This qualitative study explores the religious development and spiritual formation of African American gay men living with AIDS. In response to an in-depth interviewing approach, 10 men described their experiences of church participation. The participants' data reveal their religious initiation and participation as well as their need to extinguish…

Gay men and lesbians often encounter barriers when they pursue adoption. Adoption workers are expected to make decisions regarding child placement using the best interest standard. However, this decision-making model does not adequately consider intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational factors that affect the use of the standard. This…

Social science research as well as a rise in sexually transmitted diseases and new HIV infections among men who have sex with men point to increasing numbers of gay men engaging in unprotected anal intercourse without condoms, a practice called "barebacking." There is some evidence that barebacking is linked to the rise of crystal methamphetamine…

Assessed the psychosocial impact of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic on the lives of homosexual men (N=301) who had not been diagnosed with AIDS or AIDS Related Complex (ARC). Found subjects reported increasing frequency of no-risk sexual activities and decreased frequency of possible risk and high-risk activities. (ABL)

Explores sexual needs and expression of gay men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Explores several potential positive functions of sustained sex life for these men and factors that inhibit sexual expression. Discusses issues influencing social work practice related to sexual needs of this growing population. Presents suggestions…

Explores complex cultural, economic, and social factors obstructing the reduction of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) rate among black men who use intravenous drugs and black men who are gay. Discusses implications and recommendations for developing effective AIDS prevention efforts by highlighting race-specific resources and…

Examines the development of a group design addressing the psychosocial needs of HIV-negative gay men. A 12-week, time-limited group focused on the effects of the AIDS epidemic on HIV-negative gay men's psychosocial functioning, including its potential exacerbation of common developmental issues such as exclusion, loss, survivor guilt, and lack of…

Presents a definitional model to explain homosexuality and discusses its implications for practice. Contends that social workers must discard the traditional binary model of hetersexual versus homesexual for one incorporating relevant psychosocial factors including life experiences, social reaction, and association with others. (Author/JAC)

Surveyed 56 gay and bisexual men tested for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus. Subjects who tested positive experienced increased anxiety, depression and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome anxiety; subjects who tested negative experienced decrease in these feelings after learning results. Subjects who chose not to learn results experienced…

Data from 38 gay men showed that decisions concerning disclosure and secrecy were related to variety of situational and relational factors that were largely distinct from gay identity development. Argues that new models of identity formation fail to recognize adequately social factors that shape how gay men manage information concerning their…

Gives a history of attitudes toward homosexuality and discusses the consequences of homophobia, an irrational fear of homosexuality. Stresses that social workers must understand that feelings and fantasies about same-sex behavior are natural before they can help clients cope with the social problems engendered by homophobia. (Author/JAC)