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PubMed1984

Low T-lymphocyte ratios in homosexual men. Epidemiologic evidence for a transmissible agent.

To investigate risk factors for immunologic abnormalities among homosexual men, T-lymphocyte helper/suppressor (OKT4/OKT8) ratios were determined in 78 healthy Danish homosexual men. Ratios in 26 men (33%) were low (less than 1.00). Visiting the United States in 1980 to 1981 was a strong (7.7-fold) risk factor for having a ratio less than 1.00. Among nine travelers who visited only once, the risk of having a low ratio increased significantly if the visit had occurred in 1981. A risk of similar magnitude (6.9-fold) was found among the three men who had not been to the United States but who reported homosexual contact with a Danish man who became ill with Kaposi's sarcoma. Risk of low ratios did not correlate with age or years of homosexual activity. Promiscuity was not a significant risk factor, but these men generally had fewer sex partners than that which has been reported from the United States. Neither nitrite inhalant use nor cytomegalovirus antibody (prevalence or titer) was associated with low ratios. These data support the hypothesis that a transmissible biologic agent may be etiologically responsible for the low helper/suppressor ratios in homosexual men.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy in homosexual men: clinical, pathological and immunologic characteristics.

Eighteen homosexual men who had had lymphadenopathy in two or more extrainguinal sites for more than 5 months but had no evidence of other illnesses or infections were studied. All had extreme malaise, and 90% had additional symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss or gastrointestinal dysfunction). They were compared with 10 healthy homosexual and 10 healthy heterosexual male controls. The mean numbers of circulating T8 (suppressor) lymphocytes were increased equally in the two homosexual groups, but the mean number of T4 (helper) lymphocytes was decreased only in the group with lymphadenopathy. The response to testing for recall anergy was diminished in both homosexual groups but was significantly lower in the group with lymphadenopathy. The serum immunoglobulin and complement concentrations and the numbers of circulating B lymphocytes were normal in each group. Seven of nine lymph node biopsy specimens showed characteristic hyperplasia and confluence of follicles. Thus, idiopathic persistent, generalized lymphadenopathy in homosexual men without opportunistic infections or malignant diseases appears to be a distinct syndrome; it may also be related to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Beyond the biological model: new directions in bisexual and homosexual research.

Past research on homosexuality has been based on two assumptions: one, that gender is the critical determinant of a sexual relationship, and two, that sexual orientation is an essential condition. This paper argues that investigation of sexual relationships on these bases tests only within, rather than between, paradigms of possible relationships. It assumes that choice of partners is based on a number of physical and psychological characteristics apart from their biological sex and that different meanings of sexuality and of the contexts of sexual encounters will determine which characteristics are chosen. It is also suggested that comparisons between groups of exclusive homosexuals and exclusive heterosexuals will not cast light on preferred partner characteristics. It is therefore necessary to look at the preferred partner characteristics of bisexuals in order to understand the bases and significance of homosexual or heterosexual partner choice. Finally, it is concluded that the meanings of homosexuality in different contexts may be so varied that the possibility of establishing a unified theory of the homosexual identity is precluded.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Freud reconsidered: bisexuality, homosexuality, and moral judgement.

This article examines methodological problems and unacknowledged moral judgements in Freud's theory of homosexuality. Freud raises the issue of bisexuality in connection with the origins of homosexuality. When critically examined, the theory of bisexuality reduces to a theory of the capacity to be attracted to either females or males, and in that sense explains little about the origin of exclusive homosexual orientation. Freud's further investigations into the origin of homosexuality, strictly speaking, do not provide a clear explanation of sexual exclusivity. Finally, it is argued that Freud's moral assumptions color the nature of his conclusions. At the very least, without morally justifying his procedure, he transforms the course of psychosexual development as determined by psychoanalysis into a moral imperative against which homosexuality is judged a fixated and immature state.

Female↗
PubMed1981

The role of unconscious homosexuality in the paranoid constellation.

The literature dealing with Freud's original concept of unconscious homosexuality in the paranoid constellation is reviewed. Many of the more recent contributions view unconscious homosexual features as secondary to others; as such, they are pseudophenomena. This communication suggests that unconscious homosexuality in the male is denied, rejected, and projected because the passive, anal, sadomasochistic aspects are felt as degrading and humiliating. In the female, unconscious homosexuality is also felt as degrading and humiliating. In both sexes, the feeling of humiliation derives from real experiences in childhood. Unconscious homosexuality is viewed as the organizing principle in the paranoid constellation.

