The low down on the down low: Origins, risk identification and intervention

Abstract

The down low has recently emerged as phenomenon where men have sex with men (MSM), but identify as ‘heterosexual’ or ‘straight’. Although the down low has received considerable attention in United States media, little empirical research has sought to investigate this phenomenon beyond anecdotal evidence. Utilising data from the Urban Men’s Health Study (UMHS) (n = 2881), this research offers a unique opportunity to investigate empirically claims of the down low beyond small opportunistic samples. We find significant support for the down low among Blacks and Latinos and its association with high-risk sexual behaviour. These findings highlight the need for future research that better understands the impact of the phenomenon within a cultural and community context.

Keywords:

• sociology
• sexual risk
• down low
• HIV
• race
• intersectionality