ABSTRACT
The thesis of this study is that, in some instances, the risky sexual behaviour of gay men can be viewed as an outward stress reaction due to social oppression and rejection. In this paper we first review studies of current levels of risky sex among gay men. Second, we situate the practice of unsafe sex within the context of social stress theory and then, after delineating this theoretical domain, we summarize the empirical findings that support the thesis. Finally, we test our thesis.