Freudian Theory↗
PubMed1978

The relationship of perceived societal hostility, conformity, and psychological adjustment in homosexual males.

The present study examined the relationship between the perception by homosexual males of positive or negative societal reaction to homosexuality (PSR), their degree of conformity to heterosexual norms, and their degree of psychological adjustment. In this study respondents with high PSR were those who perceived negative societal reaction to homosexuality. Respondents with low PSR were those who perceived positive societal reaction. The study differentiated between the effects of putative societal reaction and actual societal reaction and was based on a three-group sample of homosexual men who (a) were, (b) had been, or (c) had never been heterosexually married. Findings showed that putative societal reaction was a critical variable producing conformity and psychological maladjustment in homosexual males.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

[Risk of AIDS in the Oslo HIV-cohort study. A comparison between homosexual men, intravenous addicts and heterosexual persons].

In order to study differences in risk of the development of AIDS in different groups of HIV infected subjects, 151 homosexual men, 110 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) and 36 heterosexually infected persons without major signs of HIV infection at entry to the study were enrolled in a cohort study. The mean follow-up time was 35 months. At the end of follow-up 40 subjects (13%) were diagnosed as having AIDS. This represented 20% (31/151) of the homosexual men, 7% (8/110) of the IVDUs and 3% (1/36) of the heterosexual subjects. The probability of being AIDS-free 36 months after entering the study was 0.88 (0.84-0.92, 95% CI) for the total study population, 0.83 (0.77-0.90) for the homosexual men, 0.92 (0.86-0.99) for IVDUs and 0.93 (0.91-1.0) for heterosexual subjects (p < 0.05, log rank test). In a Cox regression analysis, adjusting for CD4+ cell count at study entry, the relative risk of AIDS progression was 2.4 (1.1-5.2) for homosexual men and 0.3 (0.04-2.4) for heterosexual subjects, compared with IVDUs. The results demonstrate a higher risk of AIDS for homosexual men during the follow-up period.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Seroprevalence of HIV and risk behaviors among young homosexual and bisexual men. The San Francisco/Berkeley Young Men's Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and risk behaviors among young homosexual and bisexual men sampled from public venues in San Francisco and Berkeley, Calif. DESIGN: A survey of 425 young homosexual and bisexual men sampled from 26 locations during 1992 and 1993. Participants were interviewed and blood specimens were drawn and tested for HIV, level of CD4+ T lymphocytes, and markers of hepatitis B and syphilis. SETTING: Public venues in San Francisco and Berkeley, including street corners and sidewalks, dance clubs, bars, and parks. POPULATION STUDIED: Homosexual and bisexual men aged 17 to 22 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors. RESULTS: The HIV seroprevalence was 9.4% (95% confidence interval, 6.8% to 12.6%). The prevalence of markers for hepatitis B was 19.8% (95% confidence interval, 16.1% to 23.9%), and that for syphilis was 1.0% (95% confidence interval, 0.3% to 2.4%). The HIV seroprevalence was significantly higher among African Americans (21.2%) than among other racial/ethnic groups (P = .002). Approximately one third (32.7%) of the participants reported unprotected anal intercourse, and 11.8% reported injecting drug use in the previous 6 months. At the time of interview, 70.0% of the HIV-infected men did not know that they were HIV seropositive, and only 22.5% were receiving medical care for HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV infection is high among this young population of homosexual and bisexual men, particularly among young African-American men. The high rates of HIV-related risk behaviors suggest a considerable risk for HIV transmission in this population. Prevention programs and health services need to be tailored to address the needs of a new generation of homosexual and bisexual men.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Children from anonymous donors: an inquiry into homosexual and heterosexual parents' attitudes.

