The Impact of the HIV Epidemic on U.S. Gay Male Communities

This chapter talks about research findings and observations of methods in which the HIV epidemic has infected gay and bisexual individuals and communities, and public representations of homosexuality. The effect of AIDS is reflected through gay communities at the individual level, social level, community level, and societal level. At the individual level, there are variations in the attitudes, behaviors, and well-being of bisexual and gay men. At the social level, variations are found in social networks, interpersonal relations, and social norms. Meanwhile, the structure of gay communities, institutions, and their bearings are influenced at the community level while the relationship of the community with the larger society is particularly affected at the societal level. Many of the studies conducted are done with white male participants mainly residing in large American urban cities.