Racial preferences and sexual partnering: A content analysis of the online profiles of men seeking sex with men on the internet

Background: Sexual networks constrained by racial preferences have been linked to the rapid spread of HIV; however, little attention has been paid to the presence and impact of raced-based preferences appearing in the online profiles of men seeking sex with other men. Methods: In October 2011, a content analysis was conducted of 1,227 profiles of Boston-area members of a popular, racially diverse website for men who have sex with men (MSM). Stratified by race/ethnicity (29% White, 27% Black, 17% Asian, 27% Latino), profiles were coded for age, HIV serostatus, and race-based preferences. Separate, logistic regression models, adjusted for age and HIV serostatus disclosure, examined the association between race/ethnicity and race-based preferences. Results: Overall, 7% (n=89) endorsed one or more race-based preference. Of these, 88% reported looking for sex, 84% disclosed HIV serostatus; and 81% preferred safer sex. Across races, Black men were the most frequently preferred race (54%), while Asian men were preferred least (12%). In adjusted models, Latino men were at greater odds of citing racialized preferences than White, Black, and Asian men (adjusted Odds Ratios-aORs: ranged from 2.3-4.2; all p<0.003). Compared to Black, White and Asian men, Latino men significantly preferred White (aORs: ranged from 3.88-7.20; all p<0.01) and other Latino men (aORs: ranged from 2.78-19.15; all p<0.01). Conclusion: Race-based preferences varied by self-reported race/ethnicity among Boston profiles sampled. Future studies should explore the extent to which racialized preferences appearing in the online profiles of MSM may serve to constrain sexual networks and impact the sexual health of this at-risk population.