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Ambivalence and tensions in young gay men’s accounts of monogamy and relationships
Roger Pebody, 2015-11-12 07:30:00

Young Australian gay men’s feelings about sex and relationships are characterised by a tension between a desire for monogamy as the basis of a committed, enduring and mature relationship on one hand, and sexual opportunities associated with ‘the gay scene’ on the other, according to two recently published qualitative studies. Concerns about HIV and sexual health were rarely given as the reason to value a monogamous relationship, but the intimacy and trust of a committed relationship was sometimes thought to offer a degree of protection.

Duane Duncan and colleagues conducted in-depth interviews with 61 Australian gay men, around half of whom were under the age of 30. The interviews explored issues of intimacy, relationships and monogamy with men who were either single or in a couple at the time of the interview.

Findings are published in two articles recently published in Sexualities and the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy.

HIV is frequently transmitted within committed relationships, so a better understanding of relationship dynamics is important for HIV prevention.

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