Sexual Coercion among Gay Men, Bisexual Men and Takatāpui Tāne in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Abstract

Background • The existence of sexual assault, sexual coercion and unwanted sex among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men is seldom acknowledged — within gay communities, society at large, or in policy. • Although prevalence is difficult to determine, international research has established that sexual assault, sexual coercion and unwanted sex are experienced by a significant number of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Our project • This project consisted of two separate, but related, studies: a broader project, and a Kaupapa Māori project. • The broader project was designed to explore the phenomenon of sexual coercion among gay and bisexual men in Aotearoa/New Zealand. • It did not set out to investigate the broader issue of sexual assault against gay and bisexual men by men who do not identify as gay or bisexual (i.e., sexual violence which could more easily be categorised as hate crime). • Twenty-three key informants were interviewed about their observations and views on sexual coercion among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. • Eighteen gay and bisexual men were interviewed about their experiences of sexual coercion. • Six focus groups were held with gay and bisexual men in order to generate accounts about how sexuality is understood and negotiated in gay communities. • Five takatāpui tāne were interviewed for the Kaupapa Māori project on Māori men’s experiences of sexual coercion.