HIV in the leather community: Rates and risk-related behaviors

David A. Moskowitz*, David W. Seal, Lance Rintamaki, Gerulf Rieger

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

There exist many subcultures of men who have sex with men (MSM), all with differing values and health behaviors. The Leathermen comprise one such subculture, which is characterized by a heightened valuation of hypersexuality and adherence to sexual control dynamics (i.e., submission and dominance). No previous research has specifically examined this community for differences in sexual health (e.g., HIV rates) and sexual health behaviors (e.g., condom use). We conducted a large survey of men (N = 1,554) at one leather and non-leather event, collecting data from 655 Submissives, Dominants, Switches, and non-orienting Leathermen. Leathermen were 61% more likely to be HIV-positive than non-Leathermen. Decreased condom use found in HIV-positive Leathermen (relative to HIV-positive non-Leathermen) was a potential factor contributing to heightened HIV rates. Universal low condom use in Submissives engaging in receptive, and Dominants engaging in insertive, anal intercourse was an additional trend that potentially contributed to increased numbers of HIV-positive Leathermen. Our recommendation is for heightened awareness of the risks associated with sex among Leathermen, especially unprotected anal intercourse with sero-uncertain Submissives.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)557-564
Number of pages8
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume15
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011

Funding

Acknowledgments Special thanks to Dr. Michael Plankey, Cheryl ‘‘Caz’’ Sitzler, Kevin Brown, Thom Ertl, Jean Gust, Lean Przed-wiecki, Noel Rosado, Larry Walker, and Keane Weinreich for their contributions to this research. Thanks to Master Butch for his consultation regarding the leather community. Preparation of this article was supported, in part, by center grant P30-MH52776 from the National Institute of Mental Health (PI: J. A. Kelly) and by NRSA postdoctoral training grant T32-MH19985 (PI: S. Pinkerton).

Keywords

  • Bondage
  • Condom use
  • HIV
  • Leather community
  • MSM
  • S/M
  • Submission/dominance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Social Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'HIV in the leather community: Rates and risk-related behaviors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this