual intercourse, who reside in the city and are willing to recruit their main sexual partner for the study will be recruited and randomized into 2 groups, an intervention arm and a control arm. Participants will be recruited from an AYA medicine clinic and by using social media (Facebook and Instagram). The index participant and partner will complete a single individual session separately (Sister to Sister or Focus on the Future) with a gender-matched health educator. Dyads will then be randomized to receive an additional joint debriefing session together to discuss relationship dynamics, condom negotiation, etc. Participants will separately complete a telephone interview 6 weeks postintervention to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of the intervention on mutual sexual negotiation, consistency of condom use, and communal coping skills, etc. Results: So far, 25.4% (44/173) of eligible participants have been enrolled and randomized. Participants are mostly female (20/22, 91%), with at least a high school diploma (19/22, 86%), and 9 average lifetime sexual partners. Acceptability is high, with 98% (43/44) of participants expressing satisfaction with their study experience; 100% of dyads recruited were still together at 6-week follow-up. Conclusions: Findings from this study will add to the current literature on the approaches to STI prevention, and its success will inform its application in risk reduction counseling for youth who are most at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterosexuals living with HIV report feeling additional HIV stigma compared to homosexual men, which may affect clinical outcomes. Yet, beyond routinely collected surveillance data, little is known about the characteristics of individuals who acquire HIV heterosexually and clinical outcomes by mode of sexual acquisition have not been directly compared. Using data from the Australian HIV Observational Database, we compared clinical characteristics of those with heterosexually-acquired (Het-HIV) to homosexually-acquired HIV (Hom-HIV) to investigate any differences and their implications for clinical management. 513 Het-HIV and 1467 Hom-HIV patients were included and contributed 3,127 and 9,457 person-years of follow-up, respectively. Compared with Hom-HIV, Het-HIV were more often born outside Australia (62.5% vs 39.9%, p<0.001), less likely to have Hepatitis C (4.8% vs 7.8%, p=0.029) and had lower median CD4 counts at diagnosis (292 vs 450 cells/µL, p<0.001) and cART initiation (270 vs 340 cells/µL, p<0.001). Despite these lower CD4 counts, there were no significant differences between groups for time to the major clinical endpoints of cART initiation, viral suppression, virological failure or all-cause mortality. Het-HIV had a lower risk of loss-to-follow-up than Hom-HIV (aHR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64-0.95). Further studies examining factors associated with, and interventions to inform retention in care are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Los Angeles County (LAC), the population of older people living with HIV (OPLWH) is rising and psychosocial issues are largely unexplored. The Healthy Living Project hosted focus group discussions with English and Spanish-speaking gay and bisexual men, heterosexual men, transgender women, and cisgender women. Universal and group-specific concerns included: sentiments of diminished mental health, loneliness, and age-based and HIV stigma from communities and service providers; financial security, housing, social interactions, and access to care. Our findings emphasize the development of population-specific and intersectional programs and services tailored to the diverse needs of OPLWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of better understanding how loneliness is associated with physical and mental health symptoms and disorders, and who is at greatest risk, demographic information pertaining to sexuality is often not collected. Although some studies evidence prevalence rates of loneliness amongst sexual minority individuals to be higher when compared to heterosexual individuals, no systematic approaches to examine and compare the literature have been taken. This comparative meta-analysis examined loneliness between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals. To identify studies, published studies were searched from the following databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane. Studies that were published in English, compared sexual minorities and heterosexuals; measured loneliness; and presented quantitative data were included. Four articles were included in the review, reporting data from 481 individuals who identified as sexual minorities and 4176 as heterosexuals. The 4 studies showed that individuals who identified as sexual minorities reported higher ratings of loneliness than heterosexuals (d = 0.352, p = 0.019). Interventions are needed at the individual and societal level to decrease the loneliness experienced by sexual minorities. This is the first paper to provide aggregated data on loneliness that covers the life span amongst sexual minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Queer theory in the context of cultural studies looks at a variety of cultural structures of the gay or lesbian as divergent, and prompts us to question the traditions in which an entire variety of sexuality has been omitted by the ‘politics of