ABSTRACT
The issues involved in sexuality are important in defining the individual, and the relationships with others. But the sexual practices of the individual occur within a culture context that supports and defines the practices. Many cultures would view sexual practices as an inherent and important part of any definition of the identity of the person. This chapter considers the issues of sexuality and culture as those considerations play a role in the understanding of HIV education and prevention efforts. The development of a script for sexual interaction reflects not only personal desires and values but must take place within a cultural setting (Metts & Spitzberg, 1996; Whittier & Simon, 2001). The appropriateness of various behaviors and the understood or believed suitability of various actions must be contained within a cultural framework that permits persons to understand and manage human interaction. This chapter provides a consideration of alternative ethnic groups and the importance that culture, as measured by ethnic origins, plays in dealing with HIV education and prevention.
