In a recent article from the Annals of Internal Medicine, nearly one in 10 men who say they're straight have sex only with other men, and 70% of those straight-identified men having sex with men are married. In fact, 10% of all married men in this survey report same-sex behavior during the past year.

During recent discussions among health professionals and local media writers around MSM issues in Australia, the term “Down Low” was raised on several occasions. It is interesting to note that this term is very similar to the definition of ‘MSM”, or men who have sex with men but do not identify as gay. Synonymously, this term also refers to guys who are having sex with other guys while still married or who have female partners.

I started my exploration in BDSM as a virgin to the rituals. I was excited and interested in finding out more about it. I found a Master who could teach me and satisfy this in me – infrequent, one-off meetings. When I was in the presence of my Master it was all-consuming. Being near to him put me into a euphoric, trancelike state without the need for amyl or recreational drugs.

When push comes to shove – when desires make risky behaviour

Married men who have a same-sex attraction have fleeting opportunities to express this attraction. Many men suppress these feelings until they become overwhelmed by their desire for male contact forcing them into circumstances that are impetuous, not allowing them time for well-considered planning. This risky behaviour brings dangers to the privacy and secrecy that married men value, as well as dangers to the health and safety of themselves, their wives and their families.

How many times have you heard people say that there are not enough gay venues in Perth, and that some of our gay venues are becoming too straight? Perth’s gay community, like all communities, always changes and evolves; people come and go, every now and then a new club comes along then closes, new community groups pop up and the Pride Parade shrinks and expands.