Men on the Down Low

Gender and Sexuality
Gender and Sexuality > Homosexuality

Men on the Down Low

A discussion on men on the down low, a slang phrase to describe men who have sex with men but do not categorize themselves as homosexuals and bisexuals.

3,125 words () | 9 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at significant media attention that men who are down low, a term used on closeted gay and bisexual men, have gained due to the increasing rate of HIV infection among black women. Some of these men who have sex with other men have girlfriends and spouses who are unaware of the double lives these men lead. The paper reviews a book written by J.L King, which provides readers with a firsthand account and understanding of the lives and lifestyles of closet black homosexuals. The author explains that men on the down low mask their homosexuality as society and religion frowns upon gays. The paper next discusses the effect of these men living in deception as well as clinical and therapy methods that would aid these individuals to cope with their lives and problems.

Outline:
King's View on Down Low
Professionals, Researchers, and Studies on Down Low
Effect of being on the Down Low
Causes of Homosexuality
The Role of the Church
What the Bible has to say on Homosexuality
Clinical Strategy
Notes
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"He believes that many of the bisexual men opt not to divulge their sexual preferences for fear of negative consequences that such admittance would likely cause. Numerous people are homophobic. Gays and lesbians are ridiculed by the society and it is not a widely accepted behavior in the prevailing social and religious norms. These factors contribute to men being on the down low. King further stresses that down low men's sense of self is associated with his ability to express masculinity and fulfill the traditional gender expectation assigned to men in general."

Sample of Sources Used:

Braaten, Carl. The Flaming Centre. A Theology of the Christian Mission. Phi ladelphia: Fortress Press, 1977.
Cameron, Paul, Ph.D. What Causes Homosexual Desire and Can It Be Changed? 1999. 05 November 2006 <http://www.familyresearchinst.org/FRI_EduPamphlet1.html>.
"Down-Low." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 09 November 2006. 05 November 2006 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_low>.
Fallik, Dawn. "Study: 10% of 'straight' men on the 'down-low.' Researchers say they hope doctors alter how they ask about sex behavior." Philadelphia Inquirer. 19 September 2006. 05 November 2006 <http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/health/15551800.htm>.
Harris, Mary. "Sisters should not Lay Down for "Down-Low" Behavior." Journey to Wellness. 05 November 2006 <http://www.blacknla.com/news/Articles/JTW1206.asp>.