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Punitive and discriminatory laws against key populations (KP), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), have been on the rise for over a decade [1, 2]. Studies have shown [...]

Experimental research on sexual decision making is limited, despite the public health importance of such work. We describe formative work conducted in advance o fan experimental study designed to evaluate the effects of alcohol intoxication and sexual arousal on risky sexual decision making among men who have sex with men. In Study 1, we describe the procedures for selecting and validating erotic film clips (to be used for the experimental manipulation of arousal). In Study 2, we describe the tailoring of two interactive role-play videos to be used to measure risk perception and communication skills in an analog risky sex situation. Together, these studies illustrate a method for creating experimental stimuli to investigate sexual decision making in a laboratory setting. Research using this approach will support experimental research that affords a stronger basis for drawing causal inferences regarding sexual decision making., From the outset of the HIV epidemic in the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. MSM represent approximately 50% [...]

The explosive growth in Internet use by men who have sex with men (MSM) to find sexual partners has been noted in the research literature. However, little attention has been given to the impact of participating in this online sexual marketplace for MSM of color, despite race and ethnicity as frequently used selection criterion in personal ads or profiles. Six focus group discussions (n = 50) and 35 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with African American, Latino, or Asian and Pacific Islander MSM in Los Angeles, which included discussion of their use of Internet sites to meet or interact with other MSM. Men reported race and ethnicity as a pervasive and powerful factor in facilitating or derailing Internet-mediated sexual encounters. The racialized interactions that MSM of color reported ranged from simple expressions of race-based preferences, to blatantly discriminatory or hostile interactions, and often demeaning race-based sexual objectification. Experiences of rejection and a perceived hierarchy of value in the sexual market based on race had definite costs for these MSM using these online sites. Furthermore, the private and solitary nature of seeking partners online meant that there was little to buffer the corrosive aspects of those negative experiences. These online dynamics have implications for the power balance in Internet-mediated sexual liaisons, including sexual decision making and sexual risk., Use of the Internet as a fast and efficient means of accessing sexual partners has grown in popularity among men who have sex with men (MSM) and has been linked [...]

Public health messaging encourages men who have sex with men (MSM) to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV at least yearly, and more frequently depending on sexual behaviors. However, despite engaging in a range of sexual behaviors, many MSM do not participate in regular STI testing. The objective of this study was to understand factors associated with STI testing among a nonclinic-based population of men accessing an Internet-based social and sexual networking site. We asked 25,736 men to complete a comprehensive behavioral and health assessment after being recruited from an Internet site popular among men seeking social or sexual interactions with other men. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression with effects significant at p < 0.05. Two separate predictive models were assessed: STI diagnosis within the past 2 years and STI testing within the past year. Regarding previous STI diagnosis, men who used a condom some of the time or never during both insertive (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72) and receptive (OR = 1.41) anal sex were significantly more likely to have had an STI in the past 2 years. For STI testing, men who never used condoms during receptive anal sex were more likely to have had an STI test within the past year (OR = 1.31), but men who had a STI history were less likely to have been tested (OR = 0.24). Public health efforts directed toward MSM should continue to emphasize screening for STI other than HIV, particularly among those men prioritized during condom promotion campaigns. In addition to the benefits of learning one's STI status, the STI screening and treatment environment itself may provide an important venue for encouraging a range of sexual health promoting behaviors. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2010.0178

The sexual health of transmen--individuals born or assigned female at birth and who identify as male--remains understudied. Given the increasing rates of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among gay and bisexual men in the United States, understanding the sexual practices of transmen who have sex with men (TMSM) may be particularly important to promote sexual health or develop focused HIV prevention interventions. Between May and September 2009, 16 transmen who reported sexual behavior with nontransgender men completed a qualitative interview and a brief interviewer-administered survey. Interviews were conducted until redundancy in responses was achieved. Participants (mean age, 32.5, standard deviation [SD] = 11.1; 87.5% white; 75.0% 'queer') perceived themselves at moderately high risk for HIV and STDs, although 43.8% reported unprotected sex with an unknown HIV serostatus nontransgender male partner in the past 12 months. The majority (62.5%) had used the Internet to meet sexual partners and 'hook-up' with an anonymous nontransgender male sex partner in the past year. A lifetime STD history was reported by 37.5%; 25.0% had not been tested for HIV in the prior 2 years; 31.1% had not received gynecological care (including STD screening) in the prior 12 months. Integrating sexual health information 'by and for' transgender men into other healthcare services, involving peer support, addressing mood and psychological wellbeing such as depression and anxiety, Internet-delivered information for transmen and their sexual partners, and training for health care providers were seen as important aspects of HIV and STD prevention intervention design and delivery for this population. 'Embodied scripting' is proposed as a theoretical framework to understand sexual health among transgender populations and examining transgender sexual health from a life course perspective is suggested. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2010.0059

