LIT 10.2 Unwanted Sexual Experiences amongst GBM Flashcards
What is the prevalance of sexual coercion amongst GBM
The study found that a significant portion of GBM experience unwanted sex, ranging from uncomfortable encounters to more severe forms of sexual violence like rape.
Many participants described instances of feeling obligated to engage in sexual activity despite not fully desiring it, often due to anxieties around pleasing their partner or avoiding embarrassment.
Several participants recounted situations where sexual partners initiated condomless intercourse without their consent, highlighting the role of HIV risk in shaping the perception of harm.
What were the Notions of Inherent Risk and Sexual Exceptionalism. GBM
○A recurring theme was the idea that unwanted sex is an unavoidable aspect of being a GBM. Participants often used the phrase “you’re gay, it’s just what happens” to normalise and minimise these experiences.
○This acceptance of unwanted sex, according to the authors, stems from a historical and social context where GBM sexuality has been associated with deviance, danger, and risk.
○The researchers argue that these notions of inherent risk and GBM sexual exceptionalism – the belief that GBM sexuality operates under different rules than heterosexual sex – make it difficult for GBM to negotiate sexual safety and assert their boundaries.
What is the influence of social and cultural factors on unwanted sexual experiences amongst GBM?
Gender Norms: The study highlights how gendered expectations around masculinity and sexual assertiveness influence sexual dynamics and consent among GBM. Some participants internalised the belief that men should be sexually aggressive, leading to feelings of self-blame when encounters became uncomfortable or coercive.
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Race and Fetishisation: One participant, who identified as Black and non-binary, described experiencing a high rate of non-consensual and fetishizing encounters with white gay men, highlighting the intersection of race and sexual coercion within this population.
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HIV Status: The study also explores how HIV status, stigma, and the criminalisation of HIV non-disclosure in Canada create additional layers of complexity for GBM in negotiating consent and sexual safety.
What is the impact of #MeToo on Unwanted Sexual Experiences amongst GBM?
While the study acknowledges the limited focus on GBM experiences within the #MeToo movement, it found that the discourse surrounding sexual misconduct prompted some participants to reconsider past encounters and articulate their experiences of unwanted sex.
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However, the heightened awareness of sexual coercion also led some GBM to place the responsibility on themselves for being more assertive and avoiding uncomfortable situations, rather than challenging broader social norms.
What is the role of HIV in unwanted sexual experiences among GBM
Biomedical Advancements and Sexual Negotiation:
○The authors note that the advent of biomedical HIV prevention methods like PrEP and U=U is influencing how some GBM perceive risk, negotiate consent, and choose sexual partners.
○The study found that experiences of sexual coercion motivated some participants to start PrEP, underscoring the complex interplay between sexual health and personal autonomy.
