The Truth About the "Down Low" and HIV

Researchers have in fact directly addressed this question and there's no proof they are driving the epidemic.
Get the full story:
www.colorlines.com/articles/t...
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[@smetly]

The problem with this is men on the down low don't consider themselves gay or bi-sexual. Men on the down low are not honest about their sexual orientation and lifestyle period.

[@cymonebreathe]

@cymonebreathe In other words, being on the down low is a visibility and accessibility issue because not being visible may say something about also being isolated from supportive communities and information. It is a lifestyle that may have patterns as it concerns ability and/or knowledge about affirmative gay spaces in terms of sexual conduct, relationships, etc. Being bi-sexual in some ways is entirely different.

[@cymonebreathe]

I guess the only question I have is, how did the research conducted make sure to distinguish between "bisexual" black men and those on the "down low"? Being on the "down low" requires, by definition, that one be disassociated from gay sexual activity. Being "bisexual", to some, is perceivably a distinct category, lifestyle and identity b/c it lends itself to visibility.

[@cymonebreathe]

@smetly21 Yes I agree. Claiming bi-sexuality means many different things that may or may not exclude men who are on the down low. Claiming that as an identity requires a level of visibility, in some definitions, and is therefore not only about sexual behavior. Someone who claims bi-sexuality may be openly so, which rules out the down low experience and potential risk factors. And being open and "out" may also encourage men who are so to reach out to supportive groups and safer sex havens.

[@smetly]

@cymonebreathe they can't distinguish a down low man is not going to tell you that he is.

[@antihomophobe7285]

Drugs? I'm not in drugs. :S Whatever Stop try to control people life. Period.