This study compared two groups of homosexual and heterosexual parents with respect to their attitudes towards the donor-origin of their children. All couples had applied at the Fertility Clinic for artificial insemination with anonymous donor sperm (AID). Both groups had used anonymous donors in order to conceive. However, the sexual orientation of the parents and the presence or absence of a social father was different in the two groups. By comparing such different families it was hoped to obtain insight into those factors which influence parents' attitudes concerning donor insemination. Twenty-five lesbian and 25 heterosexual parents were interviewed. The open-ended questionnaires solicited information on the following issues: attitudes towards secrecy/disclosure of the use of a donor, views on anonymity/identity registration of the donor, parents' cognitive and emotional representation of the donor. Response rates differed between the groups: all homosexual parents consented to the interview and 44% of the heterosexual parents did so. Parents' attitudes depended on several variables. The different family structures were related to different motivations for AID treatment. For heterosexual couples, the use of a donor offered them the opportunity to become a 'normal family'. For homosexual couples, creating a two-mother family unit meant going one step further in 'being different'. Attitudes towards the use of a donor were consequently different: heterosexual couples chose secrecy and donor anonymity. Homosexual parents intended to inform their children. Of these homosexual parents, 40% would prefer the identity of the donor to be registered. This evolution towards removal of the anonymity seemed to be encouraged by the openness surrounding the use of a donor itself. In both groups it remained difficult to reduce the donor to an anonymous sperm cell, fantasies and questions about the donor continued to exist over the years.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Sexual behavior of homosexual and bisexual men attending an HIV testing clinic in Jerusalem 1986/7-1990.

We investigated whether the sexual practices of homosexual and bisexual men attending the Jerusalem AIDS Clinic had changed between 1986/7 and 1990. The responses of a group of 79 homosexual and bisexual men to a questionnaire in 1986/7 were compared to the responses of a group of 37 homosexuals/bisexuals in 1990. Consistent yet statistically insignificant differences in sexual behavior between the 1990 and 1986/7 groups were observed: More individuals were using condoms (53% vs 36% respectively), and at an earlier age. The practice of anal sex was less common (48% vs 67% respectively) and that of oral sex more common (46% vs 27% respectively). These differences were not confounded by the level of education between the two groups. Analyzed separately for homosexuals and bisexuals, the increase in condom use was more noticeable among homosexuals compared with bisexuals, while the decrease in anal sex was greater in bisexuals compared with homosexuals. These results may indicate a trend towards safer sexual behavior in this at risk population, but further studies are needed to support or refute these observations.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1996

The epidemic of HIV among young homosexual men.

BACKGROUND: It has been argued that HIV infection is still a major health problem among homosexual men, in particular among young homosexual men. METHODS: Epidemiological and behavioural information are presented demonstrating the extent to which young homosexual men are at risk. Furthermore, the design of effective health education interventions is discussed. RESULTS: As many as two or three in 10 homosexual men may become infected with HIV before the age of 30 years. Interventions derived from prevailing theoretical models regarding behavioural determinants were found to be more successful in changing high-risk behaviours and relevant behavioural determinants than regular (informational) interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The current HIV epidemic among young homosexual men is a major public health concern. Nevertheless, hardly any specific HIV education interventions have been designed for this population. Such interventions are urgently needed and should be based on relevant theory and empirical data.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The HIV-epidemic among homosexual men in Norway].

Up to 1996, 592 men had been reported as having homosexually acquired HIV infection in Norway (population 4.3 million). 295 of these had developed AIDS and 242 had died from AIDS. Although HIV testing is common practice among homosexual men in Norway, we estimate that 100-200 HIV infected homosexual men have not been diagnosed as yet. HIV spread rapidly among homosexuals in Norway in the early 1980s. The annual incidence peaked in 1985, at 70-100 cases, and has since remained at 40-50. In our opinion the initial decrease in incidence was due mainly to dissemination of information by the gay community itself, led by pioneering gay health workers. The stable incidence during the last decade is disappointing, however, considering the vast resources used for prevention. A major challenge in HIV prevention in Norway towards the year 2000 is to bring down the incidence among homosexual men.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

[Homosexuality in the medical context].

The author presents a review of contemporary views on homosexual orientation. He describes the development of attitudes of society and specialists and the gradual decriminalization and demedicinalization of homosexuality. Despite the modern trend of complete social acceptance of the homosexual minority it is important to deal with the peculiar features in social adaptation of these people. Homosexual men and women have their specific health problems: for instance quite understandable difficulties with the acceptance of their different sexual character. Homosexual men have a greater tendency of risky sexual behaviour which has epidemiological consequences in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1995

Thai Buddhist accounts of male homosexuality and AIDS in the 1980s.

