Down Low Sex, Older African American Women, and HIV Infection

Abstract

The phenomenon of down low sex, wherein men involved in monogamous relationships with women seek extrarelationship sexual relations with men, has gained recognition in recent years. This study addressed the issue of down low sex in a group of African American women whose long-term sexual partners had become infected with HIV during extramarital sexual encounters with men. A grounded theory methodology was used to explore the experiences of 11 women in individual interviews that were sensitive to the intimate nature of their experiences. Themes shown in the data focused on (a) being betrayed and losing trust; (b) reflecting upon the features of the past relationship; (c) seeking the positive aspects of the past relationship; (d) being ashamed before God, community, and family; and (e) assuming the caregiver role and sharing the burden of illness. The study identified the strong influence of positive long-term relationships on life decisions of women following a diagnosis of HIV, despite the extrarelationship sexual activities of their partners.

HIV Sexual Risk Behavior in Older Black Women: A Systematic Review

“…However, relational factors, including trust in the relationship, may also play a crucial role in older Black women’s lack of HIV awareness or perceived susceptibility to HIV (Whyte, Whyte, & Cormier, 2008). One finding in this study indicated that the majority of the women in long-term relationships with their primary partners were not aware of their risk for HIV and were consequently infected with HIV by their partners (Neundorfer et al, 2005).…”

“…Social norms often stigmatize homosexuality and a study found that Black men were less likely than White men to identify themselves as being homosexual or bisexual for fear of being marginalized in their community (O’Leary, Fisher, Purcell, Spikes, & Gomez, 2007). Non-disclosure contributes to the continuation of unsafe sexual practices and the high rates of HIV among older heterosexual Black women (Whyte et al, 2008). Further research is warranted on stigma and nondisclosure of sexual behavior in Black men in order to develop effective strategies aimed at decreasing the overall incidence of HIV among Black women.…”

Sexual Protective Strategies and Condom Use in Middle-aged African American Women: A Qualitative Study

“…A qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 11 African American women who were infected by male partners who engaged in extramarital/relational sexual activities. The women expressed anger at their partners for having undisclosed sex with other men (Whyte, Whyte, Cormier, 2008). Similarly, the women in this study verbalized anger and frustration with regard to “down low” behavior.…”

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

“…To our knowledge, only two scientific studies to date have been published which place women in the centre of analysis relative to their experiences and attitudes regarding outwardly heterosexual, non-disclosing African American MSMW (Voetsch et al 2010; Whyte IV, Whyte, and Cormier 2008). Voetsch et al (2010) surveyed 2705 black female students aged 18 – 29 years from seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) regarding their HIV risk perceptions within the context of MSMW (Voetsch et al 2010).…”