title: Sexual venue selection and strategies for concealment of same-sex behavior among non-disclosing men who have sex with men and women.
abstract: In order to conceal their same-sex behavior, men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) who do not disclose their same-sex behavior to female partners must be cautious in their attempts to find potential male partners. This study interviewed 46 non-gay-identified, non-disclosing MSMW to identify the venues where they meet male sexual partners and the strategies they use to reduce the likelihood of discovery when at such venues. Most (74%) reported meeting a male partner in a sexual venue (e.g., bar or club, park) in the past year. Strategies to reduce the risk of discovery while seeking male partners included: a) avoiding certain venues, b) attending venues away from home, c) meeting partners on the Internet, d) preferring venues that have potential nonsexual uses, e) having sex at the partner's place, and f) limiting their onsite sexual activities. These findings provide insight into the coping strategies these men use to manage the conflicting needs to conceal their behavior and meet sexual partners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. es458@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Eric W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Schrimshaw
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Downing
authors.forename: Karolynn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012919:Social Behavior; D057545:Social Stigma; D055815:Young Adult