Sofia Pavanello Decaro

In recent decades, the population of men who have sex with other men (MSM) has been the subject of increasing attention from international research in the field of public and sexual health (Meiksin...

Chemsex, the use of psychoactive substances during sexual activity, is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and is associated with various health risks. Despite increasing global attention, research on chemsex in Italy remains scarce. This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence and characteristics of chemsex among Italian MSM, its associations with psycho-sexual health, and it sought to identify psychological, social, and health-related factors linked to the perception of chemsex as problematic. A total of 841 participants (mean age = 35.1, SD = 9.6) completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing chemsex practices, mental health, sexual health, and minority stress. Chemsex prevalence was found to be 18.2%, with an additional 10% expressing interest in the practice. The most used substances were inhalants (83.7%) and cocaine (45.8%). Chemsex participants had higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (χ²(1) = 27.78, p < 0.001) but also reported greater use of preventive measures, such as PrEP (χ²(1) = 95.2, p < 0.001). No significant differences in anxiety, substance use severity, or intraminority stress were found between chemsex and non-chemsex users. Chemsex participants displayed higher levels of sexual dysfunction (t(696) = 3.37, p < 0.001), particularly in receptive and insertive anal sex and erectile function, but no differences in sexual satisfaction were observed. These findings challenge the applicability of the “identity process theory” (IPT) to the Italian MSM context, suggesting that chemsex motivations may extend beyond marginalization within the community. Participants perceiving their chemsex practice as problematic reported more negative consequences from this sexual practice (χ²(1) = 14.41, p < 0.001) and lower satisfaction with sexual life (t(69) = 2.03, p = 0.046). This subgroup also sought professional help for substance use more frequently, highlighting the need for integrated mental health and substance use interventions (χ²(2) = 6.4, p = 0.041). These findings emphasize the importance of public policies and harm reduction programs to promote the well-being of MSM engaged in chemsex, with a focus on community-based interventions and peer support.

This study aimed to explore the experiences, needs, and interests of queer people who are also neurodivergent, or live with a chronic illness or disability (i.e. IMMI: individuals with multi-minority identities) in Italy and the Netherlands. Five focus groups were conducted in Italy with 22 queer IMMI to identify their most relevant topics regarding and experiences with sex education. Building on the discussion topics of the focus groups, a survey in Italian and English was distributed via snowball sampling. The survey was created to explore the experiences related to sex education in the two countries. The final sample of respondents included 138 (97 Italian, 41 Dutch) queer IMMI. Results indicated that sex education received in both formal (e.g. school) and informal (e.g. family) contexts failed to include information that was sensitive and supportive of queer community's experiences. Participants reported the need to explore more topics addressing the specific needs of different identity intersections. Cross-cultural differences related to the experiences of Italian and Dutch participants were found. Overall, current sex education in Italy and the Netherlands is far from meeting the sexual health needs of queer people living with different intersections. Practical implications are discussed.

Introduction: The present study explores the influence of role models on the development of masculinity among emerging adults, specifically focusing on how Italian transgender and cisgender young men draw inspiration from role models to shape their own identities. Methods: We conducted six focus groups with 16 trans masculine and 15 cisgender emerging adults. We transcribed and analyzed the discussions using a specific qualitative analysis framework for focus groups. Results: Both groups identified family members and individuals from the entertainment industry as sources of inspiration for masculinity. Cisgender participants mentioned more role models from the sport industry, whereas trans participants mentioned more social media influencers. Cisgender participants also identified role models embodying traditional masculinity traits, whereas both groups created “anti-models” representing characteristics they rejected in their ideals of masculinity. Conclusions: The study reveals differences in the sources of inspiration and the construction of masculine identities between the two groups. We suggest integrating Todd et al.’s (2022) model for the evolution of transgender masculine identities, taking into account the subtle distinctions rooted in gender socialization and identity. Policy Implications: This work has relevant implications for policy makers, especially in the field of education and social sciences. Educational training targeted at emerging adults should promote a healthy approach to masculinity and should be built in awareness of what are the current models and anti-models.

Masculinities are defined as the repository of cultural and personal meanings attributed to men and boys. According to literature, masculinity ideals have an impact on how men behave. The present study aims at investigating how emerging adults interpret the concept of masculinity and embody and enact it. We were interested in understanding whether trans masculine and cisgender emerging adults conceptualized masculinity differently or similarly and whether they adopted different or similar strategies to act it out. To this aim, we conducted 6 focus groups with trans masculine (N = 16) and cisgender (N = 15) young adults. During the focus groups, participants discussed their concept of masculinity and how they embody and perform masculinity. Results showed that both groups identified social and bodily aspects in their conceptualization of masculinity. Although to varying extents, emerging adults were able to identify the limits of traditional models of masculinity. In both groups, markers for being recognized and affirming masculinity were found at both the bodily and social levels. Some peculiarities of the trans experience involve recognition of the privilege associated with masculinity, medicalized transition in order to achieve certain masculine markers, and a shift in perspective following social recognition of masculine identity.

Background: Sexuality research on the sexual practices of women who have sex with women (WSW) has thus far mostly centered on risk factors and addressed a limited number of practices, with a focus on oral sex and insertive vaginal sex. Aim: This study arises from the need to fill such a significant gap, which prevents researchers, clinicians, and policy makers from being adequately up-to-date on the sexual habits and tendencies of this population. Methods: A multiple-choice questionnaire was completed by 723 WSW with a mean (SD) age of 29.14 (6.94) years. Outcomes: The survey included closed questions on sexual practices, including genital and oral sex, but also nongenital sexual contact (petting and intercrural sex), anal sex, and kinky practices. Results: The most common sexual practices were self-masturbation (99.03%), oral sex (performed or received, 98.20%), and insertive genital sex (performed or received, 89.07%). Half of our sample had tried kinky practices at least once in a lifetime (51.31%). Respondents tended to experiment sexually more with stable partners rather than with casual ones. Comparisons among practices in the lesbian and bisexual population are presented. Clinical Implications: Providers should be aware that sexual orientations have their own specificities, including sexuality and practices, which should increase their knowledge and comfort in working with sexual minorities. Strengths and Limitations: The novel topic of the study addresses the gap in sexuality research among WSW. Strengths include the sex-positive approach, the inclusion of an array of sexual practices, and the consideration of the specificities of the group. Limitations in the generalization of the results are the cross-sectional design and the explicit topic, which may have kept some persons from responding. Conclusion: We propose the framing of sex as going beyond genital contact, and we invite clinicians and researchers who come into contact with WSW to be aware that sexual orientation can be associated with specificities regarding sexuality and sexual practices.

This study investigates the relationship between sexual quality of life (SQoL) and internalized homonegativity among Italian lesbian and bisexual cisgender women, drawing on the minority stress model. The aim of this study is to compare levels of internalized homonegativity and SQoL between the two groups, exploring the association between these variables. We used a quantitative methodology based on a questionnaire. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from 686 women, including 217 lesbians and 469 bisexuals, using the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale and the Female-Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and linear regression, were performed to assess group differences and predictors of SQoL. The findings support the hypothesis that bisexual women may experience higher levels of internalized homonegativity. Additionally, the study reveals disparities in SQoL, with lesbian women reporting better outcomes. The linear regression model confirmed a significant negative association between internalized homonegativity and SQoL. The results highlight the need for further research on factors influencing sexual well-being in sexual minority women, and the need to give thorough attention to specific sexual identities in clinical and research practice.