men who have sex with men | Campus Safe Words

TERM: men who have sex with men
RISK LEVEL: high

Definition

“Men who have sex with men” (MSM) is a public health term used to describe behavior rather than identity, typically in the context of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, epidemiological research, and health education. In higher education, it appears most often in medical services, sexual health programming, and public health research initiatives.

Why It’s Risky

Although medically precise, “men who have sex with men” can be politically sensitive in environments where discussions of sexuality are heavily regulated, such as under Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and Tennessee’s Protecting Children from Gender Ideology Act. Critics argue that its inclusion in official documents or campus programming signals institutional engagement with controversial topics around sexual behavior and identity, potentially clashing with laws emphasizing parental rights, viewpoint neutrality, or limits on discussions of sexuality in public education. When used outside of narrowly defined health contexts, the term can invite legislative scrutiny, donor concerns, or reputational risks in politically conservative regions.

Common Critiques

Critics claim that referencing “men who have sex with men” in general institutional documents promotes discussions of sexual behavior that are inappropriate for publicly funded educational settings, particularly when targeting youth or general student populations. Some conservative policymakers argue that such references prioritize sexual identity politics over academic priorities and parental rights. Even though the term is medically neutral, its presence in health or wellness materials without strong scientific framing may be perceived as ideological or activist-driven. Institutions have faced criticism for appearing to endorse or normalize discussions of private sexual behavior without clear educational or medical justification. Use of this term without narrowly tying it to public health objectives may trigger audits, legislative review, or community backlash, especially in politically sensitive environments.

Suggested Substitutes

High-risk sexual behaviors (in health education materials);
Behavioral factors influencing health outcomes (in research descriptions);
Public health strategies for at-risk populations (in program proposals);
Evidence-based sexual health education (in medical services);
Support for confidential, inclusive health services (in campus wellness initiatives)

These alternatives maintain scientific and health-focused precision while minimizing political exposure.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Men who have sex with men” may be appropriate in peer-reviewed academic research, federally mandated health reporting, or clinical care settings where the terminology is defined, medically necessary, and used in evidence-based frameworks. It should be used with care and only in narrowly tailored health or research contexts.

NOTES: Limit use of “men who have sex with men” to health-related or research-specific communications where medically required. Avoid using the term in general campus life programming or public communications unless tied directly to evidence-based public health initiatives.