ABSTRACT
Due to massive prevention efforts, often on the impetus of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities, rates of new seroconversions for HIV are declining among adult gay men. We have not fared so well, however, regarding LGB youths, for whom rates of new seroconversions continue to rise. This chapter will address the critical importance of LGB-affirmative HIV/AIDS education and prevention targeting LGB youths, along with issues and risk factors particular to coming out in an often hostile or denigrating larger social environment. Programmatic suggestions for effective prevention will be offered. A central theme of this chapter is that effective HIV prevention for LGB youths must be conceptualized and implemented as part of a comprehensive and affirmative programmatic response to the distinct needs of this population. The major issues to be addressed are as follows:
Most young people are having sex and are at risk for HIV.
LGB youths are at greater risk for HIV/AIDS than heterosexual youths, in part due to additional psychosocial risk factors.
Ethnic minority LGB youths are at a particularly high risk for HIV.
Developmental issues and coming out are integral to HIV risk and prevention.
HIV prevention must be part of a broader, LGB-affirmative programmatic response to the social, cognitive, and emotional needs of LGB youths.
Components of effective HIV prevention for LGB youths are presented.
