Question

In your own words, discuss the phenomena of “men on the down low” and how this translates to higher HIV infections in the heterosexual (largely African American and Hispanic) female communities (“down low” refers to men who secretly have sex with other men, yet do not consider themselves to be g ay or bisexual).

Answer 1

The stereotype of masculinity and fatherhood among the minority community of African American and Hispanic makes it difficult to accept the sexual orientation of bisexuality,hence,these men marry or date , maintain heterosexual relationship while at the same are bisexuals ,this phenomena is called" men on the down low".This bisexual orientation along with the socio-economic factors as poor living conditions, inaccessibility to medical care due to poor economic conditions, poor educational level, keeping the medical conditions of STIs secret due to social stigma and resistance to the use of condoms increases the vulnerability of HIV among these minorities and specially the women folk are most affected.