Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Understanding
MSM
12. MSM engage in the same sexual practices as other couples.
True. MSM use many of the same sexual practices as heterosexual couples, including:
kissing, masturbation, touching, anal sex, and oral sex. These activities are not
restricted to sex between a man and woman or MSM but are commonly practiced
by both groups. Some of us, for example, assume that all MSM practice anal sex,
but in fact, many do not and there are many heterosexual couples who practice
anal sex.
13. MSM do not want long term partners and are only interested in
casual sex.
False. Many people think that MSM are only interested in sex, that their relationships
are shallow, and only based on physical attraction, not love. But in fact MSM are
equally capable of deep, long-term, loving relationships, as non-MSM are with
women. Some MSM may have lots of sexual partners and some MSM may have
only a single partner and have a permanent relationship.
14. MSM may also have sex with women.
True. Some MSM enjoy sex with both men and women. Other MSM may prefer sex
with other men, but have sex with women to hide their MSM status. In many cases,
MSM are married and have sex with their wives in addition to having sex with other
men.
15. Safe sex for MSM is different from safe sex between a man and
a woman.
False. The concept of safe sex for MSM is no different from the concept of safe sex
for sex between a man and a woman. In both cases the aim is to prevent the
exchange of body fluids and blood, through using barrier methods, such as
condoms, dental dams, etc. It is recommended that strong/reinforced condoms
and water soluble lubricant are used for anal sex to prevent the condoms breaking.
(Of course the same technologies would be recommended for heterosexuals using
anal sex.) Condoms should also be used for oral sex practiced on a man.
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