Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll: A qualitative exploration of risky behaviours in a Manchester gay male population

Geraghty, Lucy (2014) Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll: A qualitative exploration of risky behaviours in a Manchester gay male population. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

Preview

Available under License In Copyright. Download (198kB) | Preview

Abstract

Gay men tend to be stereotyped for their behaviour, with popular assumptions being that they routinely drink intoxicants and engage in unsafe sexual practices; this is referred to as ‘risky behaviour’ in this current study. This study aims to explore the prevalence of these risky behaviours in gay men who frequent the gay scene. Furthermore, it aims to both challenge and explain these stereotypes using a qualitative method. 6 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using narrative analysis. From this, a negative tone of self-denigration was identified along with two themes: Coming out: The two sides of the gay scene and A crises of confidence. These findings help explain the aforementioned stereotypes by giving gay men a voice about the topic.