ABSTRACT
The large number of survivors of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths has shown that standard beliefs about grief and mourning need to be questioned. The gay community has found solutions for some of the problems even though many problems have, as yet, no solutions. A gay survivor may find himself socially stigmatized. Individuals outside the gay community may stereotype him as gay, as an IV drug user, or as a sexually promiscuous person. Many of the men planned their own funeral services down to the last detail and made these plans legal to avoid any confusion after they died. When legal documents specify funeral arrangements, the deceased's wishes can be carried out. For a period of time, many hospitals had separate wards for AIDS patients, most of who were gay men. Doctors specializing in this disease are often gay and the nursing staff frequently volunteers to be on this service.