In this paper the author considers the scriptural background to homophobic diatribes that emerged in the mid-1980s as the HIV epidemic slowly gained recognition in Thailand. By scrutiny of references to homosexuality in the Pali canon, he concludes that the scriptures are open to widely divergent interpretations. This doctrinal malleability is expressed in the contrasting views of contemporary Thai Buddhist intellectuals. The 'traditional' view claims that homosexuality is the kammic consequence of past sexual misconduct but in itself is not sinful and does not have future kammic consequences. The other, less tolerant view is that homosexuality derives from sexual excesses and, moreover, is the cause of the contemporary AIDS epidemic. Paradoxically it is the reformist Buddhist thinkers who have adopted the latter anti-homosexual position in that they tend to place less emphasis on kamma and more on individual responsibility for life circumstances.

Asia↗
PubMed2003

Sexual behavior patterns and HIV risks in bisexual men compared to exclusively heterosexual and homosexual men.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patterns of sexual behavior among bisexual, heterosexual and homosexual men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A household probability survey was carried out in Mexico City in 1992-1993 using the national health surveys sampling frame. Information from 8,068 men was obtained; however, the main analysis of this paper refers only to men sexually active in the previous 5 years. RESULTS: Bisexuals reported more prevalent anal intercourse with women (16% vs. 3%, p = 0.01), and more sexual encounters with female sex workers than exclusive heterosexuals (10% vs. 4%; p = 0.04). Bisexuals used condoms more often with sex workers than did heterosexuals (p = 0.01). Most of the bisexuals (79%) did not engage in anal receptive or insertive intercourse with males in the previous year, practicing instead oral insertive sex or only masturbation; 35% of homosexuals did not report practicing anal sex. Bisexuals who engaged in anal intercourse had less anal receptive behavior than homosexuals (13% vs. 60%, p < 0.01); of these, due to condom use, only 7% of bisexuals and 18% of homosexuals had unprotected anal receptive sex in the last intercourse with a male. CONCLUSIONS: Bisexuals practice less risky sexual behavior with males than exclusive homosexuals. This finding may imply that bisexual men in Mexico are an ineffective epidemiological bridge for HIV transmission. The English version of this paper is available too at:http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Homosexuality and adoption in Brazil.

Western societies are undergoing legal and policy changes in relation to laws governing the family, marital status, sexual orientation and the welfare of children, including in Brazil where, in the 1990s, the rights of homosexuals were incorporated into ongoing debates about what constitutes a family. This paper discusses the issue of adoption of children by homosexual men in Brazil, using information from court records from 1995-2000 in Rio de Janeiro, and from interviews with two judges, five psychologists and four social workers who evaluate those wishing to adopt. It uses the case records of one man's application to adopt, in which homosexuality became a central issue. Both the construction of masculinity in relation to parenting and concepts of the family were the parameters upon which the decision to allow him to adopt or not depended. Because the legislation does not specify what the sexual orientation of would-be adoptive parents should be, it is possible for single persons to adopt if they show they can be good parents. As more single people, alone or in couples, seek to adopt, it is important to clarify the criteria for judicial decisions on adoption applications. A dialogue is therefore needed on the meaning of family and whether and how it relates to sexual orientation. It is only on this basis that the courts can take a clear decision as to whether being homosexual is a relevant issue in regard to applications to adopt or not.

Adoption↗
PubMed2001

Comparative data of childhood and adolescence molestation in heterosexual and homosexual persons.

In research with 942 nonclinical adult participants, gay men and lesbian women reported a significantly higher rate of childhood molestation than did heterosexual men and women. Forty-six percent of the homosexual men in contrast to 7% of the heterosexual men reported homosexual molestation. Twenty-two percent of lesbian women in contrast to 1% of heterosexual women reported homosexual molestation. This research is apparently the first survey that has reported substantial homosexual molestation of girls. Suggestions for future research were offered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Sex-linked carrying styles and the attribution of homosexuality.

We used pairs of slides showing 3 women and 3 men displaying 2 sex linked carrying styles to examine differences in the attribution of homosexuality as a consequence of behavioral displays that are either sex typical or sex atypical. We hypothesized that the participants would be less likely to view targets displaying sex-typical behaviors as gay men or as lesbians. Each of 2 groups of U.S. university students rated targets in 6 slides on homosexuality and 3 other traits. The mean difference in rated homosexuality for typical versus atypical carrying styles was small but statistically significant. Thus, the results provide some empirical support for the common belief that effeminate men and masculine women are more likely to be seen as homosexual, at least by U.S. university students.

Adolescent↗