Bisexual identity is formed within the constraints of a heteronormative framework which is infused with power, promotes stability and alignment of apparently binary sex, gender identity, and gender roles, as well as promoting procreation, monosexuality and monogamy. Heteronormative models of sexuality fail to capture the complexity, ambiguity, multiplicity, and fluidity of bisexual experience. Using data collected through interviews with twelve self-identified bisexual men this research explores questions of how bisexual men make sense of what it means to be bisexual within a heteronormative framework of sexuality and if they disrupt or reproduce dominant understandings of sexuality. I found these bisexual men sometimes conformed to a dominant framework; however, as an example of how identity can be unstable in both meaning and expression they also took up a provisional bisexual identity and disrupted dominant discourses by redefining bisexual meanings – offering alternatives to the binary, gender based definitions of sexuality, and monosexuality. / Graduate

According to public health research, bisexual men are at elevated risk for contracting STIs and HIV relative to other sexual minority groups (e.g., gay men, lesbian women) as well as heterosexual people; yet, no studies to date have examined contextual factors that may contribute to this sexual health trend. Using a minority stress theory framework, the present study tested the direct and indirect associations of anti-bisexual discrimination with risky sexual behaviors in a sample of 508 self-identified bisexual men (age range = 18 - 76), with internalized biphobia, bisexual identity concealment, and substance use mediating this relation. Bisexual identity centrality’s direct relations with internalized biphobia, bisexual identity concealment, and risky sexual behavior were also tested. A path analysis was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that anti-bisexual discrimination yielded significant direct positive associations with internalized biphobia, bisexual identity concealment, and risky sexual behavior. Internalized biphobia, but not bisexual identity concealment, yielded a significant direct association with substance use, which yielded a significant direct positive link with risky sexual behavior. Bisexual identity centrality yielded significant direct negative associations with both internalized biphobia and bisexual identity concealment, but it yielded a nonsignificant association with risky sexual behavior. Internalized biphobia also yielded a total indirect link with risky sexual behavior through the mediating role of substance use. Implications of these findings for clinical practice and future research with bisexual men are discussed.

Thesis (M. A.)--University of Canterbury, 2009. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 102-109). Also available via the World Wide Web.

D.Litt. et Phil. / This study posits that although the South African government has shown an unprecedented commitment to acknowledging and upholding the human rights of bisexual men and women, negative attitudes exist towards bisexual men and women. A mixed method research study was conducted, consisting of three phases. In the first phase of the study (quantitative), a biographical questionnaire, the Attitudes Regarding Bisexuality Scale (ARBS-FM) (Mohr & Rochlen, 1999), and the Sexual orientation scale of Berkey, Perelman-Hall and Kurdek (1990) was utilised. A total of undergraduate 1 459 students were selected by convenience sampling. However, the reliability of the scales of the ARBS-FM in this student sample appeared to be significantly lower than desired. Therefore, the researcher organised an expert group (N = 11). This second section of the study served as expert advice from cultural interpreters that brought about adaptation of the measures (qualitative) and was complementary to the quantitative study. The researcher endeavoured to seek elaboration and clarification of the results from one method with the results of the other method. In the third phase of the study a revised ARBS (consisting of two scales measuring attitudes towards bisexual men and women separately), a biographical questionnaire, and the sexual orientation scale was administered. A total of 578 undergraduate students were selected by convenience sampling. The psychometric properties of the revised ARBS instruments were investigated by means of confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicated a two-factor structure (Tolerance and Stability) for both of the ARBS-F and ARBS-M. Tucker’s coefficients of congruence showed that attitudes towards bisexual men and women may be measured by an integrated scale. Differential item functioning (DIF) and differential test functioning (DTF) analyses suggested the removal of some items that favoured either the black or the white group. The revised ARBS-F and revised ARBS-M were used for testing the stated hypotheses. The results indicated that participants’ attitudes towards bisexual men and women vary on a range of factors such as gender, religiosity, contact, and the sexual orientation of the participants. Both heterosexual and homosexual students have more negative attitudes towards bisexual men and women than bisexual students. This double discrimination by heterosexuals and the gay and lesbian community is seldom recognised or acknowledged. Therefore, the current research findings elucidate that this oppression is real, and may have negative psychological effects on bisexual men and women. The results are discussed against the background of previous studies, and suggestions for future research are made. Key words: bisexual men, bisexual women, biphobia, homophobia, heterosexism, sexual orientation, university community, survey, attitudes, students.

