Identifiable Risks
It is important to note that negative attitudes toward homosexuality appear to exist within many cultures and often demonize gay men. Consequently, negative beliefs and attitudes about homosexuality impact the degree and severity of danger or risk an individual may be exposed to in everyday life and interpersonal situations.
Some examples include but are not limited to, the loss of psycho-social identity and supportive networks, increased exposure to disease that can be exacerbated by lack of access to healthcare, or literal threats of death or violence.
Plainly put, some gay men are subject to experience:
- Risk of being "outed" and ostracized by friends, family, and/or community.
- Risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases that if untreated may result in life debilitating illness or poor health. (i.e. inaccessible or lack of medical services/resources)
- Risks of targeted physical violence, abuse, or death based on sexual identity or orientation.
Although, understanding the external variables that impact the lives and attitudes of gay men is important, it is equally crucial to analyze the ways in which societal norms become internalized beliefs among gay individuals and culture.
Specifically, I wonder what maladaptive behaviors, ideas, and attitudes among gay men and gay culture increase the likely hood of perpetuating crime and which factors increase the risk of being victimized?
Does exposure to pornography depicting hardcore sadomasochism, drug use, and anonymous sex normalize violence and aggression among gay men?
Even further, I wonder to what extent do contemporary societal attitudes towards homosexuality impact the reporting, investigating, and persecution of crimes committed against gay men? Do these same ideals negatively impact the prosecution and convictions in crimes committed by gay men?
Overall, this subject is worth exploring because it could help uncover unknown correlations and patterns that can be useful in predicting violence among and towards gay men.
On this blog you will find a collection of criminal cases that span across different counties, decades, and societies. You will also find my subjective opinions, theories, and observations. Comments are always open and respectful discussion is encouraged.