Discursive Condoms in the Age of AIDS

Abstract

This article applies queer theory in a critical approach to AIDS. While extant psychosocial literature on HIV/AIDS focuses almost exclusively on the biomedical epidemic of disease, AIDS discourse is also a crucial arena for investigation. The concepts of minoritizing, universalizing, and heteronormativity that inform a queer theoretical perspective will first be explicated in application to sexual orientation. These concepts will then be deployed in elucidating a series of intersections and confounds among sexuality, identity, and HIV/AIDS, that result in tremendous problems for prevention. Ostensible prevention messages will be shown at times, paradoxically, to encourage HIV promotion. Critical analysis and investigation of AIDS and HIV prevention discourse are advocated as a proactive strategy for helping HIV-negative gay men and gay male youth to remain HIV-negative.