Thesis (doctoral)--Göteborgs universitet. / Added t.p. with thesis statement, inserted. Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-264).

Résumé : La consommation problématique de substances psychoactives (SPA) représente un problème de santé pour certains hommes gais/bisexuels. Leur consommation présente des caractéristiques particulières, parfois associées à leur vécu homosexuel, et ils tardent à consulter des services en toxicomanie. Cette étude qualitative descriptive vise à : 1) décrire et comprendre les interrelations entre certaines dimensions du vécu homosexuel et les trajectoires de consommation de SPA chez les hommes gais et bisexuels; 2) documenter leur expérience quant à leur utilisation des services en toxicomanie; 3) établir des liens entre ces expériences et leur vécu homosexuel; et, 4) identifier leurs besoins en matière de services. 35 entrevues semi-dirigées ont été menées auprès d’hommes gais/bisexuels, âgés en moyenne de 46 ans, ayant une consommation problématique de SPA. L’ensemble du matériel a fait l’objet d’une analyse thématique. Les trajectoires de consommation de SPA et le vécu homosexuel s’entrecroisent au moment de la découverte et de l’acceptation des désirs homoérotiques; lors de l’expérimentation sexuelle; lors de la rencontre d’un partenaire sexuel/affectif; dans le contexte de relations sociales au sein du milieu gai. La majorité des hommes interrogés avait déjà utilisé des services en toxicomanie, mais seulement moins de la moitié d‘entre eux avait été dirigée vers un tel service. L’augmentation de la consommation surgit souvent alors que la personne éprouve de la difficulté à accepter son orientation sexuelle, lors des expérimentations sexuelles ou au moment d’un diagnostic de VIH. Cette augmentation mène parfois la personne à se questionner quant à sa consommation et à demander de l’aide auprès d’un service spécialisé. Dans certains cas, la consommation problématique n’a pas été détectée au bon moment. De plus, la sexualité n’est pas suffisamment abordée dans le cadre des services en toxicomanie. Les résultats montrent l’importance de tenir compte des différentes dimensions du vécu homosexuel, dont la sexualité, dans les stratégies de prévention de la consommation auprès de cette population, ainsi que dans les thérapies pour la toxicomanie. De plus, la détection de la consommation problématique au sein de cette population représente un défi. / Abstract : The problematic consumption of psychoactive substances (PAS) constitutes a health problem for certain gay/bisexual men. Their consumption has particular characteristics sometimes associated to their homosexual experience and their delay to consult addiction services. The present qualitative descriptive study, inscribed in symbolic interactionist perspective, aims to: 1) describe and understand the interrelations between certain dimensions of the gay life course experience and the consumption trajectories of PAS among gay and bisexual men; 2) document their experience in relation to their use of addiction services; 3) establish links between their experiences and their gay life course experience; and, 4) identify their needs in matter of services. Thirty five semi-structured interviews were conducted with gay/bisexual men, who have a problematic consumption of PAS and have an average age of 46 years. The whole material has been analysed thematically. The addiction trajectories and the homosexual experience intersect at the time of the discovery and acceptance of homoerotic desires, during sexual experimentation; when finding a sexual/emotional partner; and as part of the socialization in the gay community, particularly in sexualized spaces. Most participants have used substance abuse services but only about half of them have received a reference to such services. The increase in consumption often emerges when they have problems accepting their sexual orientation, during sexual experimentation or when they receive an HIV diagnosis. The increase of consumption associated to these life events sometimes leads the participants to question their consumption and to demand help from a specialized service. For certain participants their consumption has not been detected in a good moment. Moreover, sexuality is not addressed in the addiction services. The results show the relevance of considering the different dimensions of the homosexual experience, including sexuality, in the prevention strategies for consumption as well as in the addiction therapies for this population. In addition, the detection of problematic consumption in this population represents a challenge.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas School of Public Health. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 2008. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-02, Section: B, page: 0973. Adviser: Michael W. Ross. Includes bibliographical references.