Sex, love, friendship, belonging and place: Is there a role for ‘Gay Community’ in HIV prevention today?

Exploring the role of sex-seeking apps and websites in the social and sexual lives of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study

“…13 Within this body of research is evidence that gay and bisexual men’s patterns of community involvement have changed. 14–17 In particular, this evidence suggests that: (1) personal networks, rather than institutional organisations, now characterise gay and bisexual men’s social behaviour; 15,17,18 and (2) Internet apps and websites are increasingly used as partner-seeking venues for many gay and bisexual men. 19 …”

“…As many sexual health interventions continue to be developed, tested and deployed through community-based organisations, 15 it is increasingly important that community leaders and prevention specialists understand how social influence in online environments shapes sexual behaviour. Doing so will allow them to understand better how to engage with gay and bisexual men who may be at increased risk when seeking sex online.…”

“…Although within-subject comparisons do not clearly identify online sex-seeking as a risk factor, 24 reported risks include more frequent sexual partnering and greater likelihood for condomless sex. 20,25 Additionally, Internet users may be less likely to participate in the gay community 15,18,26 and therefore have less access to traditional prevention efforts. 15 For example, research from Holt et al suggests that HIV testing is correlated with decreased community involvement and greater Internet use – suggesting a potential trade-off between the two.…”

“…20,25 Additionally, Internet users may be less likely to participate in the gay community 15,18,26 and therefore have less access to traditional prevention efforts. 15 For example, research from Holt et al suggests that HIV testing is correlated with decreased community involvement and greater Internet use – suggesting a potential trade-off between the two. 27 Likewise, Ross et al found that those who used the Internet extensively were less likely to be involved in the gay community.…”

A social constructionist approach to resilience for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and/or questioning academics and students in South African universities

“…He advocates a '…need to shift focus to consider the interplay and disruptions that inform how … intersections have shaped [sexual subjects'] life histories and identities' (Francis 2017b:102). This argument recalls Simon's (1996:43-44) (Dowsett 1996), sexual actors may problematise the supposed rigid boundary and static polarised binary logic between heterosexuality and homosexuality and underline its permeable nature (Rowe & Dowsett 2008). This may weaken 'traditional modes of group think' and rather produce so-called 'flourishing sexualities'; thus, more 'sacral', 'individualized', 'reflexive' and 'informalized' sexualised performances which express an '…endless hunger for instant change…and selfreinvention' within the larger university context (Plummer 2015:172).…”