If you’re gay, it is not a good time to be sexually active. Citing three peer reviewed studies, researchers have concluded that it is sexually active gay men, not skin contact, that is largely contributing to the monkeypox virus’ spread. From NBC News:

Since the outset of the global monkeypox outbreak in May, public health and infectious disease experts have told the public that the virus is largely transmitting through skin-to-skin contact, in particular during sex between men. 

Now, however, an expanding cadre of experts has come to believe that sex between men itself — both anal as well as oral intercourse — is likely the main driver of global monkeypox transmission. The skin contact that comes with sex, these experts say, is probably much less of a risk factor.

Medical experts initially attributed the heightened spread of monkeypox to two gay sex orgies in Belgium and Spain three months ago. This latest development is certainly a huge slap in the face to many who claimed otherwise or tried to downplay the link. Thankfully, scientists studying the virus are being direct about this disease and, for now, the media isn’t trying to under-report it.

Likewise, any objections to the sexual activities of gay men should be thoughtful and honest, and not done in an effort to slander. Ultimately, anyone can contract this virus, but (like anyone else) homosexuals need to practice safe sex, and monkeypox is a recent reminder of that fact. Hopefully, because gay and even bisexual men are most at risk for contracting monkeypox, they will take the necessary precautions.

PHOTO CREDIT: Close-up of monkeypox lesions on the arm and leg of a four year old female child. By not listed – http://phil.cdc.gov (CDC’s Public Health Image Library) Media ID #2329, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6314378