An Op-ed piece recently in the Advocate presented an interesting viewpoint. The piece discussed the results of a study done of 686 gay and bisexual males who disclosed having used mobile apps to meet sexual partners. The survey also probed into knowledge of HIV, perceived risk for becoming infected, and ultimately found that a solid knowledge of traditional prevention methods did not decrease overall rates of bareback sex. The study uncovered that we really don't address the emotional and psychological aspects of barebacking. Traditional appraches have focused on transmission and condom use. For the almost 50% of participants who may rarely use condoms the strategy of trying to focus on education about HIV transmission and condom use as risk reduction just simply seems outdated according to the article and study data they presented.
Future efforts must address the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of barebacking in a way that does not demonize gay and bi men for having unprotected sex. Our knowledge of the virus as well as success with treatments has also probably played some role in apathy towards HIV prevention and such high rates of barebacking. Future efforts to talk about risk versus reward and impulse versus outcome may be more useful than simple talk of condoms and methods of HIV transmission.
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