HIV and men who have sex with men
HIV rates in gay men are higher than in all other groups. Learn about the biological, sexual, social, and psychological causes of this disparity. Read responses to myths that 'HIV is a gay disease' or a 'death sentence,' and find other important information about getting tested. Anyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other factors—can acquire HIV.
Fast Facts
Learn why gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men are more likely than average to contract HIV. Find strategies for reducing the risk. Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
Why Are Gay Men At Higher Risk for Getting HIV?
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are a small percentage of the U.S. population, but are consistently the population group most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, and are the largest proportion of American citizens with an AIDS diagnosis who have died. [11]. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Gay, bisexual, and other men who reported male-to-male sexual contact are disproportionately affected by HIV. Why Is the Risk of Contracting HIV Higher in Gay Men?
In Britain, for example, there are now more straight men that are HIV positive than gay men. Source So, the change in statistics, as a result of increased sexual education for gay men, along with a greater public understanding of the virus, means that perception of HIV as a 'gay problem' is now changing. HIV is both preventable and treatable, but stigma and discrimination allow the virus to continue to thrive. Gay men are 28 times more likely to contract HIV than heterosexual men and transgender women are 14 times more likely to contract HIV than other adult women. HIV doesn’t just affect men – and it’s not a thing of the past.
Gay, bisexual, and other men who reported male-to-male sexual contact are disproportionately affected by HIV. Social and structural issues—such as HIV stigma, homophobia, discrimination, poverty, and limited access to high-quality health care—influence health outcomes and continue to drive inequities. Addressing these barriers and encouraging safe and supportive communities can help. From the earliest days of the HIV epidemic, gay and bisexual men have been among the hardest-hit groups in the United States. While gay men make up just 2 percent of the U. 
HRC
Learn about HIV among gay and bisexual men, including information on additional risks, prevention, and treatment. .
Why LGBTQ+ People Remain At Heightened Risk of Contracting
Read responses to myths that 'HIV is a gay disease' or a 'death sentence,' and find other important information about getting tested. . HIV/AIDS In The Lives Of Gay And Bisexual Men In The United
While the fight against HIV has advanced, and testing and treatment is more widely available, human rights barriers remain a major impediment to ending AIDS. Sbo and the Mosaic Lesbian and Gay Center are just one example of how the Global Fund invests in community leaders to overcome obstacles that prevent the LGBTQ+ community from accessing. .