Grief, AIDS, and the Gay Community

Daily Life for Eight Urban Gay Men With HIV/AIDS

“…All people, practitioners included, have unique experiences or views in relation to personal identity, independence, and meaningful activities and relationships in their daily lives. The impact that these experiences and views may have on the nature and effectiveness of therapeutic relationships that develop in practice must also be considered (All & Fried, 1994;Bailey, 1996;Crepeau, 1998;Jackson, 1995;Walsh & Crepeau, 1998;Weitz, 1991;Wolfe, 1992).…”

“…This pattern of secrecy, due to fear of rejection, unresolved feelings of guilt or shame, or estranged relationships, can continue throughout their adult lives. As a result, friends, frequently other men who are gay, become primary caregivers during periods of illness (Hayes, Chauncey, & Tobey, 1990;Wolfe, 1992;Zich & Temoshek, 1987). In addition, many men who are gay have suffered multiple losses of friends or lovers dying from AIDS-related illnesses.…”

“…In addition, many men who are gay have suffered multiple losses of friends or lovers dying from AIDS-related illnesses. These losses and the accompanying grief have an ongoing impact on the structure and nature of the support networks that have emerged among men who are gay and who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS (Cody, 1995;O'Brien, 1992;Wolfe, 1992).…”