African American women's perspectives on ‘down low/DL’ men: implications for HIV prevention

Goparaju, Lakshmi; Warren-Jeanpiere, Lari

doi:10.1080/13691058.2012.703328

Cited by 15 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Thus, the results should be generalized with caution. For example, it is not clear to what degree our results are applicable to the reactions of female partners of African American men “on the downlow,” a lifestyle of young African American men who are not gay or bisexual identified but engage in sex with men and women, which has garnered research and popular media attention (see Goparaju & Warren‐Jeanpiere, ; Heath & Goggin, ). Though religion was not investigated in the present study, it is also possible that these results would vary among more religious individuals, especially religions that are less tolerant of same‐sex relationships.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Women may also have a greater propensity for sexual fluidity, and thus heterosexual‐identified women may find themselves desiring same‐sex interactions, especially college‐aged women (Diamond, ; Lannutti & Denes, ). Additionally, male–male sexual behavior among heterosexual‐identified men has also been recognized, notably among African American men (Goparaju & Warren‐Jeanpiere, ; Heath & Goggin, ). While different‐sex infidelity in heterosexual relationships is considered to be a hurtful relational transgression (Feeney, ), it is unclear how individuals emotionally, relationally, and communicatively respond to same‐sex infidelity.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Same‐sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships: Investigating emotional, relational, and communicative responses

Denes¹,

Lannutti²,

Bevan

2015

Personal Relationships

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The present study explores emotional, relational, and communicative responses to different-sex and same-sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships. Two-hundred and eighty-five men and women completed an online survey. Individuals were asked to read a scenario in which an imagined heterosexual partner engages in infidelity with a different-sex or same-sex person. Individuals were randomly assigned to one of these two conditions and then asked to complete several measures assessing their imagined emotions, communicative responses, and relational outcomes. Results revealed that both men and women experienced more negative emotional responses to different-sex infidelity versus same-sex infidelity. Additionally, men reported more sexual arousal in response to a woman's same-sex infidelity versus different-sex infidelity, while women's sexual arousal did not vary across conditions. Lastly, men's communicative responses to jealousy (CRJs) for same-sex and different-sex infidelity did not vary, though women reported that they were more likely to respond to same-sex infidelity than different-sex infidelity with denial, and more likely to respond to different-sex than same-sex infidelity with signs of possession. Several emotional responses to same-sex infidelity were also found to predict various CRJs. These findings and the implications of the study are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Same‐sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships: Investigating emotional, relational, and communicative responses

Denes¹,

Lannutti²,

Bevan

2015

Personal Relationships

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“…Attributions related to risk and disease may be more specific to Black MSM . Within the Black community, heterosexually identified men and women have voiced awareness of the DL and expressed fear around partnering with Black MSM or partners of Black MSM given perceptions of disease risk (Bowleg et al, 2011; Goparaju & Warren-Jeanpiere, 2012). Consistent with DL stereotypes of sexual risk, condomless sex is more commonly depicted in MSM-targeted sexual advertisements featuring Black MSM versus those featuring MSM of other races (White et al, 2015).…”

Section: Sexual Stereotypes Of Black Msmmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual Stereotypes Ascribed to Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: An Intersectional Analysis

et al. 2017

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Sexual stereotypes may adversely affect the health of Black men who have sex with men (MSM). Greater understanding of the nature and nuances of these stereotypes is needed. This online, survey-based study used an inductive, intersectional approach to characterize the sexual stereotypes ascribed to Black MSM by the U.S. general public, their distinctiveness from those ascribed to Black men and MSM in general, and their relative prototypicality as compared to dominant subgroups. Members of the public, recruited in 2014-2015, were randomly assigned to survey conditions that varied systematically by race (Black, White, or unspecified) and sexual orientation (gay, heterosexual, or unspecified) of a designated social group. Participants (n = 285) reported stereotypes of their assigned group that they perceived to exist in U.S. culture in an open-response format. Cross-condition comparisons revealed that, overall, Black gay male stereotypes were non-prototypical of Black men or gay men. Rather, stereotypes of Black men were more similar to Black heterosexual men and stereotypes of gay men were more similar to White gay men. Nonetheless, 11 of the 15 most frequently reported Black gay male stereotypes overlapped with stereotypes of Black men (e.g., large penis), gay men (e.g., deviant), or both (e.g., promiscuous). Four stereotypes were unique relative to both Black men and gay men: down low, diseased, loud, and dirty. Findings suggest that Black MSM face multiple derogatory sexual stereotypes, several of which are group-specific. These stereotypes are consistent with cultural (mis)representations of Black MSM and suggest a need for more accurate portrayals of existing sexual diversity within this group.

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“…The “down low or DL” term that was previously used to describe behaviors and activities that should be kept secret [ 32 – 34 ], has been adapted and perpetuated by the lay community and media to describe African American men who identify as heterosexual and who do not disclose their same sex behaviors with female partners [ 35 ]. Understanding the meaning of identifying with the down low or DL term may be important for assessing sexual risks.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

HIV Risk Behaviors among African American Women with at-Risk Male Partners

et al. 2013

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BackgroundHIV continues to impact African American women at alarming rates. Yet, few researchers have examined the relationship factors promoting unprotected sex within African American communities, especially instances in which women are aware that their male partners are engaging in high risk behaviors. This qualitative study explored the sexual behaviors, relationship characteristics, and HIV prevention strategies utilized by African American women in relationships with African American men at-risk for HIV.MethodTo understand the issues that should be addressed in a sexual risk-reduction intervention, data were collected from three, two-hour focus group discussions (n=24) comprised primarily of low-income African American women with histories of at-risk male sex partners. At-risk partners included specifically men who had sex with other men or with transgender individuals, used crack cocaine or injection drugs, had lengthy incarceration periods, or an unknown sexual history. Discussion questions examined external factors affecting sexual risk behaviors such as societal pressures, peer norms, and financial vulnerability. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a consensual qualitative research approach.ResultsFive themes, including self-esteem, social influences on behavior, relationship fidelity, sexual risk behavior, and partners' sexual behaviors, were identified as placing women at increased risk for HIV. Reasons for inconsistent condom use included concern for maintaining the relationship and substance use before and during sex. African American women also believed that men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) were dishonest about their sexuality due to stigma towards homosexuality/bisexuality. Despite these challenges, participants indicated that African American women have a strong sense of pride that can positively impact behaviors in relationships.ConclusionThe findings of this study support that social and contextual factor such as emotional and financial issues, culture, history, and relationship dynamics need to be considered when developing tailored sexual health interventions for this population.

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African American women's perspectives on ‘down low/DL’ men: implications for HIV prevention

Cited by 15 publications

References 20 publications

Same‐sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships: Investigating emotional, relational, and communicative responses

Same‐sex infidelity in heterosexual romantic relationships: Investigating emotional, relational, and communicative responses

Sexual Stereotypes Ascribed to Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: An Intersectional Analysis

HIV Risk Behaviors among African American Women with at-Risk Male Partners

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