MASCULINE PROSTITUTION AND STD/AIDS VULNERABILITY

This exploratory, descriptive study was carried out to identify the reasons that lead young men to enter the market of male prostitution, the representations they elaborate regarding sexual practices they adopt, and their perceptions of their own vulnerability to STD/AIDS. Data was collected through individual thematic semi-structured interviews involving 24 Brazilian male adolescents and young adults. The empirical data was then submitted to thematic analysis and examined according to the theoretical references of the area. Participants reported to having been involved in this activity for a short time and pointed out economic advantages as their main motivation for such involvement. All alleged the use of condoms in sexual practices which involved penetration, but they did not take similar precautions with oral sex. Their concern in playing the active role in sexual intercourse was associated with an attempt to match the stereotype of masculinity which emphasizes power/force/control, making the perception of their own vulnerability more difficult to see. The social invisibility which characterizes commercial sex makes these young people more vulnerable to STD/AIDS infection.