Bugchasers—those who either engage or wish to engage in bugchasing activity —constitute a subculture of barebacking men (those who have sex with men without protection). It is exceedingly uncommon for men to self-identify as bugchasers, but among those who do, their behavior does not consistently match this identification; instead, they often seek ambiguous sexual situations, rather than ones in which their partner is known to be HIV-positive. There are some explanations for the behavior, ranging from sexual excitement at the idea of HIV-positive status, to finding a shared sense of community with other HIV-positive people, to suicidality. Motivation and activity Bugchasers are men who have sex with men that purposely seek out or intend to seek out HIV infection . Since little is understood about bugchasing in general, the motivations for the behavior remain largely undefined. However, there are four common motivating explanations for the practice .
Bugchasers—those who eroticize HIV —constitute a subculture of barebacking men (those who have sex with men without protection). It is exceedingly uncommon for men to self-identify as bugchasers, but among those who do, their behavior does not consistently match this identification; instead, they often seek ambiguous sexual situations, rather than ones in which their partner is known to be HIV-positive. There are some explanations for the behavior, ranging from sexual excitement at the idea of HIV-positive status, to finding a shared sense of community with other HIV-positive people, to suicidality. Motivation and activity Bugchasers are men who have sex with men that eroticize HIV infection, especially through purposely seeking out or intending to seek out the virus . Since little is understood about the practice in general, the motivations for developing bugchasing identity and behavior remain largely undefined. However, there are four common motivating explanations .
R
either engage or wish to engage in bugchasing activity
eroticize HIV
R
purposely seek out or intend
eroticize HIV infection, especially through purposely seeking out or intending
R
HIV infection
the virus
R
bugchasing
the practice
R
the
developing bugchasing identity and
D
for the practice