The low down on the down low: Origins, risk identification and intervention

John Barnshaw
Department of Sociology, University of South Florida, Tampa FL, United States of America

Lynn Letukas
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Newark DE, United States of America

PP: 478 - 490

Abstract

The down low has recently emerged as phenomenon where men have sex with men (MSM), but identify as 'heterosexual' or 'straight'. Although the down low has received considerable attention in United States media, little empirical research has sought to investigate this phenomenon beyond anecdotal evidence.

Utilising data from the Urban Men's Health Study (UMHS) (n = 2881), this research offers a unique opportunity to investigate empirically claims of the down low beyond small opportunistic samples. We find significant support for the down low among Blacks and Latinos and its association with high-risk sexual behaviour.

These findings highlight the need for future research that better understands the impact of the phenomenon within a cultural and community context.

Keywords

sociology; sexual risk; down low; HIV; race; intersectionality

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