The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54882

L. Donald McVinney, MSSW, M Phil, Training Institute, Harm Reduction Coalition, 22 West 27th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001, 212-683-2334 x 14, mcvinney@harmreduction.org

Barebacking refers to the conscious decision to have anal sex without a condom. The term came on the scene in the late 90s simultaneous with the success of protease inhibitors, reduced viral loads, and what was called “the Lazarus effect” among people with AIDS. Although straight couples also engage in this behavior, barebacking has been exclusively used to describe the behavior among men who have sex with men. Barebacking is also closely associated with substance use, especially methamphetamine. Ever since the word was coined, barebacking has been the source of intense controversy, media frenzy, and impassioned debate, both in communities impacted by HIV and in public health/HIV prevention circles. This workshop will describe what barebacking is, present salient reasons why public health and services providers should understand it, and offer intervention strategies from a harm reduction perspective. The presenter will also facilitate a discussion about the social and cultural factors that have led to the fascination with this behavior in mainstream media and the gay press, including deconstructing homophobia in the media. Prticipants will be encouraged to share their own concerns and countertransferential feelings that arise when working with clients who engage in barebacking.

Learning Objectives:

• Workshop attendees will:
• · Gain new knowledge about barebacking
• · Understand social construction theory
• · Learn about harm reduction as a perspective
• As a result of this workshop, attendees will be able to:
• · Comprehend the role of the media in constructing social problems
• · Learn effective intervention strategies targeting men who have sex with men who bareback
• · Explore countertransferential feelings and reactions elicited when listening to narratives about barebacking by clients
• Workshop attendees will be able to:
• · Define harm reduction
• · Describe barebacking behavior
• · Name three intervention strategies specific to barebacking
• · Identify three countertransferential reactions to barebacking

Keywords: Gay Men, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.