The MSM (Non)Identity: Toward Understanding Sexual Behavior and Identity in Health Research and Practice with Straight Men Under the Umbrella
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2020
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) that identify as straight/heterosexual are frequently grouped into a general and indiscriminant category based solely on their sexual behavior. Though from a purely epidemiological view such an approach may be justified, it strips cultural context from these men’s risky sexual behavior. Simultaneously and conversely, clinical professionals may be underestimating the importance of screening for risky behavior among men who report an ostensibly less-than-risky identity. The present article discusses literature on sexual identity and sexual behavior as it pertains to straight-identifying MSM. Themes of wholistic sexuality and social determinants of health are presented as considerable adjuncts to present conceptualizations of the lived experiences of these men. Recommendations are provided for public health researchers and for health clinicians to better integrate the understanding of identity, behavior, and their intersection.
Publication Title
Sexuality Research and Social Policy
Volume
17
Issue
2
First Page
343
Last Page
352
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1007/s13178-019-00398-w
ISSN
18689884
E-ISSN
15536610
Citation Information
Zeglin, R.J. The MSM (Non)Identity: Toward Understanding Sexual Behavior and Identity in Health Research and Practice with Straight Men Under the Umbrella. Sex Res Soc Policy 17, 343–352 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-019-00398-w