There has been relative silence around the issue of rape and sexual coercion among men who have sex with men (MSM). Data from a limited number of prevalence studies suggest that 14-51% of MSM may experience rape, forced, coerced or unwanted sex from other men. However, little is known about the nature and meaning of such experiences. This talk reports the findings of a qualitative New Zealand-based multi-phase study of experiences and understandings of sexual coercion among MSM.
It focuses on the nature of the experiences men reported, and discusses the implications of these for thinking about HIV prevention. Methods Data come from a 3-phase study involving: a) interviews with 18 gay/bisexual men about their experiences of sexual coercion, b) interviews with 23 key informants about issues related to sexual coercion for MSM; and c) six focus groups with 22 gay/queer men on perceptions and issues around sexual coercion for MSM. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Men reported a wide variety of coerced experiences, inflicted by men who ranged from sexual partners through to strangers. Particular issues included: silence and invisibility; the difficulty of refusing unwanted sex; the use of alcohol and drugs; and power dynamics in sex between older, more experienced men and younger, often newly out, inexperienced men. In relation to sexual safety, coerced sex was often unprotected or unsafe, and men reported desires that competed with sexual safety concerns. Conclusions The wide range of coerced sexual experiences MSM reported suggest this is a significant, albeit politically sensitive, issue to address. Further, our data trouble the model of the ‘rational’ and ‘in control’ sexual actor that informs much HIV prevention for MSM.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: New Zealand Health Research Council Lottery Health (New Zealand)
Sydney Australia, April 2007.
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