Protocol for an International, Multilingual, Online, Comparative Sexuality Study Amongst Heterosexual-identified Men Who Have Sex with Men and Men of Diverse Sexual Identities (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Sexuality is multidimensional and complex, comprised of identity development, attraction, and behaviour. Heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men (H-MSM) experience sexual identity and behaviour discordance yet it is unknown how H-MSM compare to concordant heterosexual men as well as gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ+) men regarding sexuality constructs. OBJECTIVE To survey adult cisgender men in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom to gain greater insight into how different demographics, identity development, attractions, behaviours, technology use, relationship negotiation and communication skills, and PrEP and life satisfaction relate to each other, and then to interview H-MSM for in-depth follow-up on survey concepts. METHODS Purposive sampling will be utilized to recruit men via online and offline venues. Data collection will be multifaceted and include an online questionnaire for adult cisgender men and subsequent interview for H-MSM. The survey will be available in English, French, and Spanish. Structural equation modeling, underpinned by hegemonic masculinity and sexual scripts theory, will be performed to test the relationships between the survey’s variables. Interpretive phenomenology will be employed on the qualitative data to consider how unique sociocultural factors influence H-MSM’s sexuality and experiences, allowing for similarities and differences across participants to be identified and explored. RESULTS This research will broaden the scope of existing literature and contribute to advancements in interventions and knowledge to support the overall health and well-being of H-MSM. An examination of potential differences between H-MSM, concordant heterosexual men, and GBQ+ men will also strengthen understanding of H-MSM and reaffirm the need to include them in further research and practice without dismissing them as closeted GBQ+ men. CONCLUSIONS This study aims to provide key insights into avenues for research and practice with men whose sexuality and sexual behaviours may be outside of commonly accepted norms.