Hypermasculinity and Sexual Risk Among Black and White Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women

Abstract

Men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), particularly Black MSMW, are at high risk for HIV. However, few studies have focused on factors that influence Black MSMW's specific HIV risk behaviors, and there are no evidence-based interventions specifically targeting this population. Some studies have suggested that masculine ideals are associated with high-risk sex practices and partners. Norms around masculinity in the social environments in which MSMW live may prohibit nonheterosexual identities and behaviors, may lead to internalized homophobia, and may promote high-risk strategies to seek male partners. Using data collected from 180 Black and 101 White MSMW recruited for a study to develop strategies for recruiting MSMW for research and services and to inform the content of HIV prevention messages, we examined the association between hypermasculinity ideals and sexual behaviors that may contribute to increased HIV risk among Black MSMW and a comparison group of White MSMW. Comparing Black and White MSMW, we explored how this association may differ by race. Multivariate models, controlling for sociodemographic and other covariates, indicate that hypermasculine ideals are associated with increased numbers of male and female partners among Black MSMW and an increased number of female partners among White MSMW. Hypermasculinity is important to address in programs that aim to reduce HIV risk among Black MSMW.

HIV Acquisition and Transmission Potential Among African American Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in Three U.S. Cities

“…This scale was previously used with MSMW (LaPollo, Bond, & Lauby, 2013). STI diagnoses in the past year, as well as HIV testing history and most recent result were assessed.…”

Hipermasculinidad Y Uso De Condón en Hombres Que Tienen Sexo Con Hombres Y Mujeres

“…Una mayor puntuación en la subescala indica mayor ideología masculina. La escala se ha utilizado en HSHM, presentando Alfas de Cronbach aceptables de .83 y .87 (LaPollo et al, 2014).…”

A New Era of HIV Risk: It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know (and How Infectious)

“…Hypermasculinity and power dynamics potentially place both the hypermasculine partner and their less masculine (effeminate) counterpart at increased risk of HIV infection. For the hypermasculine partner, endorsement of aspects of masculinity ideology, such as the importance of engaging in sexual activity, is associated with greater HIV risk due to the high numbers of sexual partners of sexual minority men who are also members of minority racial groups (LaPollo et al 2014, Murray et al 2018. For the less masculine (and often receptive) partner, control of the risk of HIV is lost, as he typically relinquishes condom use decision making to the masculine partner.…”