Demographic and Sexual Behavior Comparisons of Indian and U.S. Internet Samples of Men who have Sex with Men

Welles, Seth L.; Ross, Michael W.; Banik, Swagata; Fisher, Leslie E.; McFarlane, Mary; Kachur, Rachel; Rietmeijer, Cornelis A.; Allensworth-Davies, Donald

doi:10.1080/19317611.2011.562278

Cited by 8 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…In addition, fewer men report receptive oral sex from male (and female) sexual partners than those who report having “given” oral sex. This differs from prior reports from MSM samples in India where receptive oral sex was a commonly reported sexual act (Welles et al, 2011). Our data also challenge the prevailing notion in India that men engage in same-sex behavior mainly because they do not “receive” unconventional sexual pleasure (e.g., oral sex) from their female sex partners, wives and girlfriends.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Sexual Relationships, Behaviors, and Experiences Among Bisexual Men in Mumbai, India

Dodge

Banik

Bowling

et al. 2015

International Journal of Sexual Health

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This exploratory study aimed to assess a range of sexual behaviors, relationships and related factors among a sample of bisexual men in Mumbai, India. Data collection occurred in two separate phases: 1. focus group discussions were facilitated with local community members in order to finalize an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and 2. structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 50 bisexual men using this questionnaire. Participants self-reported a wide range of sexual behaviors and relationships. Findings have implications for future research and practice focusing on bisexual men in India, as well as their partners of all genders.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Sexual Relationships, Behaviors, and Experiences Among Bisexual Men in Mumbai, India

Dodge

Banik

Bowling

et al. 2015

International Journal of Sexual Health

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“…Welles et al (2011) also highlighted behavioral differences between internet-using Indian MSM and their western counterparts. With limited research-based insights into demographics, risk and identities of internet-using Indian MSM and transgenders/ hijras , it is crucial to investigate HIV- and sexuality-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors particularly as this population may also not ascribe to traditional sexual identities adopted by the much-researched Indian MSM and transgenders/h ijra population on physical sites who fall within the reach of traditional HIV interventions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…In India, only two studies (Jethwani, Mishra, Jethwani, & Sawant, 2014; Welles et al, 2011) have explored identity differences between internet-using MSM and MSM investigated by other studies in India. Welles et al (2011) also highlighted behavioral differences between internet-using Indian MSM and their western counterparts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual identity and behavior in an online sample of Indian men who have sex with men

et al. 2016

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Indian men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted by HIV. While prevention efforts to date have focused on men who visit drop-in centers or physical cruising sites, little is known about men who are meeting sexual partners on virtual platforms. This paper explores issues related to sexual identity and sexual behaviors in an online sample of men who identified as gay (n=279) or bisexual (n=123). There were significant differences in outedness between the two groups, with 48% of bisexually-identified men reporting that they were out to “no one” and 82% stating that they present themselves as heterosexual to family and friends. Corresponding rates for gay-identified men were 15% and 41%, respectively (both p <0.001). Twenty-nine percent of bisexually-identified men reported being married, compared to only 3% of the gay-identified men (p< 0.001). Bisexually-identified men were also more likely to report having exclusively insertive anal sex (49% vs 30% p< 0.001), while gay-identified men were more likely to report exclusively receptive anal sex (41% vs 13% p< 0.0001). Rates of unprotected anal sex in the two groups was similar, however married men were significantly more li kely to report unprotected vaginal sex (76% vs 35%, p <0.012). Positive attitudes toward unprotected anal sex and lower self-efficacy were associated with sexual risk in both groups, however, substance use was associated with sexual risk only among bisexually-identified men. These findings show that a large proportion of Indian bisexually-identified men lead closeted lives, especially in their interactions with friends and family, with the vast majority presenting as heterosexual. The lower condom use with wives may be due to societal pressures to have children. The results suggest that bisexually-identified men may benefit from targeted programs and non-directive, non-judgmental individual or couples counseling which emphasizes condom use with both male and female partners.

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“…Researchers have documented diverse sexualities among men in India, including those that are not congruent with Western categories, including sexual orientation labels (Asthana & Oostvogels, 2001; Banik, Fisher, & Anand, 2014; Boyce & Khanna, 2011; Closson et al, 2014; Khan, 2001; Kumta et al, 2010; Verma & Collumbien, 2004). For example, Welles et al (2011) conducted a cross-cultural online survey in the U.S. and India and documented that a larger percentage of Indian MSM did not identify themselves as either gay or bisexual in comparison to U.S. men, even though they engaged in sexual behaviors with other men. Interviews with middle aged MSM recruited in Mumbai demonstrated that a large number of participants did not relate to a sexual identity based on their sexual behaviors (Banik et al, 2014), in some ways parallel to the “down low” phenomenon among Black men in the U.S. (Dodge, Jeffries, & Sandfort, 2008; Millett, Malebranche, & Mason, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Humanizing an Invisible Population in India: Voices from Bisexual Men Concerning Identity, Life Experiences, and Sexual Health

et al. 2018

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Research examining the sexual identities, behaviors, and experiences of bisexual men outside of Western contexts (including in India) is limited. Individuals who self-identify as bisexual due to their orientation towards partners of more than one gender face distinct psychosocial challenges relative to exclusively heterosexual, gay/lesbian or other individuals. We conducted four focus group discussions (n = 22) and in-depth interviews (n = 50) with self-identified bisexual men (age 18 years and older) who were recruited from the metropolitan area of Mumbai, India, between June and August 2013. We triangulated and analyzed focus group and interview data using standard qualitative research techniques. Findings from our study suggest that multiple factors influence the sexual experiences of self-identified bisexual men in Mumbai, including contexts of sexual interactions, sexual positioning, and the gender of sexual partners. Participants described cultural meaning systems and psychosocial dynamics that regulate bisexual identity development, disclosure, and sexual decision making with male, female, and other partners. Secrecy, discretion, and sexual pleasure also influenced sexual behaviors and relationships. Although Western sexual identity categories are not necessarily equivalent in the Indian context, it is interesting and important to note that a number of individuals in India continue to use the identity label of “bisexual.” Before developing interventions to meet unique sexual health needs of bisexual men, it is crucial to understand how these men perceive themselves, reconcile the ordinary aspects of their lives with their sexuality, and structure their relationships with partners.

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Demographic and Sexual Behavior Comparisons of Indian and U.S. Internet Samples of Men who have Sex with Men

Cited by 8 publications

References 27 publications

Sexual Relationships, Behaviors, and Experiences Among Bisexual Men in Mumbai, India

Sexual Relationships, Behaviors, and Experiences Among Bisexual Men in Mumbai, India

Sexual identity and behavior in an online sample of Indian men who have sex with men

Humanizing an Invisible Population in India: Voices from Bisexual Men Concerning Identity, Life Experiences, and Sexual Health

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