Variation in sexual orientations among men who have sex with men, and their current sexual practices

Purpose: To explore group variations in sexual risk-taking among different sexual orientations of men who have sex with men (MSM). Method: A convenience sample of men was recruited in gay-identified venues. An analysis was conducted to determine the independence of sexual orientation (gay, gay-previously heterosexual, currently bisexual), age and risk-taking. Results: Bisexual men were younger, lived outside metropolitan areas and socialized more in bathhouses. In general, bisexuals reported the safest sexual practices and previously heterosexual men the most unprotected. Conclusions: Among MSM, variation in sexual orientations was associated with differences in unprotected sex for older age groups. For the youngest age group, a similar level of risk-taking of the different orientation groups suggests uniform sociocultural influences.