Despite a continuing increase in the rate of HIV infection among gay men of color, says Lopez, there continues to be a lack of programs targeted to this group. The mainstream HIV education field needs to understand that interventions used for the white community cannot be used for our communities' needs. We deal with our sexuality in many different ways. Services need to be made available in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. Interpersonal issues, such as the desire for companionship and wanting to fit in, can induce young gay men to take sexual risks.
Sex has more than just physical meaning.
It's a way to make friends, increase self-esteem, find companionship. Other factors also may contribute to risky behavior. A lot of guys are all too willing to put HIV out of their heads. The sense of alienation that can often lead to risk-taking behavior is exacerbated by the rampant homophobia often found in schools. They are being harassed physically, verbally, and emotionally by students, teachers, administrators, and security guards.