High-Risk Sex? Examining the HIV/AIDS Risk Discourse of “Multiple Sexual Partnership” from Gay Home Party Participants’ Sex Practice
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
Du, Sih-Cheng
Abstract
This study explores HIV/AIDS risk behavior of having multiple sexual partners based on discussions regarding scientific risk discourse, lay knowledge and risk perception under Science, Technology and Society Studies. First, through using content analysis to review the theses and journals concerning multiple sexual partnership related HIV/AIDS experiences in Taiwan, it is discovered that in most HIV/AIDS research, the risk discourse of multiple sexual partnership is presented in some ways, such as using multiple sexual partnership as a variable affecting HIV/AIDS risk or preventive behaviors; or using multiple sexual partnership as a question in HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes surveys. After a careful examination of the above-mentioned research, one may notice that multiple sexual partnership itself is a vague concept that lacks a coherent definition. Currently, none of the scientific research in Taiwan is able to support the statement that having multiple sexual partners is at higher HIV/AIDS risk. While the ambiguity of multiple sexual partnership remains unexplained, it has become a standard for judging an individual’s understanding or attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Under such circumstances, it is difficult to distinguish scientific research from traditional morality, and at the same time, HIV/AIDS scientific research will evolve into a power that shapes and solidifies the sexual hierarchy. n the other hand, specifics and social context are also absent in the scientific discourse on HIV/AIDS risk with regard to multiple sexual partnership. This study is focused on gay home parties and under such specific context, attempts to discuss HIV/AIDS risk issues of having multiple sexual partners. To begin with, the study reviews news articles on gay home parties published by “United Daily News” and press releases issued by Centers for Disease Control. It is found that gay home parties are highly connected with HIV/AIDS, however, what the media presents is a passive, incomplete image of gay home parties. The participants’ thinking and behaviors involving the parties are ignored. From interviews with 15 gay home party participants, the study discovers that the participants, as actual practitioners of multiple sexual partnership, have in fact developed their lay knowledge as to how to lower risks of getting HIV/AIDS. Such knowledge includes the precise operation of “correct and consistent use of condoms,” paying attention to drug dosage and friends looking after one another. The study also discusses the participants’ experiences of not using condoms during anal intercourse in home parties. The study finds that interpersonal relationship and drug are two most important influencing factors. The researcher believes, the strategies to lower HIV/AIDS risk that have developed through the practice of gay home party participants may contribute to expert risk discourse and make up for the insufficiency.
Subjects
multiple sexual partners
HIV/AIDS
risk
science, technology and society
gay home party
lay knowledge
sexual hierarchy
Type
thesis
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