Why Gay Men Have a High Risk of HIV
HIV rates in gay men are higher than in all other groups. Learn about the biological, sexual, social, and psychological causes of this disparity. Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV continues to be a global health crisis, with millions of people living with the virus worldwide. While HIV affects individuals across all demographics, certain populations are disproportionately impacted, one of the most notable being men who have sex with men MSM. HIV and men who have sex with men
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. 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. 
Fast Facts
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. 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.
HRC
HIV and men who have sex with men Since reports of emergence and spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States between the s and s, [1] the HIV/AIDS epidemic has frequently been linked to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) by epidemiologists and medical professionals. [1]. Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
HIV and Gay and Bisexual Men
Learn about HIV among gay and bisexual men, including information on additional risks, prevention, and treatment. 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. Why LGBTQ+ People Remain At Heightened Risk of Contracting HIV
Understanding HIV and Its Transmission Before exploring why HIV is more prevalent among gay men, it’s important to have a basic understanding of HIV itself. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are essential for the body’s defense against infections. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS. . Why is HIV More Prevalent Among Gay Men?
More than thirty years into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and at a time when infections among gay and bisexual men are on the rise in the U.S., a new national survey of gay and bisexual men by the Kaiser. . 
Why Is the Risk of Contracting HIV Higher in Gay Men?
When taken as prescribed, PrEP is safe and highly effective at preventing people from becoming HIV-positive. The nation also saw tremendous progress in the fight against HIV under former President Barack Obama, whose National HIV & AIDS Strategy explicitly called attention to gay and bisexual men and transgender women for the first time. .