THE DOWN LOW

The Down Low

Abstract

The down low has recently emerged as phenomenon where men have sex with men (MSM), but identify as 'heterosexual' or 'straight'. Although the down low has received considerable attention in United States media, little empirical research has sought to investigate this phenomenon beyond anecdotal evidence. We find significant support for the down low among Blacks and Latinos and its association with high-risk sexual behavior. These findings highlight the need for future research that better understands the impact on African American Women.

Outline of the Paper

The paper is elaborated on the following headings and discussed accordingly.

Introduction

Thesis Statement

Discussion

Origins of the down low

Conclusion

The Down Low

Introduction

The down low has purportedly emerged as a social phenomenon among men who have sex with men (MSM), but identify as 'heterosexual' or 'straight'. This phenomenon has received considerable attention in United States media, in part, because those men identifying as 'heterosexual' were frequently in committed relationships with unsuspecting women who did not use barrier protection such as condoms during sexual intercourse, as they did not perceive themselves to be at risk for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as HIV.

Thesis Statement

Down lowism which refers to same-sex sexual behavior, is viewed in some communities especially in African American men solely for physical pleasure. Whilst continuing the sexual relationship with women, Down Low men engage in act of sex with other men. This behavior affects the women in many ways.

Discussion

At present, there is some ambiguity surrounding the construction of the concept of the down low. Although we found support for the down low as conceptualized as non-Whites who identify as 'heterosexual' or 'straight' but reported engaging in same-sex behavior and its association with high-risk sexual behavior, there is no universal agreement that the down low refers to a behavior. In separate accounts, the down low may refer to an identity that is a transitional identity from straight to gay, or the down low may refer to an identity that is entirely separate from gay.

For example, Malebranche (2008) has found that some understand the down low as 'pit stop' where down low men are seen as 'transitioning' from heterosexual to homosexual identification, with little acknowledgment or understanding of their actual behavior, culture and identity. Similarly, bisexual bridge theory (Denizet-Lewis 2003; Malebranche 2008; Phillips 2005) developed at the high point of HIV infection rates among Black women in the United States blamed Black men for the increased rates of HIV infection and neglected the larger social and cultural dynamics embedded within the Black community that could have explained why gay did not serve as an adequate identity for same-sex behavior.

The down low may also refer to an identity that is entirely separate from gay or homosexual identity as evidenced by J. L. King's account where men are 'living on the down low, or DL' as a lifestyle or identity separate from traditional sexual scripting of gay or straight (King and Hunter 2004).

These men--men like I used to be--are selfishly risking the lives of their women and their ...