Fridae

A recent study of black females, between the ages of 14 and 18, examined the impact of X-rated movies on safer sex practices -- or lack there of.

Researchers, led by Dr Gina M. Wingood of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, interviewed 522 black females between 14 and 18 years old, recruited from youth health clinics, health departments and school health clinics.

The young women who said they had seen X-rated movies -- 29.7 percent of participants -- were more likely to have unsafe sex and multiple partners. Most alarming is the fact that the girls exposed to X-rated films were 70 percent more likely to be infected with chlamydia, researchers told Reuters Health.

What can be inferred from this research for gays and lesbians is difficult to say without similar research that includes -- or is exclusive to -- those in the LGBT communities. Yet barebacking in gay porn has become more popular in certain circles, which has spurred some debate.

"Barebacking may seem hot," former porn star Will Clark, told GayHealth.com in January. "But it's socially irresponsible for us to produce these videos as an industry. And it's poor business practice to provide entertainment that endangers models and encourages behavior that could increase infection for a virus that has no cure."