Matthew Stief | Cornell University (original) (raw)

Papers by Matthew Stief

Research paper thumbnail of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Men During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Series Analysis of a US National Cohort Study

JMIR public health and surveillance, Jan 26, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual and Gender Minorities’ Vaccine Uptake and Behavioral Change in Response to the Mpox Outbreak in the United States: August 2022 Through November 2022

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Jan 22, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Men During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Series Analysis of a US National Cohort Study (Preprint)

Research paper thumbnail of Engagement in Care Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Results From the Together 5,000 Study

AIDS Education and Prevention

One-quarter of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with diagnosed HIV are ... more One-quarter of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with diagnosed HIV are not engaged in HIV care. Between 2018 and 2019, 50 GBMSM completed qualitative interviews 3 months after receiving an HIV-positive result. Interviews explored barriers to and facilitators of engagement and retention in HIV testing and care. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: (1) reason for HIV testing (e.g., self-testing), (2) linkage to care (e.g., appointment/logistic issues and social support as encouragement), (3) barriers to engagement in care (e.g., financial burden, competing priorities, and fear/stigma), (4) facilitators of engagement (e.g., financial assistance, patient-provider relationships, auxiliary support services, and health agency), and (5) PrEP as a missed prevention opportunity. Addressing individual-, social-, and policy-level barriers could improve GBMSM's engagement in HIV care. Further, capitalizing on GBMSM's health agency through partnerships w...

Research paper thumbnail of The association of syndemic conditions and HIV risk in an u.s. national cohort of men who have sex with men

APHA's 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo (Oct. 24 - 28), Oct 27, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of What is Sexual Orientation and How Does It Work

Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Althoug... more Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Although this is probably accurate for heterosexual and homosexual orientations, personality may play a role in bisexuality. It was hypothesized that bisexuality is potentiated by personality traits that allow sexual behavior to occur independently of sexual response systems that are specifically ''oriented'' to male or female sexual stimuli. If so, such traits should be elevated in bisexual women and men. Because female sexual response is relatively independent of the sex of the partner it was also hypothesized that such relationships would be stronger for bisexual women than bisexual men. This was tested in two online studies. Study 1 (N = 828) tested for elevated levels of two relevant personality traits; sexual sensation seeking and sexual excitability. Study 2 (N = 655) assessed sexual curiosity, and tested whether the relationship between sexual curiosity and bisexuality was independent of the Big Five. Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and sexual curiosity were found for bisexual women and men; only bisexual women reported elevated levels of sexual excitability. The predicted sex difference was found for each trait, and sexual curiosity was elevated independently of the Big Five.

Research paper thumbnail of Sex in the Era of COVID-19 in a U.S. National Cohort of Cisgender Men, Transgender Women, and Transgender Men Who Have Sex with Men: April–May 2020

Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2021

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing body of research focus... more Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing body of research focused on the effects that measures like stay-at-home orders and social distancing are having on other aspects of health, including mental health and sexual health. Currently, there are limited extant data on the effects of the pandemic on sexual and gender minorities. Between April 15, 2020, and May 15, 2020, we invited participants in an ongoing U.S. national cohort study (Together 5000) to complete a cross-sectional online survey about the pandemic, and its effects on mental and sexual health and well-being (n = 3991). Nearly all (97.7%) were living in an area where they were told they should only leave their homes for essentials. Most (70.1%) reported reducing their number of sex partners as a result of the pandemic. Among the 789 participants prescribed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), 29.9% said they stopped taking their PrEP entirely, and 14.2% started selectively skipping doses. For those who had been taking PrEP, discontinuing PrEP was associated with having no new sex partners (β = 0.90, 95% CI 0.40-1.40). Among the 152 HIV-positive participants, 30.9% said they were unable to maintain an HIV-related medical appointment because of the pandemic and 13.8% said they had been unable to retrieve HIV medications. Additionally, 35.3% of participants were experiencing moderate to severe anxiety because of the pandemic and 36.7% reported symptoms of depression. In a multivariable logistic regression, reporting a new sex partner in the prior 30 days was significantly associated with being aged 30 or older (vs. not, AOR = 1.21), being Black (AOR = 1.79) or Latinx (AOR = 1.40, vs. white), and being unsure if they had been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR = 1.32, vs. no contact). It was unassociated with COVID-19-induced anxiety, depression, or knowing someone hospitalized with COVID-19. The pandemic has caused disruptions in sexual behavior (partner reduction) as well as difficulties navigating PrEP and HIV care continua. Findings will guide more comprehensive public health responses to optimize HIV prevention and treatment in the era of COVID-19.

