Exploring Gay Men's Threesomes
Normalization, Concerns, and Sexual Opportunities
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Abstract
Although there is abundant research regarding group sex between men, much of the current literature constructs group sex as homogenous and overlooks the nuance of how and why men engage in particular sexual behaviors. Accordingly, this research expands our understanding of group sex by focusing on a specific type of sex: the threesome. The results demonstrate how perspectives on threesomes may develop over time; at first appearing exciting before becoming relatively normalized and indistinct from dyadic sex. Encounters and exposure are fostered through the sexual opportunities available, in particular, geo-social networking apps. Despite their normalization, threesomes are not necessarily viewed as risk free. Thus, this research offers insight and understanding into how gay men engage in group sex and the contextual factors which make it possible.
Contributor Notes
Ryan Scoats is a Lecturer in Sociology at Coventry University and the author of Understanding Threesomes: Gender, Sex, & Consensual Non-Monogamy. Utilizing an interdisciplinary perspective, his threesome research aims to fill a gap in academic knowledge around group sex as well as reducing the stigma around this behavior and encouraging more open and honest dialogues around sexual desires. He has been published in a range of peer-reviewed journals including Sexualities, Psychology & Sexuality, and Culture, Health & Sexuality. ORCID:
Eric Anderson is a Professor of Sport, Health and Social Sciences at the University of Winchester, England. He holds degrees in health, psychology, and sociology and has published 19 books and 75 peer-reviewed scientific papers. His research is regularly featured in international television, print, and digital media. ORCID:
Adam J. White is an interdisciplinary social researcher in Sport, Education, and Health. He has authored a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals and has co-authored a book critically examining sport—Sport, Theory & Social Problems. He completed his doctoral thesis at the University of Winchester in 2018 where he investigated the role of contact sport within school physical education and the issues associated with injury and particularly brain trauma. He is most well-known for his 2016 campaign calling for the removal of tackling in school rugby and has been a strong advocate for protecting children's health and brains. ORCID: