Barebacking is a term that has been used to describe “intentional condom less anal sex in HIV-risk contexts.” In the public health literature this has primarily been studied among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This research suggests that a small subgroup of MSM self-identify as barebackers—potentially representing distinct sexual subcultures within gay communities. Some scholars have argued that barebacking is gender-specific and its practice is used to engage normative constructions of masculinity. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between normative masculinity and barebacker identification.

Our findings suggest that identification as a barebacker may be embedded in sociocultural practices that are resistant—and perhaps in opposition to—safer sex messages promoting behavior change. Alternative prevention approaches, such as the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, may be of particular benefit for this subgroup of HIV-negative MSM. For HIV-positive barebackers, the promotion of harm reduction strategies, such as serosorting and strategic positioning, may be more effective than promoting condom use.

Read the full article