identity’, a politics that informs and polices popular cultural representations of the Queer. Moreover, it focuses on the limiting nature of identity and has primarily functioned as denaturalizing discourses. Culture is related to questions of collective social connotations, i.e., the many ways we make meaning of the ways of the world. However, meanings are not merely floating, rather they are produced. While watching cartoons might seem an innocent pastime, it has a lot more to do with the child’s psychology. Compared with other genres, cartoons can potentially trivialize and bring humor to adult themes and contribute to an atmosphere in which children view these depictions as normative and acceptable. Television shows, books, and movies with sexually-confusing messages introduce children to falsehoods and immorality and create insecurity among them. A general belief exists in the conventional heterosexual society that children are not equipped to handle these adult themes. The present paper tries to unfold the LGBT representation in children’s media, its impact on the child’s psychology and how it mirrors the contemporary culture & society. This study will also investigate the need and appropriateness of the LGBT themes in children’s media along with their role in depicting the culture and society. The texts and media under study in the paper are Steven Universe, Danger & Eggs, Incredibles 2, The Legend of Korra and In A Heartbeat, Heather Has Two Mommies, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, Mommy, Mama, and Me, and Daddy, Papa, and Me, King & King and Daddy’s Roommate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gendered disparity in orgasm frequency and sexual satisfaction during partnered sexual activity has implications for wellbeing, mental health, and relationship satisfaction. As such the current study investigated the role of sexual assertiveness and self-esteem as predictors of women's sexual satisfaction, with sexual script theory offering a theoretical framework which may illuminate the problematic female sexual role. It was hypothesised that sexual assertiveness would mediate the positive relationship between self-esteem and both ego-centred and partner/activity-focused sexual satisfaction. Cross-sectional self-report data were collected online from 304 participants aged between 18–68 years who identified as heterosexual women. Results demonstrated that higher sexual assertiveness predicted higher sexual satisfaction, with sexual assertiveness found to mediate the relationship between women's self-esteem and ego-centred sexual satisfaction (R2 =.46, p <.001; Bindirect =.29, 95% BCI =.267,.523). Sexual assertiveness was also found to mediate the relationship between self-esteem and partner- and activity-focused sexual satisfaction (R2 =.26, p <.001; Bindirect =.29, 95% BCI –.191,.400). Findings offer a foundation for future research and practical applications for practice professionals, mental health practitioners, and sex education programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of demographic characteristics on tolerance towards LGBT in Malaysia. The specific aspects studied were: (1) views on LGBT sexual orientation; (2) views on rights of LGBT individuals; and (3) relationships between demographic characteristics and views on LGBT sexual orientation and rights. Questionnaire data were collected from 413 respondents living in Malaysia (88.1% heterosexuals; 11.9% LGBT). A majority of respondents were degree holders (82.8%) in their twenties (82.3%) and of Chinese descent (71.7%). The results showed moderate tolerance towards LGBT sexual orientation where some respondents felt that heterosexuality is best because of religion and morality, while others believed that people are born with LGBT tendencies and need not keep their sexual orientation a secret. Interestingly, the respondents were receptive towards LGBT rights, including the right to organise public events, adopt a child, and have same-sex marriage. ANOVA results showed that age, ethnic group, religious background, and sexual orientation influenced tolerance towards LGBT sexual orientation and rights. Older individuals, Malay and Sabah indigenous, Muslims, Christians, and heterosexuals seemed to be the least supportive of LGBT. The study suggests that openness towards LGBT is growing among the younger generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals who have both opposite- and same-sex partners have the potential to pass sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between high- and low-risk populations. Our aim was to examine assortative sexual mixing in terms of same-sex activity among male-female partnerships.Methods: This was a retrospective repeated cross-sectional study of male-female partnerships attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) from 2015 to 2019. Sex of sexual partners was collected via computer-assisted self-interview. We calculated the proportion of partnerships where at least one individual reported same-sex partners in the previous 12months and the degree of assortativity by bisexuality.Results: A total of 2112 male-female partnerships (i.e. 4224 individuals) were included, with a median age of 27 years (IQR 23-31). Overall, 89.3% (1885/2112) of male-female partnerships did not report any other same-sex partners; however, in 9.5% (201/2112) of partnerships, same-sex partners were reported by one