Social Correlates of Social Capital Access Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Japan

ABSTRACT Significant health disparities exist between gay and bisexual men (GBM) and the general population in Japan and internationally. Social capital is recognized as a key factor for positive health and well‐being outcomes, including HIV prevention behaviors, among GBM. However, limited research examines how the sexual orientation of alters (i.e., possessors of resources within social capital networks) impacts access to these resources. In this study, a cross‐sectional online survey of 1564 gay and bisexual men in Tokyo was conducted to investigate how social capital access varies by GBM and heterosexual alters, independent of socioeconomic factors. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that access to heterosexual social capital was positively correlated with younger age, higher education, full‐time employment, good self‐rated health, and bisexual behavior. In contrast, gay social capital access was positively associated with being out to close friends, identifying as gay, and attending gay venues, and negatively associated with student status, living outside central Tokyo, bisexual behavior, and using gay mobile apps predominantly for sex. These findings highlight differences in the distribution and determinants of gay versus heterosexual social capital among GBM in Greater Tokyo. To close health disparities for Tokyo GBM, policy interventions should consider groups deprived of gay social capital, such as those who avoid gay venues, live outside central Tokyo, or engage in bisexual behaviors, as these individuals may benefit most from targeted support.