Research paper thumbnail of Maximizing Response Rates to Ads for Free At-Home HIV Testing on a Men-for-Men Geosocial Sexual Networking App: Lessons Learned and Implications for Researchers and Providers

Health Education & Behavior, 2020

Internet-based recruitment can be effective in reaching large numbers of geographically diverse i... more Internet-based recruitment can be effective in reaching large numbers of geographically diverse individuals. Geosocial sexual networking apps on smartphones have emerged as the modal way in which men who have sex with men (MSM) meet sex partners, and as venues for sexual health research. We report on the performance of three types of ads—text-only, text with male figure (no face), and text with male figure (with face)—used on a geosocial sexual networking app to advertise free at-home HIV testing and to enroll in an online study. We ran five 2-week-long ads on a popular MSM geosocial app between fall 2017 and spring 2018 (~2.19 million impressions). Ads were evaluated in terms of the click-through rate (CTR = advertisement clicks/advertisement impressions), conversion rates (CR = number of enrolled participants/ad-generated clicks), cost per enrolled participant, and demographic composition of survey respondents. We enrolled n = 4,023 individuals, n = 2,430 of whom completed HIV tes...

Research paper thumbnail of Recruiting vulnerable populations to participate in HIV prevention research: Findings from the Together 5,000 cohort study

Annals of Epidemiology, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Together 5000 (T5K): An online, PrEP-era cohort of vulnerable, HIV-negative gay and bisexual men and transmen and transwomen who have sex with men in the United States and Puerto Rico (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) continue to bear the burden o... more BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) continue to bear the burden of the HIV epidemic in the U.S., and are among the only populations to see increased incidence in recent years. OBJECTIVE To recruit a racially and geographically diverse sample of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who are not on PrEP to inform the design, implementation, scale-up, and evaluation of HIV prevention programs. METHODS We used established Internet-based strategies to enroll a large, racially diverse, national sample of HIV-negative GBM aged 16 to 49 at high risk of HIV acquisition via sexual networking apps. Study participants will be contacted every 6 months (in between annual surveys) for a brief survey on HIV testing, HIV diagnosis, and PrEP use (attempts to access, PrEP initiation, PrEP discontinuation). Using serologic data and self-reported HIV testing history, we reconstructed a cohort of men who could all be classified as HIV-negative as of 12 months prior ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Sexual Orientation and Gender Presentation of Hijra, Kothi, and Panthi in Mumbai, India

Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2016

Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Wes... more Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Western cultures categorize people primarily in terms of sexual attractions (i.e., gay, straight, bisexual), many cultures distinguish between groups based on additional issues such as gender role presentation and position preference in anal sex (i.e., insertive/receptive). The current study gathered data on three categories of natal males in Mumbai, India-hijra, kothi, and panthi (N = 93). Hijra are androphilic (sexually attracted to adult men), typically sexually receptive, transgender, sometimes castrated, and live in fictive kinship networks that are hierarchically organized. Kothi are also androphilic, typically sexual receptive and relatively feminine but less so than hijra; unlike hijra, kothi are never castrated. Hijra and kothi were understood by some participants to be mutually compatible, and so three groups were identified-those endorsing hijra only (n = 11), kothi only (n = 22), and both hijra and kothi (n = 22). Panthi (n = 38) are the masculine insertive partners of hijra and kothi. Measures employed were self-report and viewing time measures of sexual attraction, sexual behavior and position preference, self-described masculinity/femininity, recalled childhood gender atypicality, gendered occupational preferences, and gender presentation milestones (i.e., wearing female clothes, castration). All hijra and kothi groups were found to be exclusively androphilic in viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions, and to be gender-atypical on all measures. Panthi were found to be relatively male-typical and to have a bisexual pattern of viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions. Kothi were found to be less extreme in their female typicality and to report less female gender presentation milestones than hijra or hijra/kothi. Most hijra and hijra/kothi and all kothi said that they were not castrated. Contrary to the manner in which they are socially defined, a third of panthi report having been receptive in anal sex, and a third of all hijra and kothi groups report having been insertive at some time.

