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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think MSM means MainStream Media?

10 replies

Dinosauria · 27/05/2022 17:34

And not Men (who have) Sex with Men?

www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/25/monkeypox-may-have-been-circulating-in-uk-for-years-scientists-say

Can we no longer say gay and bisexual men

OP posts:
TheSnowyOwl · 27/05/2022 17:36

Isn’t it both, which is why context is so important?

Thatswhyimacat · 27/05/2022 17:38

I did a degree which included epidemiology modules and MSM was a common term, meaning men who have sex with men. It's a scientifically precise term.

Dinosauria · 27/05/2022 17:41

Maybe, I did Google it first as had never heard of it used like that. I know language changes but I don't understand the desire for obfuscation when dealing with sexuality.

OP posts:
Dinosauria · 27/05/2022 17:43

Interesting cat I guess this covers all variations as some men who have sex with men may not consider themselves as bi/gay

OP posts:
teezletangler · 27/05/2022 17:43

It means both, in different context!

MSM in terms of sex is an accurate term, and has been around for years. "Gay" is a socially contructed label. Some men may not apply it to themselves, and some may be bisexual.

Thatswhyimacat · 27/05/2022 17:44

It's because it relates to disease transmission specifically via sex. Not all gay men have sex, and not all men who have sex with men are lgbt. Many male prostitutes for example are heterosexual but accept male clients. It also tries to avoid stigmatisation of the gay community.

persephone19 · 27/05/2022 18:20

It's a descriptive and helpful term in sexual health circles as it describes the behaviour not how the man identifies. And it's the behaviour that is linked to risk of STIs.

Sparro · 28/05/2022 12:00

The thing about acronyms is that they can have more than one meaning.

araiwa · 28/05/2022 12:34

For god's sake be careful if you search for BBC. It also means something else too..

But BBC and MSM aren't acronyms.

MajesticElephant · 28/05/2022 12:37

I remember the term men who have sex with men being on blood donation forms for decades, can’t get in a froth over it.

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