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Gay men infected with HIV but not developing AIDS showed differing attitudes about their situation. In the first round of interviews 10 years after infection, the men were essentially concerned with changes in their lives since infection; 6 years later, focus was on uncertainty and uniqueness.

This paper examines the context and meaning of the HIV epidemic as it has impacted the gay community. It begins with a review of the relevant epidemiological data and presents some background on the history and social context of the gay community. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the primary anthropological issues, as well as my own personal experience in working with the HIV epidemic within the gay community.

Examined help-seeking and psychological distress among four groups of gay men (30 AIDS-diagnosed, 107 HIV-seropositive, 149 HIV-seronegative, 244 untested) in the AIDS Behavioral Research Project, a longitudinal survey of San Francisco gay men. The men reported high levels of anxiety, depression, and help-seeking from their social networks. AIDS-diagnosed and HIV-positives reported the most AIDS worry and were the most likely to seek help. High percentages of AIDS-diagnosed men sought help from all sources (peers, professionals, family), whereas nondiagnosed men were more likely to seek help from peers. Regardless of the men's HIV status, peers were perceived to be the most helpful source. Family members were less likely sought and perceived as least helpful. The strengths and limitations of peers as social support providers for AIDS-related concerns are discussed, including implications for the design of community programs to enhance the abilities of peer helpers.