Research paper thumbnail of Personality And Bisexuality

Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors like personality. Although t... more Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors like personality. Although this is probably accurate for heterosexual and homosexual orientations, personality may play a role in bisexuality. I hypothesized that bisexuality may be potentiated by personality traits that allow sexual behavior to occur independently of an oriented predisposition to males or females. If so, such traits should be elevated in bisexual women and men. Female sexual response is relatively independent of the sex of the partner, so I also hypothesized that such relationships would be stronger for bisexual women than bisexual men. This was tested in two online studies. Study 1 (N = 828) tested for elevated levels of two relevant personality traits, sexual sensation seeking and sexual excitability. Study 2 (N = 616) did the same with sexual curiosity, and tested whether the relationship between sexual curiosity and bisexuality was independent of the Big Five. Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and sexual curiosity were found for bisexual women and men. Elevated levels of sexual excitability were found only for bisexual women. The predicted sex difference was found for each trait, and sexual curiosity was elevated independently of the Big Five.

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences Receiving HIV-Positive Results by Phone: Acceptability and Implications for Clinical and Behavioral Research

AIDS and Behavior, 2020

Improving HIV testing rates and increasing early detection among men who have sex with men (MSM) ... more Improving HIV testing rates and increasing early detection among men who have sex with men (MSM) are critical strategies for enhancing overall health and decreasing HIV transmission. Remote testing and phone delivery of HIV test results may reduce barriers such as geographic isolation or HIV-related stigma. In 2018-19, 50 MSM completed qualitative interviews about their experience receiving a positive HIV test result via phone through their participation in a research study that included remote HIV testing. Interview topics included the acceptability of, and concerns about, phone delivery of HIV results, as well as suggestions for improvement. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Overall, participants reported high acceptability of phone delivery of HIV-positive results. Participants praised the support and information provided by study staff. Benefits identified included increased convenience compared to in-person medical visits, allowing participants to emotionally process their test results privately, as well as receiving the results from supportive and responsive staff members. A few participants indicated drawbacks to phone-based HIV test result delivery, such as logistical concerns about receiving a phone call during the day (e.g., while at work), reduced confidentiality, and the lack of in-person emotional support. Overall, participants described phone delivery of positive HIV-results as acceptable. At-home testing with phone delivery has the potential to increase HIV testing access, especially to geographically isolated or medically underserved patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual-Identity Labels, The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies

Research paper thumbnail of The Sexual Orientation and Gender Presentation of Hijra, Kothi, and Panthi in Mumbai, India

Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Wes... more Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Western cultures categorize people primarily in terms of sexual attractions (i.e., gay, straight, bisexual), many cultures distinguish between groups based on additional issues such as gender role presentation and position preference in anal sex (i.e., insertive/receptive). The current study gathered data on three categories of natal males in Mum-bai, India—hijra, kothi, and panthi (N = 93). Hijra are androphilic (sexuallyattractedtoadultmen),typicallysexuallyreceptive,trans-gender, sometimes castrated, and live in fictive kinship networks that are hierarchically organized. Kothi are also androphilic, typically sexual receptive and relatively feminine but less so than hijra; unlike hijra, kothi are never castrated. Hijra and kothi were understood by some participants to be mutually compatible, and so three groups were identified—those endorsing hijra only (n = 11), kothi only(n = 22), and both hijraandkothi(n = 22).Panthi(n =38)are themasculineinsertivepartnersofhijraandkothi.Measuresemployed wereself-reportandviewingtimemeasuresofsexualattraction,sexual behavior and position preference, self-described masculinity/femi-ninity, recalled childhood gender atypicality, gendered occupational preferences, and gender presentation milestones (i.e., wearing female clothes, castration). All hijra and kothi groups were found to be exclusively androphilic in viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions, and to be gender-atypical on all measures. Panthi were found to be relatively male-typical and to have a bisexual pattern of viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions. Kothi were found to be less extreme in their female typicality and to report less female gender presentation milestones than hijra or hijra/kothi. Most hijra and hijra/kothi and all kothi said that they were not castrated. Contrary to the manner in which they are socially defined, a third of panthi report having been receptive in anal sex, and a third of all hijra andkothi groups report having been insertive at some time.

