Same-gender sexual partnering: a re-analysis of trend data

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Public Health

Background:

• Previous research suggested a 10% prevalence of same-gender sexual behavior.
• Some studies in the early 2000s indicated an increasing trend, particularly among women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-examine trends in same-gender sexual behavior using longitudinal data.
• To analyze multiple measures of same-gender sexual behavior over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized General Social Survey (GSS) data spanning from 1988 to 2010.
• Focused on analyzing trends across various metrics of same-gender sexual experiences.

Main Results:

• The likelihood of having had a same-gender sexual partner since age 18 increased for both men and women through the 2000s.
• Recent sexual activity (past year, past five years) leveled off for women and decreased for men.
• No significant increase or decrease was observed in predominantly same-gender sexual behavior or same-gender relationships.

Conclusions:

• Trends in same-gender sexual behavior are more complex than previously characterized.
• Lifetime experiences have increased, but recent behavior and relationship patterns show stabilization or reversal.