Understanding the multiple forms of stigma experienced by young HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men and how they relate to sexual risk behaviors is essential to design effective HIV prevention programs. This study of 40 African American young MSM found that 90% of those surveyed experienced sexual minority stigma, 88% experienced HIV stigma, and 78% experienced dual stigma. Sexual minority stigma was characterized by experiences of social avoidance, and HIV stigma, by shame. Individuals with high HIV stigma were significantly more likely to engage in unprotected sex while high or intoxicated. Associations between stigma and sexual practices were examined; youth endorsing higher levels of sexual minority stigma engaged in less insertive anal intercourse. Individuals endorsing more HIV stigma reported more receptive anal intercourse. These findings support the development of stigma-informed secondary prevention interventions for African American HIV-positive young MSM. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2010.0020

This study examined relationships between use of the phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (erectile dysfunction medications) sildenafil (Viagra[R], Pfizer, New York, NY), tadalafil (Cialis[R], Eli Lily, Indianapolis, IN), and/or vardenafil (Levitra[R], Bayer, Berlin, Germany), substance use, perceptions of risk, and sexual behavior in men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM (N = 342) attending a gay pride festival completed a brief survey assessing sexual behavior, risk perceptions, and substance use, including the use and the source of PDE-5 inhibitors. More than a quarter of the sample (26.3%, n = 89) reported having ever used a PDE-5 inhibitor. Those reporting use of PDE-5 inhibitors had higher rates of sexual risk behaviors and differed in their assessment of the risk of HIV transmission for unprotected anal sex. Users who received PDE-5 inhibitors from their doctors did not report sexual behaviors that differed significantly from those who received PDE-5 inhibitors from nonphysician sources. In a sequential logistic regression analysis, recent PDE-5 inhibitor use was associated with unprotected anal sex after accounting for the influence of age, education, ethnic identity, and substance use. Many MSM users of erectile dysfunction drugs report behaviors that may place their and others' health at risk. Interventions to reduce risk among MSM PDE-5 inhibitor users should be explored. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2009.0029

Research on risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) is often based on individualistic models of health behavior, but sexual behavior is inherently social in nature and often determined by constituents of social networks. The objective of this study was to examine relationships among social networks, network norms of condom use, and safer sex. A respondent-driven sampling study recruited 350 MSM in the Shenzhen region of China between November and December 2007 and collected information on network components (relations, structures, and functions) and HIV risk behavior among egos (those interviewed) and their network alters. A total of 2385 alters were nominated by the 350 egos. Egos reported an average of 4 nonsexual relation alters and 2 sexual-partner alters. Egos perceived receiving more tangible and emotional support from nonsexual relation alters than from sexual-partner alters. Two thirds (69%) of egos consistently used condoms. Sixty-seven percent of egos reported having 1 or more alters who always encouraged egos to use condoms, 84% had 1 or more alters who consistently used condoms, and 55% had 1 or more alters who insisted on condom use. Both subjective and descriptive norms were positively associated with consistent condom use. Network components were associated with the levels of the two norms. These findings suggest that social network components may activate or strengthen condom use norms within networks, which, in turn, determine consistent condom use among MSM. HIV behavioral interventions need to target the promotion of safer sex practices through enhancing peer norms of condom use within networks. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2009.0043

Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) remains a cornerstone of public health prevention interventions. This analysis was designed to explore the frequency of testing, as well as health system and personal barriers to testing, among a community-recruited sample of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for HIV and STDs. Black MSM (n = 197) recruited via modified respondent-driven sampling between January and July 2008 completed an interviewer-administered assessment, with optional voluntary HIV counseling and testing. Logistic regression procedures examined factors associated with not having tested in the 2 years prior to study enrollment for: (1) HIV (among HIV-uninfected participants, n = 145) and (2) STDs (among the entire mixed serostatus sample, n = 197). The odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals obtained from this analysis were converted to relative risks. (1) HIV: Overall, 33% of HIV-uninfected Black MSM had not been tested for HIV in the 2 years prior to study enrollment. Factors uniquely associated with not having a recent HIV test included: being less educated; engaging in serodiscordant unprotected sex; and never having been HIV tested at a community health clinic, STD clinic, or jail. (2) STDs: Sixty percent had not been tested for STDs in the 2 years prior to study enrollment, and 24% of the sample had never been tested for STDs. Factors uniquely associated with not having a recent STD test included: older age; having had a prior STD; and never having been tested at an emergency department or urgent care clinic. Overlapping factors associated with both not having had a recent HIV or STD test included: substance use during sex; feeling that using a condom during sex is 'very difficult'; less frequent contact with other MSM; not visiting a health care provider (HCP) in the past 12 months; having a HCP not recommend HIV or STD testing at their last visit; not having a primary care provider (PCP); current PCP never recommending they get tested for HIV of STDs. In multivariable models adjusting for relevant demographic and behavioral factors, Black MSM who reported that a HCP recommended getting an HIV test (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 0.26; p = 0.01) or STD test (ARR = 0.11; p = 0.0004) at their last visit in the past 12 months were significantly less likely to have not been tested for HIV or STDs in the past 2 years. Many sexually active Black MSM do not regularly test for HIV or STDs. HCPs play a pivotal role in encouraging testing for Black MSM. Additional provider training is warranted to educate HCPs about the specific health care needs of Black MSM, in order to facilitate access to timely, culturally competent HIV and STD testing and treatment services for this population. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2009.0086

In Brazil, the inclusion of minorities and the most vulnerable members of the population in the health service is still a challenge for health planners. This study analyzed the perception of men who have sex with men (MSM) treated in health units with the onset of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It consists of qualitative research involving 21 MSM, contacted in a non-governmental organization (NGO) and in the Testing and Counseling Center (TCC) in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. The data were collected during two periods: from February until May 2007 and from September until October 2008 by using focused interview, and were organized by subject matter according to the content analysis technique of Bardin. The references to the theoretical concepts of the symbolic violence by Bourdieu and stigma by Goffman were the foundation for the analysis. The results indicate that MSM experienced situations of symbolic violence and avoided seeking primary health care service fearing prejudice and being stigmatized. Even when they sought these services, they tended to demonstrate masculine behavior in order to not be indentified as to their sexual orientation. We concluded that MSM feel excluded and discriminated against in the primary health care service. More studies related to this subject matter are needed to help implement health care policies facilitating the inclusion of and to welcome this group of the population into the general health care service.

This article offers an analysis of lived experiences of transnational mobility for gay-identified expatriates who reside in Manila, the Philippines. Drawing from in-depth interviewing and discourse analysis of eight cases, the author argues that homonormative mobility organizes gay men's travel, even as gay expatriates work to reimagine themselves through their travel and face destabilizing experiences in transnational spaces. The author offers a theorization of homonormative mobility to explain discourses of normative gender, race-nation, and desire in gay travel Specifically, she argues that expatriates describe their mobility as (1) an escape from the heteronormative controls they face at home, (2) masculine access to freeing places in 'foreign' playgrounds, (3) an act of homo-orientalist desire of Filipino men and spaces, (4) a desirable experience that builds their own self-confidence, and (5) troubling for their self-perceptions. Keywords: homonormativity; gay tourism; transnational feminism; sexuality; Philippines