Research paper thumbnail of The Nature of Sexual Desire (review)

Anthropological Quarterly - ANTHROPOL QUART, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Bisexuality is associated with elevated sexual sensation seeking, sexual curiosity, and sexual excitability

Personality and Individual Differences, 2014

Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Althoug... more Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Although this is probably accurate for heterosexual and homosexual orientations, personality may play a role in bisexuality. It was hypothesized that bisexuality is potentiated by personality traits that allow sexual behavior to occur independently of sexual response systems that are specifically ''oriented'' to male or female sexual stimuli. If so, such traits should be elevated in bisexual women and men. Because female sexual response is relatively independent of the sex of the partner it was also hypothesized that such relationships would be stronger for bisexual women than bisexual men. This was tested in two online studies. Study 1 (N = 828) tested for elevated levels of two relevant personality traits; sexual sensation seeking and sexual excitability. Study 2 (N = 655) assessed sexual curiosity, and tested whether the relationship between sexual curiosity and bisexuality was independent of the Big Five. Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and sexual curiosity were found for bisexual women and men; only bisexual women reported elevated levels of sexual excitability. The predicted sex difference was found for each trait, and sexual curiosity was elevated independently of the Big Five.

Research paper thumbnail of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Men During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Series Analysis of a US National Cohort Study

JMIR public health and surveillance, Jan 26, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual and Gender Minorities’ Vaccine Uptake and Behavioral Change in Response to the Mpox Outbreak in the United States: August 2022 Through November 2022

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Jan 22, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Men During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Series Analysis of a US National Cohort Study (Preprint)

Research paper thumbnail of Engagement in Care Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Results From the Together 5,000 Study

AIDS Education and Prevention

One-quarter of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with diagnosed HIV are ... more One-quarter of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with diagnosed HIV are not engaged in HIV care. Between 2018 and 2019, 50 GBMSM completed qualitative interviews 3 months after receiving an HIV-positive result. Interviews explored barriers to and facilitators of engagement and retention in HIV testing and care. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: (1) reason for HIV testing (e.g., self-testing), (2) linkage to care (e.g., appointment/logistic issues and social support as encouragement), (3) barriers to engagement in care (e.g., financial burden, competing priorities, and fear/stigma), (4) facilitators of engagement (e.g., financial assistance, patient-provider relationships, auxiliary support services, and health agency), and (5) PrEP as a missed prevention opportunity. Addressing individual-, social-, and policy-level barriers could improve GBMSM's engagement in HIV care. Further, capitalizing on GBMSM's health agency through partnerships w...

Research paper thumbnail of The association of syndemic conditions and HIV risk in an u.s. national cohort of men who have sex with men

APHA's 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo (Oct. 24 - 28), Oct 27, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of What is Sexual Orientation and How Does It Work

Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Althoug... more Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Although this is probably accurate for heterosexual and homosexual orientations, personality may play a role in bisexuality. It was hypothesized that bisexuality is potentiated by personality traits that allow sexual behavior to occur independently of sexual response systems that are specifically ''oriented'' to male or female sexual stimuli. If so, such traits should be elevated in bisexual women and men. Because female sexual response is relatively independent of the sex of the partner it was also hypothesized that such relationships would be stronger for bisexual women than bisexual men. This was tested in two online studies. Study 1 (N = 828) tested for elevated levels of two relevant personality traits; sexual sensation seeking and sexual excitability. Study 2 (N = 655) assessed sexual curiosity, and tested whether the relationship between sexual curiosity and bisexuality was independent of the Big Five. Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and sexual curiosity were found for bisexual women and men; only bisexual women reported elevated levels of sexual excitability. The predicted sex difference was found for each trait, and sexual curiosity was elevated independently of the Big Five.

