Belonging to the “Bear Community”: Implications for men's sexual health and behaviors

Background: Current practices regarding HIV prevention often group together non-heterosexual men into a single category of MSM. Grouping men this way limits our ability to explore sexual behaviors between groups of men within this categorization in a nuanced and thoughtful manner.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing community-based methods was sent to members of various “bear” related websites. Men were asked a series of questions with regard to sexual behaviors and health. Inclusion required men to identify as a “bear” or with the “bear” community, be at least 18 years of age, and be a current U.S. citizen or resident.

Results: The sample was comprised of 1,250 men the majority of whom identified as White (96.1%), and had at least some college education (92.1%). A quarter (25.0%) of participants indicated being in a sexually monogamous romantic relationship. Self reported rates of viral disease acquisition varied, with rates of HIV being highest (11.0%), followed by HPV (8.5%), and HSV-2 (5.9%). Rates of bacterial STI in the previous 2 years included Chlamydia (3.1%)and Gonorrhea (1.6%). The most commonly reported sexual behaviors during the last sexual event were performing oral (77.6%) and receiving oral sex (77.6%). Over half (62.3%) believed their last sexual partner was a bear.

Conclusions: These data suggest that when compared to other groups of MSM, or MSM as a whole, bears have lower rates of disease, but participate in similar sexual behaviors. Further research is needed to explore contextual factors that may influence protective behaviors within the bear community.