Objectives. We sought to identify H IV-infection risk factors related to partner selection and sexual behaviors with those partners among men who have sex with men (MSM) in King County, Washington. Methods. Participants were recruited from HIV testing sites in the Seattle area. Recent HIV infection status was determined by the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) or a self-reported previous HIV-negative test. Data on behaviors with 3 male partners were collected via computer-based self-interviews. Generalized estimating equation models identified partnership factors associated with recent infection. Results. We analyzed data from 32 HIV-positive MSM (58 partners) and 110 HIV-negative MSM (213 partners). In multivariate analysis, recent HIV infection was associated with meeting partners at bathhouses or sex clubs, bars or dance clubs, or online; methamphetamine use during unprotected anal intercourse; and unprotected anal intercourse, except with HIV-negative primary partners. Conclusions. There is a need to improve efforts to promote condom use with casual partners, regardless of their partner's HIV status. New strategies to control methamphetamine use in MSM and to reduce risk behaviors related to meeting partners at high-risk venues are needed. (doi:10.2105/AJPH.2006.098582)

Introduction Accept from me this gift; for to see your face is like seeing the face of God. (Genesis 33: 10) Those of us who stand outside the circle of [...]

Among men who have sex with men (MSM), sexual compulsivity has been associated with higher frequencies of sexual behaviors that may increase risk for transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). In a Midwestern region where social and community resources for MSM are relatively diffuse, the patterns of partner-seeking and sexual behavior, and their relations to sexual compulsivity, may be different than findings from most other assessments of men in large urban areas. Using a community-based participatory approach (CBPR) and a cross-sectional survey, quantitative data were collected between November 2006 and January 2007 from 504 men related to sexual compulsivity, sexual partner-seeking, and sexual behavior. We sought to explore sexual behaviors in venues where men reported meeting sexual partners, based on their level of compulsivity. Venues that could be characterized as 'sexualized' were better predictors of higher sexual compulsivity scores among men than those that are 'social' in nature. Men who were higher in compulsivity reported patterns of saturating sexualized venues in order to find sexual partners. Given the unique patterns of sexual partner-seeking in this area, interventions to decrease sexual risk-taking should take into account that men who have a higher propensity for sexual compulsivity are visiting multiple venues, and prevention messages need to be tailored to be consistent across these contexts. In addition, these may need to be differentially designed based on the specific environment in which they are to be delivered.

Because anonymous sexual relations between two men are widely considered deviant many men seeking such activities look to erotic oases--natural environments appropriated for covert, often furtive sexual purposes. Previous research on erotic oases has focused on characteristics of involved men and processes of locating, negotiating with, and consummating sexual relations with others. This study draws on one major Web site listing of 'cruising places' in the United States to identify common locations for erotic oases. Results show that the most common locations identified as erotic oases by users are public parks, adult bookstores, health clubs, and college campuses. Locations most likely to be listed as believed to be under law enforcement surveillance are outdoor, high traffic locations. Based on these results existing research has only begun to examine the most common locations for this highly stigmatized, deviant behavior and subculture. KEYWORDS. Erotic oases, public sex environments, impersonal sex, anonymous sex, public parks

Using survey results from the 1998 Twin Cities Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Festival (N = 535), we explored associations between body image and unsafe anal intercourse (UAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM), and evaluated whether body satisfaction mediated this association. MSM who reported underweight body image had lower odds than those who reported average weight of UAI (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.85); body satisfaction was not found to mediate this association. 13.3% of men who reported overweight/obese body image had engaged in UAI compared with 21.6% of those who reported average weight and 8.2% of those who reported underweight (p, Introduction The popular press and scientific community have shown increased interest in body image in men over the past several years. Pope, Phillips, and Olivardia (2000) estimated that there are [...]

