Reflecting on Practice: Current challenges in gay and other homosexually active men’s HIV education

Abstract

Educators of gay and other homosexually active men have worked hard for some time to remain relevant to their constituents. A perception exists within AIDS Councils and within the AIDS sector more generally that sections of gay community have disengaged from HIV-related issues. Hence, the question of educators’ relevance is a burning one. Related to this is a strong and accurate belief among educators that gay and other homosexually active men are highly informed about HIV transmission and prevention and know that using condoms during anal intercourse prevents HIV transmission. This recognition has had a major impact on HIV educators’ perception of their role in the epidemic. For educators to reengage gay men with HIV there is a perception that HIV be repositioned within a broader health agenda.