Research paper thumbnail of Sex in the Era of COVID-19 in a U.S. National Cohort of Cisgender Men, Transgender Women, and Transgender Men Who Have Sex with Men: April–May 2020

Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2021

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing body of research focus... more Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing body of research focused on the effects that measures like stay-at-home orders and social distancing are having on other aspects of health, including mental health and sexual health. Currently, there are limited extant data on the effects of the pandemic on sexual and gender minorities. Between April 15, 2020, and May 15, 2020, we invited participants in an ongoing U.S. national cohort study (Together 5000) to complete a cross-sectional online survey about the pandemic, and its effects on mental and sexual health and well-being (n = 3991). Nearly all (97.7%) were living in an area where they were told they should only leave their homes for essentials. Most (70.1%) reported reducing their number of sex partners as a result of the pandemic. Among the 789 participants prescribed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), 29.9% said they stopped taking their PrEP entirely, and 14.2% started selectively skipping doses. For those who had been taking PrEP, discontinuing PrEP was associated with having no new sex partners (β = 0.90, 95% CI 0.40-1.40). Among the 152 HIV-positive participants, 30.9% said they were unable to maintain an HIV-related medical appointment because of the pandemic and 13.8% said they had been unable to retrieve HIV medications. Additionally, 35.3% of participants were experiencing moderate to severe anxiety because of the pandemic and 36.7% reported symptoms of depression. In a multivariable logistic regression, reporting a new sex partner in the prior 30 days was significantly associated with being aged 30 or older (vs. not, AOR = 1.21), being Black (AOR = 1.79) or Latinx (AOR = 1.40, vs. white), and being unsure if they had been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR = 1.32, vs. no contact). It was unassociated with COVID-19-induced anxiety, depression, or knowing someone hospitalized with COVID-19. The pandemic has caused disruptions in sexual behavior (partner reduction) as well as difficulties navigating PrEP and HIV care continua. Findings will guide more comprehensive public health responses to optimize HIV prevention and treatment in the era of COVID-19.

Research paper thumbnail of Maximizing Response Rates to Ads for Free At-Home HIV Testing on a Men-for-Men Geosocial Sexual Networking App: Lessons Learned and Implications for Researchers and Providers

Health Education & Behavior, 2020

Internet-based recruitment can be effective in reaching large numbers of geographically diverse i... more Internet-based recruitment can be effective in reaching large numbers of geographically diverse individuals. Geosocial sexual networking apps on smartphones have emerged as the modal way in which men who have sex with men (MSM) meet sex partners, and as venues for sexual health research. We report on the performance of three types of ads—text-only, text with male figure (no face), and text with male figure (with face)—used on a geosocial sexual networking app to advertise free at-home HIV testing and to enroll in an online study. We ran five 2-week-long ads on a popular MSM geosocial app between fall 2017 and spring 2018 (~2.19 million impressions). Ads were evaluated in terms of the click-through rate (CTR = advertisement clicks/advertisement impressions), conversion rates (CR = number of enrolled participants/ad-generated clicks), cost per enrolled participant, and demographic composition of survey respondents. We enrolled n = 4,023 individuals, n = 2,430 of whom completed HIV tes...

