[The Steam Room] - Ep. 2 - First Timers

GaySA Radio Presents: The Steam Room

The Steam Room is broadcast on GaySA Radio every Wednesday from 19:00 to 21:00, and is brought to you by the National Department of Health’s Phila programme.
The Phila programme encourages all South Africans to be inspired to live, and is about keeping fit, knowing about your health and body, eating well and taking action about your health in general.
After an introduction to MSM in Episode 1, Episode 2 of The Steam Room focuses on MSM first-timers.
This week, we spoke to Bruce Little, Content Creator at the Anova Health Institute, to gain insight into the experiences of MSM first-timers.
What does it mean to be an MSM first-timer?
An MSM first-timer is a man who is having sex with another man for the first time.
Little says that a more open-minded society where sexuality is considered to be more fluid has led to more men becoming curious and less inhibited by the norms of society. This has lead to a greater willingness to experiment within the realm of sexuality.
What should first-timers keep in mind before diving into MSM?
Little recommends that first-timers take it easy. When embarking on your first sexual experience with another man, it is important that both parties give their consent and are preferably not too inebriated by alcohol or drugs. Pacing yourself is also important – don’t force yourself to do anything that you’re not enjoying or doesn’t feel right.
“It’s supposed to be a pleasurable and enjoyable intimate experience with another person. Take your time and don’t expect yourself to be this stellar porn star the first time you have a sexual experience with another man,” says Little.
What about the stigma surrounding MSM?
We live in a time where there is still some stigma surrounding MSM, and you do need to be careful about promoting your sexual orientation in certain communities.
Little recommends that you consider your environment. “Make sure that you’re safe and not in a situation where you could come to harm or be the victim of someone else’s ignorance or stupidity”. You can do this by choosing safe spaces and platforms where you will be supported when being open about your sexuality and exploring your sexual fluidity.
Little maintains that shame is not exclusively the domain of people who fall within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, as many cisgendered and heterosexual people are also faced with issues surrounding shame. However, men who have sex with men should keep a rational and analytical perspective ... www.gaysaradio.co.za