A recent study published in the Journal of Preventative
Medicine this past June argues that the public health community has not paid
enough attention to the needs of bisexual men. In Beyond the Bisexual Bridge,
author William Jeffries IV, PhD suggests that men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) are
often seen as transmitters of sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
 |
| Bisexual Men Are Not 'Closet Gays', They Really Do Like Men AND Women |
Check this Article: Penile Implant Surgery in India Cost
The issue at hand is that MSMW are seen as the main way in
which certain diseases or epidemics jump from gay men to heterosexuals of both
sexes. Jeffries believes that by looking at them as disease vectors and not a
population with their own sexual health issues we are making bisexual men more
vulnerable to STIs. Although only about two percent of the male population identifies
as MSMW, the study indicates that their sexual health needs and experiences are
different from those of heterosexual or straight men.
MSMW have a greater chance of experiencing early sexual
debut, forced sexual encounters, and sex in exchange for money or something
else of value. MSMW tend to have more sexual partners, greater issues with
substance abuse, and take more risks in sex with both male and female partners.
Because of personal safety issues, adolescent MSMW are more likely to drop out
of school. According to the study, this may be one of the reasons that adult
MSMW are less likely to have a college degree and more likely to have lower
incomes or be homeless.
Jeffries attributes many of these issues to biphobia.
Biphobia comes from both gay and heterosexual people who feel that bisexuality
is not a legitimate sexual orientation. The view of bisexuals as the STI
“bridge” between communities heightens biphobia and may cause MSMW to take
additional risks.
MSMW may feel socially isolated and feel psychological
distress, which in turn may promote HIV/STI risk through substance use, risky
sexual behaviors, and the avoidance of prevention services. Jeffries suggests
creating community social spaces that provide opportunities for social support
and discussion of sexual health concerns. One such place is an online dating
community like PositiveSingles.com created for people with Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Positive Singles is the largest online community and dating
website for people with STDs. Launched in 2001, it is for people who live with
STDs like HIV, Herpes
(HSV), or HPV. Since it's launch, they have seen an incredible growth in its
membership and their daily active members. Currently, it has over 800,000
members worldwide, and over 15,000 daily active members.
Another solution that Jeffries suggests are various social
and public health strategies that include media and educational campaigns. He
believes that these can improve the health and well-being of MSMW. He believes
that medical and health professionals need sensitivity trainings because of the
hostile environments MSMW encounter when they seek information about sexual
health or HIV/STI testing.
 |
| Men Who Have Sex With Both Men And Women Experience More Health Problems |
Jeffries concludes the study by stating that, “Recognition
of MSMW’s unique sexual and social experiences can lay the foundation necessary
for ensuring that these men have healthy and fulfilling sexual experiences.”