Research paper thumbnail of Recruiting vulnerable populations to participate in HIV prevention research: Findings from the Together 5,000 cohort study

Annals of Epidemiology, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Together 5000 (T5K): An online, PrEP-era cohort of vulnerable, HIV-negative gay and bisexual men and transmen and transwomen who have sex with men in the United States and Puerto Rico (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) continue to bear the burden o... more BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) continue to bear the burden of the HIV epidemic in the U.S., and are among the only populations to see increased incidence in recent years. OBJECTIVE To recruit a racially and geographically diverse sample of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who are not on PrEP to inform the design, implementation, scale-up, and evaluation of HIV prevention programs. METHODS We used established Internet-based strategies to enroll a large, racially diverse, national sample of HIV-negative GBM aged 16 to 49 at high risk of HIV acquisition via sexual networking apps. Study participants will be contacted every 6 months (in between annual surveys) for a brief survey on HIV testing, HIV diagnosis, and PrEP use (attempts to access, PrEP initiation, PrEP discontinuation). Using serologic data and self-reported HIV testing history, we reconstructed a cohort of men who could all be classified as HIV-negative as of 12 months prior ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Sexual Orientation and Gender Presentation of Hijra, Kothi, and Panthi in Mumbai, India

Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2016

Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Wes... more Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Western cultures categorize people primarily in terms of sexual attractions (i.e., gay, straight, bisexual), many cultures distinguish between groups based on additional issues such as gender role presentation and position preference in anal sex (i.e., insertive/receptive). The current study gathered data on three categories of natal males in Mumbai, India-hijra, kothi, and panthi (N = 93). Hijra are androphilic (sexually attracted to adult men), typically sexually receptive, transgender, sometimes castrated, and live in fictive kinship networks that are hierarchically organized. Kothi are also androphilic, typically sexual receptive and relatively feminine but less so than hijra; unlike hijra, kothi are never castrated. Hijra and kothi were understood by some participants to be mutually compatible, and so three groups were identified-those endorsing hijra only (n = 11), kothi only (n = 22), and both hijra and kothi (n = 22). Panthi (n = 38) are the masculine insertive partners of hijra and kothi. Measures employed were self-report and viewing time measures of sexual attraction, sexual behavior and position preference, self-described masculinity/femininity, recalled childhood gender atypicality, gendered occupational preferences, and gender presentation milestones (i.e., wearing female clothes, castration). All hijra and kothi groups were found to be exclusively androphilic in viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions, and to be gender-atypical on all measures. Panthi were found to be relatively male-typical and to have a bisexual pattern of viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions. Kothi were found to be less extreme in their female typicality and to report less female gender presentation milestones than hijra or hijra/kothi. Most hijra and hijra/kothi and all kothi said that they were not castrated. Contrary to the manner in which they are socially defined, a third of panthi report having been receptive in anal sex, and a third of all hijra and kothi groups report having been insertive at some time.

Research paper thumbnail of Personality And Bisexuality

Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors like personality. Although t... more Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors like personality. Although this is probably accurate for heterosexual and homosexual orientations, personality may play a role in bisexuality. I hypothesized that bisexuality may be potentiated by personality traits that allow sexual behavior to occur independently of an oriented predisposition to males or females. If so, such traits should be elevated in bisexual women and men. Female sexual response is relatively independent of the sex of the partner, so I also hypothesized that such relationships would be stronger for bisexual women than bisexual men. This was tested in two online studies. Study 1 (N = 828) tested for elevated levels of two relevant personality traits, sexual sensation seeking and sexual excitability. Study 2 (N = 616) did the same with sexual curiosity, and tested whether the relationship between sexual curiosity and bisexuality was independent of the Big Five. Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and sexual curiosity were found for bisexual women and men. Elevated levels of sexual excitability were found only for bisexual women. The predicted sex difference was found for each trait, and sexual curiosity was elevated independently of the Big Five.

Research paper thumbnail of Experiences Receiving HIV-Positive Results by Phone: Acceptability and Implications for Clinical and Behavioral Research

