Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. There exist many subcultures of men who have sex with men MSM , all with differing values and health behaviors.
The Leathermen comprise one such subculture, which is characterized by a heightened valuation of hypersexuality and adherence to sexual control dynamics i. No previous research has specifically examined this community for differences in sexual health e. Universal low condom use in Submissives engaging in receptive, and Dominants engaging in insertive, anal intercourse was an additional trend that potentially contributed to increased numbers of HIV-positive Leathermen.
Our recommendation is for heightened awareness of the risks associated with sex among Leathermen, especially unprotected anal intercourse with sero-uncertain Submissives. There is substantial sociological evidence that the population of men who have sex with men MSM may be deconstructed into many different communities, all of whom have varying perceptions of sex and sexuality, as well as different behavioral norms [ 1 - 3 ].
The Leathermen comprise one such community that exists within the greater MSM population [ 4 ]. The community is further characterized by a heightened valuation of hypersexuality and adherence to sexual control dynamics i.
Generally, men may use leather objects or wear leather garb during or before sexual experiences; this does not ensure such men hold a leather identity. The Leatherman identity and its associated orientations e. It is about such men, and not those who merely enjoy leather from time to time without committing to the identity, that we endeavored to study. A substantial amount of research has been conducted on the construction of the leather identity [ 7 - 10 ] and the sorts of sadomasochistic sexual behaviors enacted by individuals who tend to adopt such an identity [ 11 - 12 ].
