New research finds gay and bisexual men across three generations have similar sexual behaviour

posted on July 24, 2019

The lifetime experiences of gay and bisexual men differ across generations. Some studies have proposed that these varied histories can impact attitudes towards sex and alter sexual behaviours. The BC-CfE’s Momentum Health Study—based on a cohort of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in the Greater Vancouver area—set out to investigate this concept.

Baby boomer gbMSM may have been affected by milestone events such as the Stonewall Riots against police raids of gay bars in New York City. The 1969 legalization of homosexuality in Canada occurred during their lifetimes, opening a new narrative on homosexuality. Some may have also lost loved ones and community during the peak of North America’s HIV/AIDS epidemic.

More recently, younger gay and bisexual men saw the 1996 introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which transformed HIV into a manageable condition. In 2006, Dr. Julio Montaner (BC-CfE Executive Director and Physician-in-Chief) introduced Treatment as Prevention as a means to improve quality of life for those living with HIV and reduce HIV transmission. Major cultural shifts, such as the Pride Movement and Canada's 2005 legalization of gay marriage, occurred in formative years for Generation-Xers and millennials.

As part of the Momentum study, gbMSM from baby boomer, Gen-X and millennial generations were asked about topics such as sexual behaviours, drug use and social perspectives. Published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, the study examined six-month trends in sexual behaviours, including number of male sex partners, high-risk sex (defined as condomless anal sex with a partner of unknown or opposite HIV status), and relationship status (being single versus having a regular partner).

Despite common assumptions that different experiences can change sex, all three generations had mostly similar sexual behaviours and about as much sex.

Despite common assumptions that experiencing different cultural and social environments can change sexual practices, all three generations had mostly similar sexual behaviours and rates of sexual activity. BC-CfE researchers also found partner statuses and numbers of sexual partners were typically analogous across generations.

Some sexual behaviours did differ. For example, baby boomers had lower rates of masturbation and receiving money for sex work, and levels of receptive anal sex decreased from younger to older gbMSM.

Millennials reported earlier age at first anal intercourse (18, versus 19 or 20), using smartphone apps more often to seek sex and—against stereotype or assumption—less high-risk sex than other generations.

Find out more about the study in this research summary.

Learn more about recent studies from the BC-CfE's Momentum Health Study in our series of research summaries, available online.

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New research finds gay and bisexual men across three generations have similar sexual behaviour

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