Sex in the Time of COVID-19: Patterns of Sexual Behavior Among LGBTQ+ Individuals in the U.S.

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the pathogen which causes COVID-19, has left an indelible impact on the daily lives of individuals in the USA. This study sought to explore the sexual behaviors among people in the LGBTQ+ population at the onset of the pandemic. Behaviors were explored across sub-groups of the population. The study employed data from an internet survey about the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ identified individuals conducted between May and July 2020. The final sample was comprised of 1090 participants from across the USA. Overall, sexual activity and the number of sexual partners decreased after March 13, 2020 (as compared to before this date) across all sexual orientation groups; however, living situation and partnership status supported sexual activity. Gay and bisexual men living with a partner or a spouse (AOR = 2.20, p = .023) and those living with a non-romantic roommate or friend (AOR = 2.88, p = .004) reported more sexual activity. For both cisgender lesbian and bisexual women and transgender and non-binary individuals, those who were married or in a domestic partnership (AOR = 4.54, p < .001; AOR = 9.97, p < .001, respectively) and those in a committed relationship (AOR = 3.54, p = .001; AOR = 8.46, p < .001, respectively) reported more sexual activity. Additionally, cisgender lesbian and bisexual women living with their partner or spouse (AOR = 2.14, p = .044) reported more sexual activity. When examining the number of sexual partners, cisgender lesbian and bisexual women and transgender and non-binary individuals in a committed relationship (AOR = 0.31, p < 0.001; AOR = 0.26, p = .004, respectively) and those living with a partner or spouse (AOR = 0.30, p = .002; AOR = 0.25, p = .028, respectively) were less likely to report two or more sexual partners. Examining the changes in sexual activity and number of sexual partners helps us better identify the effects of COVID-19 on intimate relationships and sexual behaviors. Furthermore, this study may help develop clinical best practices to facilitate risk-reduction strategies for LGBTQ+ populations when engaging in sexual activity within a communicable disease framework. Current guidance on sexual activity within a pandemic has created a unique opportunity for sex-positive public health messaging that protects individual health while also offering a framework for conversations about risk mitigation that is applicable for both COVID-19 and STI/HIV prevention.

Findings on the Monkeypox Exposure Mitigation Strategies Employed by Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in the United States

“…Results of this study can help inform the development and tailoring of monkeypox prevention strategies geared towards these populations. Similar to work conducted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (Corneli et al, 2022 ; Griffin et al, 2022 ; McKay et al, 2021 ; Starks et al, 2022 ; Stephenson et al, 2021 ; Walsh et al, 2021 ), our results demonstrate that MSM and transgender women employ a variety of exposure mitigation strategies currently endorsed by the CDC ( 2022e ). This includes limiting their exposure by avoiding crowded social venues where close, personal, skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur—such as a party, dance club, or sex club where minimal clothing may be worn.…”

Sexuality Transmitted Infection in the COVID-19 Pandemic and Non-Pandemic Time

“…Although some studies declare decreasing trend in sexual desire and intercourse at the same time (Fuchs et al, 2020; Li et al, 2020), few findings in opposing ways show more frequent intercourse and growing sexual desire (Fuchs et al, 2020; Yuksel & Ozgor, 2020). Finally, however, our study demonstrated the number of partners has not significantly changed during these periods, Griffin et al stated LGBTQ+ population in the United States chose fewer partners and lesser sexual activity during the pandemic compared with before (Griffin et al, 2022).…”

Impact of COVID-19 on the Belgian HIV epidemic: slowdown of HIV transmission and testing and adaptation of care

“…Several studies suggest that HIV transmission may have been reduced by the decrease in sexual interactions with casual partners due to the restriction of physical and social contacts during the periods of strict confinement [ 11 ]. An online survey among MSM in Belgium showed a sharp drop in the number of casual sex partners during the first lock-down period from March to May 2020 [ 12 ].…”