Why Is the Risk of Contracting HIV Higher in Gay 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. 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. 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. Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. HIV Is a Story First Written on the Bodies of Gay and
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. It has now been 35 years since HIV was first discovered. In that time, it has killed more than 35 million people and infected another 78 million. Fast Facts
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]. 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 HIV More Prevalent Among Gay Men?
HIV activism has been integral to politicizing gay and bisexual men because the homophobia and HIV-related stigma they have experience at individual, community, and institutional levels are interlocked. 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 in the Gay Community
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 LGBTQ+ People Remain At Heightened Risk of Contracting HIV
For gay and bisexual youth who are just beginning to explore their sexuality, homophobia and other forms of anti-LGBTQ+ bias help explain why so many young people in our community are unaware of their HIV status. .
Why Are Gay Men At Higher Risk for Getting HIV?
The LGBTQ+ community remains at heightened risk of contracting HIV because of this discrimination. 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. .