AIDS and Behavior, 2020

Improving HIV testing rates and increasing early detection among men who have sex with men (MSM) ... more Improving HIV testing rates and increasing early detection among men who have sex with men (MSM) are critical strategies for enhancing overall health and decreasing HIV transmission. Remote testing and phone delivery of HIV test results may reduce barriers such as geographic isolation or HIV-related stigma. In 2018-19, 50 MSM completed qualitative interviews about their experience receiving a positive HIV test result via phone through their participation in a research study that included remote HIV testing. Interview topics included the acceptability of, and concerns about, phone delivery of HIV results, as well as suggestions for improvement. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Overall, participants reported high acceptability of phone delivery of HIV-positive results. Participants praised the support and information provided by study staff. Benefits identified included increased convenience compared to in-person medical visits, allowing participants to emotionally process their test results privately, as well as receiving the results from supportive and responsive staff members. A few participants indicated drawbacks to phone-based HIV test result delivery, such as logistical concerns about receiving a phone call during the day (e.g., while at work), reduced confidentiality, and the lack of in-person emotional support. Overall, participants described phone delivery of positive HIV-results as acceptable. At-home testing with phone delivery has the potential to increase HIV testing access, especially to geographically isolated or medically underserved patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Sexual-Identity Labels, The SAGE Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies

Research paper thumbnail of The Sexual Orientation and Gender Presentation of Hijra, Kothi, and Panthi in Mumbai, India

Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Wes... more Cultural categories related to sexuality and gender vary considerably cross-culturally. While Western cultures categorize people primarily in terms of sexual attractions (i.e., gay, straight, bisexual), many cultures distinguish between groups based on additional issues such as gender role presentation and position preference in anal sex (i.e., insertive/receptive). The current study gathered data on three categories of natal males in Mum-bai, India—hijra, kothi, and panthi (N = 93). Hijra are androphilic (sexuallyattractedtoadultmen),typicallysexuallyreceptive,trans-gender, sometimes castrated, and live in fictive kinship networks that are hierarchically organized. Kothi are also androphilic, typically sexual receptive and relatively feminine but less so than hijra; unlike hijra, kothi are never castrated. Hijra and kothi were understood by some participants to be mutually compatible, and so three groups were identified—those endorsing hijra only (n = 11), kothi only(n = 22), and both hijraandkothi(n = 22).Panthi(n =38)are themasculineinsertivepartnersofhijraandkothi.Measuresemployed wereself-reportandviewingtimemeasuresofsexualattraction,sexual behavior and position preference, self-described masculinity/femi-ninity, recalled childhood gender atypicality, gendered occupational preferences, and gender presentation milestones (i.e., wearing female clothes, castration). All hijra and kothi groups were found to be exclusively androphilic in viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions, and to be gender-atypical on all measures. Panthi were found to be relatively male-typical and to have a bisexual pattern of viewing time and self-reported sexual attractions. Kothi were found to be less extreme in their female typicality and to report less female gender presentation milestones than hijra or hijra/kothi. Most hijra and hijra/kothi and all kothi said that they were not castrated. Contrary to the manner in which they are socially defined, a third of panthi report having been receptive in anal sex, and a third of all hijra andkothi groups report having been insertive at some time.

Research paper thumbnail of The Nature of Sexual Desire (review)

Anthropological Quarterly - ANTHROPOL QUART, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Bisexuality is associated with elevated sexual sensation seeking, sexual curiosity, and sexual excitability

Personality and Individual Differences, 2014

Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Althoug... more Sexual orientation is typically assumed to be independent of factors such as personality. Although this is probably accurate for heterosexual and homosexual orientations, personality may play a role in bisexuality. It was hypothesized that bisexuality is potentiated by personality traits that allow sexual behavior to occur independently of sexual response systems that are specifically ''oriented'' to male or female sexual stimuli. If so, such traits should be elevated in bisexual women and men. Because female sexual response is relatively independent of the sex of the partner it was also hypothesized that such relationships would be stronger for bisexual women than bisexual men. This was tested in two online studies. Study 1 (N = 828) tested for elevated levels of two relevant personality traits; sexual sensation seeking and sexual excitability. Study 2 (N = 655) assessed sexual curiosity, and tested whether the relationship between sexual curiosity and bisexuality was independent of the Big Five. Elevated levels of sexual sensation seeking and sexual curiosity were found for bisexual women and men; only bisexual women reported elevated levels of sexual excitability. The predicted sex difference was found for each trait, and sexual curiosity was elevated independently of the Big Five.