individual and in 1.2% (26/2112) of partnerships, both individuals reported same-sex partners. Bisexuality appeared to be slightly assortative in male-female partnerships (r =0.163, 95% CI: 0.150-0.176; P <0.001).Conclusion: One in 10 individuals in male-female partnerships had at least one same-sex partner within the previous 12months. Individuals were minorly selective by bisexuality, suggesting the patterns of bisexual mixing in male-female partners are more variable and this may have a significant impact on STI transmission in heterosexual populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest for identity in Funny Boy is crucial to the politics, both personal and political in the eponymous novel by Shyam Selvadurai. Arjie's quest for identity against the backdrop of the social and political turmoil of Sri Lanka charts the tumultuousjourney of a young boy as he confrontsfamilial and societal pressures while grappling with his homoerotic desire. Arjie is a young upper-class Tamil Sri Lankan boy whosefamily is extremely conservative and orthodox. The novel examines the way in which the personal and the political intertwine with each other and affect the lives of individuals in ways that are often detrimental to thepursuit of individual desires. What emerges as an interestingpoint is the way in which the supposedly conservative sites of identityformation i.e. the home and the school emerge as the very sites upon which non-heteronormative subjectivity gets inscribed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined how relational factors (i.e., communication, trust, relationship satisfaction, and commitment) link to sexual health outcomes (i.e., condom use, knowledge about a partner's sexual history, and condom use self-efficacy) among female college students in exclusive heterosexual dating relationships (n = 89). The hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that female college students in exclusive dating relationships who reported greater dyadic trust were more likely to report consistently using condoms and asking partners about their sexual history. Findings suggest the need for sexual education curricula that utilize dimensions of dyadic trust to address safe sex practices among female college students. More detailed recommendations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: South Africa, home to the world's largest HIV epidemic, has made great strides in improving access to HIV services, but specific groups, particularly young men, remain difficult to engage in the HIV care cascade. Alcohol use disorder, prevalent in South Africa, further complicates engagement. Congregate settings where alcohol is served, known as shebeens, are an ideal place to engage young people for HIV testing, treatment and prevention, including pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Here, we characterize the uptake of PrEP in shebeen patrons and explore the effect of alcohol consumption on PrEP uptake by piloting a community‐based delivery model. Methods: In the rural Kwazulu‐Natal province (KZN) of South Africa, a field team made up of all men offered screenings outside of shebeens at 27 events over 6 months in 2020. Screenings included rapid HIV testing and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Participants who tested negative for HIV were offered PrEP as once daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine. Short‐term retention was determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of PrEP uptake, including unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Results: One hundred and sixty‐two shebeen patrons were screened, and 136 (84%) were eligible for PrEP. Among those eligible, 37 (27%) completed clinical evaluation and initiated PrEP. Among PrEP initiators, 91.9% were men, median age was 26.0 years (interquartile range 21–31), 32.4% were employed, 18.9% had running water and 70.3% had AUDIT scores indicating hazardous drinking. Among 37 initiators, 25 (68%) were retained at 1 month, and 19 (51%) were retained at 4 months. Independent predictors of PrEP uptake among all bar patrons, and only men (108 screened and 34 initiators), included younger age (OR 0.92 [0.88–0.97]) and lifetime number of sexual partners (OR 1.07 [1.02–1.13]). Conclusions: Community‐based PrEP delivery after engagement at shebeens in rural South Africa is a feasible and novel approach to reach a traditionally difficult‐to‐engage population, particularly young men. In this small sample, sexual risk behaviours predicted PrEP uptake. Hazardous drinking was not a barrier to PrEP initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health concern because of their interaction(s) with HIV. In the HPTN 052 study, STIs were evaluated in both HIV-positive index cases and their HIV-negative partners at enrollment and at yearly follow-up visits. Our definition for STI was based on any infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, or Trichomonas vaginalis. We used log-binomial regression models to identify factors associated with prevalent STIs. Generalized estimating equation models with the Poisson distribution were used to compare STI incidence between HIV-positive index cases and HIV-negative partners. 