Following the minority stress model as a framework, we examine the associations between racial and homosexual stigma, substance use, and sexual risk behavior among a respondent-driven sample of Latino gay and bisexual men and male-tofemale transgender persons (GBT) in Chicago and San Francisco (N = 643). We use structural equations to test such a model and disentangle the possible effects of the different stigmas and their corresponding dimensions (i.e., perception, experience, internalization). Findings revealed distinct pathways to sexual risk. Two are typified by experienced homosexual stigma and internalized racial stigma via multiple drug use, and two are characterized by experienced racial stigma and internalized homosexual stigma via alcohol use.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in Malaysia. Recent success has been observed within demonstration projects examining the efficacy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral -based medication taken by HIV-negative men to prevent sero-conversion. In order for such promising findings to be translated in real-world settings, it is important to understand the acceptability of PrEP, including perceived barriers to access or uptake. Methods: As part of a larger mixed-methods study exploring acceptability and willingness to use PrEP among MSM in Malaysia, 19 men took part in audio-recorded focus group discussions hosted by a community-based HIV organization and facilitated by a trained researcher. Discussions focussed on awareness and potential information management, general perceptions of PrEP and potential motivations or barriers to the use of PrEP, including those at the personal, social, health system or structural level. Data were transcribed verbatim and underwent a detailed thematic analysis. Results: Rather than perceiving PrEP as a replacement for condoms in terms of having safer sex, many participants viewed it as an additional layer protection, serving as a crucial barrier to infection on occasions where condom use was intended, but did not occur. It was also perceived as more valuable to 'at-risk' men, such as those in HIV sero-discordant relationships or those with a higher number of sexual partners. Elements of discussion tended to suggest that some men taking PrEP may be subject to stigma from others, on the assumption they may be promiscuous or engage in high-risk sexual behaviours. Conclusions: This qualitative study indicates that, broadly speaking, PrEP may be acceptable to MSM in Malaysia. However, in order for its potential to be realized, and uptake achieved, educative interventions are required to inform the target population as to the efficacy and potential, positive impact of PrEP. Given concerns for how those taking it may be stigmatized, it is crucial that the use of PrEP is presented as a responsible course of action, and one of a range of strategies that men can use to keep themselves safe from HIV. Keywords: MSM; PrEP; qualitative; Malaysia; risk reduction; HIV prevention, Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a significant development in the continuing global efforts to prevent transmission and acquisition of HIV [1, 2]. In order to realize the potential of this [...]

Introduction: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers as much as 90% protection against HIV transmission. However, the effectiveness of PrEP depends on uptake and adherence to even intermittent dosing. Along with intoxication leading to unintentional non-adherence, believing that alcohol mixed with pharmaceuticals is harmful (i.e., interactive toxicity beliefs) may lead to poor uptake and intentional non-adherence. Methods: HIV-negative sexually active men who have sex with men (N = 272) at a large Gay Pride event in Atlanta, GA, completed anonymous surveys of demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, alcohol use and PrEP-related alcohol interactive toxicity beliefs. Results: A total of 118 (43%) men surveyed had two or more male sex partners and condomless anal sex in the previous six months. Alcohol use was reported by over 90% of men and it was common for participants to believe that mixing alcohol and antiretrovirals is toxic; 75% endorsed at least one interactive toxicity belief. Among the 118 men who had engaged in condomless anal sex and had multiple sex partners, one in three stated that they were not interested in PrEP and men not interested in PrEP were significantly more likely to binge drink and hold interactive toxicity beliefs. Conclusions: These results mirror studies that find interactive toxicity beliefs are a potent predictor of intentional antiretroviral non-adherence among people living with HIV and suggest interactive toxicity beliefs may impede PrEP uptake and adherence. Messages to increase PrEP awareness and adherence may also take steps to counter erroneous beliefs about mixing alcohol with antiretrovirals in the context of PrEP. Keywords: HIV prevention; pre-exposure prophylaxis; substance use; men who have sex with men, Introduction Antiretroviral (ARV) medications are now at the forefront of HIV prevention, with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offering the potential for protection against HIV transmission [1]. Most compelling are results of [...]

An article on queer theory where the 'after' indicates temporal posteriority, pathos of pursuit, where pursuit is the conditions of excludedness, of secondaries, of envy and of ressentiment is presented.

An article on the history of regulations placed on oral pleasures in the name of public health in the twentieth century in the North Atlantic is presented.

