Authors
David A Moskowitz, David W Seal, Lance Rintamaki, Gerulf Rieger
Publication date
2011/4
Journal
AIDS and Behavior
Volume
15
Pages
557-564
Publisher
Springer US
Description
There exist many subcultures of men who have sex with men (MSM), all with differing values and health behaviors. The Leathermen comprise one such subculture, which is characterized by a heightened valuation of hypersexuality and adherence to sexual control dynamics (i.e., submission and dominance). No previous research has specifically examined this community for differences in sexual health (e.g., HIV rates) and sexual health behaviors (e.g., condom use). We conducted a large survey of men (N = 1,554) at one leather and non-leather event, collecting data from 655 Submissives, Dominants, Switches, and non-orienting Leathermen. Leathermen were 61% more likely to be HIV-positive than non-Leathermen. Decreased condom use found in HIV-positive Leathermen (relative to HIV-positive non-Leathermen) was a potential factor contributing to heightened HIV rates. Universal low condom use in …
Scholar articles
DA Moskowitz, DW Seal, L Rintamaki, G Rieger - AIDS and Behavior, 2011