Seeking intimacy and integration: Gay men in the era of aids

Abstract

This article explores some of the complex psychosocial concerns for gay men in their attempts at coming out and integrating healthy gay identity in the era of AIDS. Through the use of selected vignettes, the author explores individual developmental concerns regarding self‐disclosure and coming out, relationship and family dilemmas associated with gayness and AIDS, the implications of actual or perceived loss of partners to AIDS, and the impact of racial and cultural barriers to intervention with gay or bisexual men of color who are affected by AIDS. Implications for practice and maintaining a gay affirmative stance are addressed.

Notes

Bruce A. Paradis, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor at the Salem State College School of Social Work and has also taught in both the Smith and Simmons graduate social work programs. He is in private practice in Lynn, Massachusetts.