Understanding gay men’s online sexual health needs: The Ontario-based cruising counts study

Guest lecture by Dr. David Brennan Dr. Brennan’s research focuses on the health and well-being of marginalized gay, bisexual, two-spirit and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Increasingly, MSM are using the Internet to seek social and sexual relationships. Research has demonstrated increased risk for HIV transmission by men seeking partners online, but also the effectiveness of online interventions to reduce these risks. In particular, these methods are effective in connecting with traditionally hard to reach MSM who do not or cannot access common in-person outreach services at bars or bathhouses (e.g. men in rural areas, men who aren’t out, and young men not of age). Dr. Brennan will discuss his current research project which seeks to identify strategies to enhance effective outreach services for MSM in Ontario, to promote the integration of current evidence into existing and emerging policies and programs, and to provide rationale and support for the expansion of effective online outreach with MSM in Ontario by identifying approaches to address current barriers and challenges.

Location:

Professional Faculties building fourth floor student lounge

Speaker:

Dr. David Brennan has been a clinical social worker in the HIV/AIDS and health care field since 1983. His research focuses on the health and well-being of marginalized gay, bisexual, two-spirit and other men who have sex with men. He has examined body image and eating attitudes and behaviors among queer men, particularly examining these issues for racialized queer men in Toronto. He has examined the psychosocial needs of older adults living with HIV. He has examined the impact of several factors on HIV risk for gay and bisexual men including the role of a history of childhood sexual abuse, optimistic beliefs about HIV treatment and the role of intimacy and pleasure in sexual risk behavior. He is currently involved in work to examine how we measure sexual orientation in population based health studies as well as the resiliencies, strengths and assets that gay and bisexual men have that prevent them from becoming infected with HIV.

More information at http://www.ucalgary.ca/events/calendar/understanding-gay-mens-online-sexual-health-needs-ontario-based-cruising-counts-study