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

Abstract

Studies concerning behaviorally bisexual men continue to focus on understanding sexual risk 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 male and female partners. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 75 men who engaged in bisexual behavior within the past 6 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

Acknowledgments

Funding for this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health Grant R21 HD059494 (Brian Dodge, PhD, Principal Investigator). The authors would like to express their deepest appreciation to the members of the study's Community Advisory Committee, whose insight guided the researchers throughout the study process.