8.1% of the participants had STIs at enrollment. The prevalence of STIs (8.9 vs. 7.2) was higher in HIV-positive index cases than HIV-negative partners. Being female (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.20–2.16) or unmarried (PR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.17–3.14) was associated with prevalent STIs. Compared to HIV-negative male partners, HIV-positive female index cases had a higher risk of STI acquisition (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.70–2.97). While we are implementing HIV prevention interventions for HIV-negative people, we should also intensify targeted STI prevention interventions, especially among HIV-positive women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article revisits the personal stories that younger male civil partners told about their sexual practices, in what most termed their 'marriage', to generate insights into the extent to which they succumbed to the dangers that critics of same-sex marriage foretold. It provides a baseline analysis against which the findings of future studies of both heterosexual and same-sex marriages and civil partnerships can be compared. The data we discuss are comprised of joint (n = 25) and individual (n = 50) interviews with couples. Participants' stories about 'public', 'private' and 'exclusive' sex can appear to support the predictions of some key critics. Participants tended to make commitments to sexual monogamy and link their sexual practices to deepening couple intimacy. However, viewed as stories of socioculturally shaped and biographically embedded sexual practices, they offer insights into the more complex relationships between civil partnership, marriage, sexual exclusivity and intimacy. On closer examination, they suggest it is not simply the case that civil partnership or same-sex marriage (and marriage more generally) 'imposes' heteronormative sexual conventions but that relational biographies are significant in shaping simultaneously conventional and deconstructive approaches to married sexuality. Partners in formalized same-sex relationships do not simply follow heterosexual norms. Rather, they juggle the often contradictory norms of mainstream and queer sexual cultures. Understanding the implications for marriage as an institution requires approaches to analysis that do not pose heterosexual marriage as the 'straw man' of queer analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesbian and bisexual women experience significantly higher rates of sexual assault and rape compared with heterosexual women. Despite this, researchers have yet to distinguish whether sexual orientation itself or some other related social characteristics explain these higher rates. The objective of this study was to analyze women's rates of sexual assault and rape across sexual orientation status while accounting for other social characteristics (e.g., race, education, income, outness). Women (N = 1,366), who identified as lesbian (31%), bisexual (32%), and heterosexual (31%), completed a nationally distributed, cross-sectional online survey in 2016. Victimization and repeat victimization were assessed using a modified version of Sexual Experience Survey–Short Form Victimization. Overall, 63% of bisexual, 49% of lesbian, and 35% of heterosexual women reported experiencing rape in their lifetime. When holding all other social characteristics constant, sexual orientation remained a significant predictor in the model. Compared with the odds of heterosexual women experiencing sexual assault or rape, bisexual women (3.7 odds of victimization; 7.3 odds of repeat victimization) and lesbian women (3.2 odds of repeat victimization) were disproportionately victimized. Sexual orientation clearly plays a role in sexual victimization risk, independent of other measured sociodemographic indicators. Continued research is needed to explore possible mechanisms behind sexual assault and rape prevalence, as well as the influence of contextual factors of victimization risk among sexual minority men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As many as half of people with HIV who are in a long-term sexual relationship have an HIV-negative partner. Data on sexual behavior and contraceptive needs of heterosexual serodiscordant couples are scarce in India. Keeping these facts in mind, it was considered imperative to conduct a study on sexual behavior, contraceptive practices and associated high risk factors among heterosexual serodiscordant couples. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the sexual behavior, current contraceptive practices and various risk factors of HIV transmission among married heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study conducted at antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre from where 100 discordant couples were included, data were collected related to their sexual practices, knowledge about different contraception methods and high risk factors related to infection transmission were recorded. Results: All couples had knowledge of use of condoms (100%) while consistent usage was seen only in 18%. The high risk of HIV transmission was seen among recently married serodiscordant couples. Couples engaged in daily intercourse were more likely to have high risk of transmission (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed various risk factors for infection transmission to the seronegative partner among serodiscordant couples. Henceforth, given conception that prevention of these factors could reduce overall seroconversion rate among such couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]