Peer crowd affiliations of adult gay men: Linkages with health risk behaviors.

Abstract

The social networks of adult gay men play important roles in both the promotion and prevention of health risk. The current investigation had 2 primary goals. First, this study examined the existence of gay peer crowds using the opinions of a large (N ϭ 340) online sample of self-identified gay men. Second, it explored how these peer crowd affiliations may be differentially related to health risk. All participants provided demographic information, opinions regarding the existence of gay peer crowds, and subjective ratings of identification with each crowd. Information regarding marijuana and other drug use, binge drinking, smoking, unprotected sex, and steroid use was also collected. The majority of men surveyed believed in the existence of gay peer crowds. Identifying with Circuit Partiers, Bears, Muscle Boys, Granolas, and Goths was related to adverse health behaviors. Low-risk peer crowd affiliations included Suburbans, Professionals, Twinks, and Activists. These effects were above and beyond those of age, income, and education. Implications for future research and intervention efforts with gay men are discussed.

A systematic review of the aetiology of tobacco disparities for sexual minorities

“…Risk factors identified in this review that could be considered unique to sexual minorities include internalised homophobia,46 reactions to disclosure of sexual orientation,87 and identity within sexual minority communities (eg, ‘goth’ identity or presentation of masculinity/femininity) 67 80. Research conducted after the search time for the present review indicates some evidence for smoking risk based on presentation of masculinity or femininity,88 which is compatible with historical scholarship 89.…”

“…In contradiction with those findings, Willoughby and colleagues did not find an association between smoking and family rejection 73. An array of risks were examined, from religiosity being protective against smoking among heterosexual adolescents but not sexual minority adolescents,79 to bisexual women having greater odds of smoking for weight control than lesbian women,25 to differential associations of smoking among subcultures of sexual minority populations 67 80…”

Victimization, Family Rejection, and Outcomes of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Young People: The Role of Negative GLB Identity

“…For instance, in the general literature on adolescent health, peers play a strong role in the development and maintenance of risk behaviors (La Greca, Prinstein, & Fetter, 2001). Peers also appear to play a critical role in the health risk behaviors (e.g., marijuana use, binge drinking, cigarette smoking) of adult sexual minorities (Willoughby, Lai, Doty, Mackey, & Malik, 2008). In addition, emerging evidence shows that different neurobiological systems are thought to underlie internalizing versus externalizing problem behaviors (Rothbart & Bates, 1998).…”

Associations of Discrimination and Violence With Smoking Among Emerging Adults: Differences by Gender and Sexual Orientation

“…For instance, Willoughby, Lai, Doty, Mackey, and Malik (2008) found that, in a sample of gay men, self-identified subgrouping categories (e.g., Goths, Twinks, Bears) differentiated prevalence of current (i.e., once in past 30 days) smoking. Rosario, Schrimshaw, and Hunter (2008) noted that among lesbians, women who identified as butch (i.e., more masculine) tended to smoke more than women who identified as femme (i.e., more feminine).…”