One way that we have attempted to involve HIV-positive men is to invite them to participate in at least one meeting each year. For example, one meeting involved three positive-negative couples discussing their relationships. Another meeting presented a panel of speakers who had seroconverted. Another obstacle we faced is that the drop-in nature of the group causes the discussions to lack continuity. Newcomers often have to unburden themselves of pressing issues that have already been handled by others who have been attending meetings regularly.
Ongoing participants dislike having to explain their positions over and over.
Recently, an additional response to the lack of continuity inherent in our drop-in group has been devised. It consists of three two-hour sessions spread over three weeks. Based in structure on similar groups already in place for people who have found out they are HIV-positive, this new group is more directed and less freewheeling than the ongoing monthly support group. Another obstacle we are just beginning to face is the complexity of the role of group facilitator. In the time-limited group, the facilitators are professionals, and their approach is more psychologically informed.