Paper Title
Sexual Self-Identification Among Behaviorally Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States
Keywords
- bisexuality
- sexual identity
- bisexual men
- men who have sex with men and women (msmw)
- sexual orientation
- self-identification
- identity diversity
- sexual behavior
- lgbtq+ health
- identity trajectories
- qualitative research
- social identity
- stigma
- sexual fluidity
- health disparities
- hiv prevention
- sti prevention
- public health
- sexual health programs
- behavioral bisexuality
- community health
- mental health
- healthcare access
- identity labels
- identity rejection
- sexual orientation disclosure
- minority health
- identity development
- msm
- sexuality research
- healthcare disparities
- social determinants of health
- inclusive healthcare
- intersectionality
- sexual orientation dynamics
- lived experiences
- identity negotiation
- gender and sexuality studies
- health interventions
- cultural influences on identity
- sexual health promotion
- lgbtq+ studies
- psychological well-being
- public policy
- social support networks
- behavior and identity alignment
- health equity
- risk behavior
- community engagement
- social acceptance
Article Type
Research Article
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 44 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 2015–2026
Published On
October, 2014
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Abstract
Previous social and behavioral research on identity among bisexual men, when not subsumed within the category of men who have sex with men (MSM), has primarily focused on samples of self-identified bisexual men. Little is known about sexual self-identification among men who are behaviorally bisexual, regardless of sexual identity. Using qualitative data from 77 in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of behaviorally bisexual men (i.e., men who have had sex with at least one woman and at least one man in the past six months) from a large city in the Midwestern United States, we analyzed responses from a domain focusing on sexual self-identity and related issues. Overall, participants’ sexual self-identification was exceptionally diverse. Three primary themes emerged: (1) a resistance to, or rejection of, using sexual self-identity labels; (2) concurrent use of multiple identity categories and the strategic deployment of multiple sexual identity labels; and (3) a variety of trajectories to current sexual self-identification. Based on our findings, we offer insights into the unique lived experiences of behaviorally bisexual men, as well as broader considerations for the study of men’s sexuality. We also explore identity-related information useful for the design of HIV/STI prevention and other sexual health programs directed toward behaviorally bisexual men, which will ideally be variable and flexible in accordance with the wide range of diversity found in this population.
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