ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter we have seen how diverse is the sexual experience of the men in the cohort. In particular, we have drawn attention to the fact that anal intercourse plays an important part in the sexual repertoire of many gay men. In the next chapter we describe the ways in which the dangers associated with anal intercourse in the time of HIV are managed by these men, both individually and in negotiation. Given the immense symbolic significance of anal intercourse and its pivotal role in the transmission of HIV, however, we devote this chapter to an examination of the different meanings that men ascribe to anal intercourse. Central to this discussion is the conviction that anal intercourse is not something men must do (and cannot help themselves from doing), but something they actively choose to do in some circumstances and not in others.