Objectives. We sought to determine the prevalence of HIV and novel cofactors of high-transmission-risk behavior in a probability sample of men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. We performed a cross-sectional telephone survey of 1976 adult MSM in San Francisco. Results. We found an HIV prevalence of 25.2%. Predictors of unprotected insertive anal intercourse with a serodiscordant (not having the same HIV/AIDS serostatus) partner among HIV-infected men included use of Viagra and a greater number of partners in the past 12 months. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse with a serodiscordant partner among men not known to be HIV infected was independently associated with having lived in San Francisco for less than 1 year, use of crystal methamphetamine and amyl nitrites, a greater number of partners, and agreement with the statement, 'You are less careful about being safe with sex or drugs than you were several years ago because there are better treatments for HIV now.' Conclusions. Strategies to prevent HIV for urban MSM should focus on new predictors of HIV transmission. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2005.072249

The Internet has developed as a major site for sexual activity, both cybersex and for making contacts for sex in real life (IRL). As part of a major study of HIV-risk behavior on the Internet and IRL, we obtained online responses from 1,017 Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. Open-ended questions solicited responses regarding whether respondents preferred to meet sexual partners first IRL (48.4%), on the Internet (31.6%), or 'it depends' (20%), and 'why?'. Data were analyzed by theme, with themes grouped into overarching domains. Data indicate that for those preferring the Internet, themes represented were ease of Internet use, its advantages for people who were shy, and its anonymity, safety, the excitement and opportunity for experimentation of Internet contact, ability to avoid interpersonal contact, and control of visuals and the environment. Reasons for preferring meeting IRL included some of the same themes but with an emphasis on the importance of a 'real presence' and the possibility to build a relationship. Where 'it depends,' key themes were contextual: mood, time, setting, alcohol and drug use, sexual needs and urgency, and relationship intentions. Antagonistic advantages were often noted for cybersex and IRL. These data suggest that motivations for making Internet sexual contact in MSM are complex, depend on the context and nature of the relationship sought, and that the Internet has allowed the development of a class of sexual contacts located between IRL and fantasy., The Internet has become a new norm in Western countries, with over 70 million people in the United States logging in on a typical day at the end of 2004 [...]

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between sexuality and exercise motivations in 93 British bar staff. Participants who self-identified as heterosexual, gay, or lesbian completed the revised version of the Exercise Motivations Inventory and reported exercise frequency. Heterosexual men scored lower on appearance motives than did heterosexual women and gay men, higher on enjoyment motives than did gay men, and higher on competition motives than did women and gay men. Men were significantly less likely than women to be motivated by weight management. Heterosexual men also reported exercising significantly more frequently than the other three groups. Suggestions for targeted exercise promotion initiatives are discussed. Keywords Exercise motivations * Sexuality * Heterosexual * Gay * Lesbian

Theoretical constructs and meanings of relational commitment for same-sex couples have typically been generalized from heterosexual relationships. Same-sex couples, however, face a unique set of challenges in constructing committed relationships. To expand our knowledge of the meaning of commitment, same-sex couples described their lived experiences in defining and creating a committed relationship. Transcripts of the conversations of 14 same-sex couples (7 male and 7 female couples) were subjected to analysis using the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method (Hill, Thompson, and Williams, 1997). Seven domains emerged, revealing that these same-sex couples constructed the meaning of commitment through comparisons, costs, intra-couple differences, investments, personal and relationship values and ideals, rewards, and sexual boundaries. Unique aspects of commitment are discussed as well as the implications of these findings for future research and service delivery, doi: 10.1300/J082v51n03_l0 [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: KEYWORDS. Relational commitment, couples, qualitative, sexuality, gay, lesbian

Age at coming out among gay/lesbian/bisexual (GLB) persons and sexual debut with same-gendered partners has typically been investigated in samples that do not reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of these communities. Addressing this limitation, data were collected from a diverse sample of men and women attending large-scale GLB community events in New York and Los Angeles in 2003 (N = 2, 733). Compared to older cohorts, younger cohorts (18-24 year olds) of both men and women reported significantly earlier ages for sexual debut with same-gendered partners, and earlier ages for coming out to themselves and to others. Also, women began the process at later ages than men, as they reported coming out to themselves and sexual debut with a same-gender partner approximately two years later than men. There were no racial or ethnic differences in age out to self or others; however, people of color were less likely to be out to their parents. Service providers, sexuality educators, and researchers should attend to the diversity in experience of coming out among GLB populations as they relate to the individuals' gender, age, and racial and ethnic backgrounds., Identification with the gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) community revolves around the concept of a common marginalized sexual identity. This community identification process has often been examined in the context [...]