In Human Sexuality Studies

Despite social marketing efforts aimed at reducing its practice, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) has been increasing among gay men in San Francisco. Younger gay men have been more likely to engage in UAI than older men. To better understand young gay men’s sexual norms and identities, I conducted a focus group and individual interviews with three 20-27 year old HIV-negative gay men living in San Francisco. Participants reported having received sexuality education in high school that did not discuss same-sex relationships; fear and paranoia of testing HIV-positive; ambivalence towards HIV prevention social marketing; a sense of disconnection from the idea of a “gay community”; and a personal struggle with heteronormative relationship norms. More research is needed to better evaluate young HIV-negative gay men’s experiences, whic