Sexual Behavior, App Use, and Venue Comfort During COVID-19: A Global Study of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Little global research exists exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual behavior of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Using data from a global dataset representing GBMSM from 132 countries, this study assessed sexual behavior and comfort attending social and sexual venues (bars, saunas, sex parties) during the pandemic. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey implemented by Hornet, a popular gay social-networking app, from October to November 2020. A total of 15,499 GBMSM were included in this analysis. Nearly two thirds (64.8%) of the sample had met a sexual partner through a dating/hookup app since the COVID-19 crisis began. GBMSM waiting to attend social and sexual venues until public health officials indicated it was safe, there was a vaccine, or their friends started going were less likely to have an app-based sex partner. Additionally, both HIV-positive status and current PrEP use were associated with higher odds of app-based sexual contact. These findings highlight the dynamic relationship between digital platforms and in-person sexual contexts during public health crises. Integrating harm reduction and sex-positive messaging across both digital and offline spaces is critical, especially during crises that limit access to social connection and affirming spaces.