Identity and Sexuality AIDS in Britain in the 1990s

This work draws on social science literature to make an argument for the ways in which AIDS has constituted a significant moment in the expression of contemporary identities, particularly those of gay men. The book explores in detail the identity-forming processes of a range of people whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS, from idividual experience of illness to the social, community and political dynamics of the epidemic. The work also compares HIV and other illnesses reflecting the commonalities and differences people with HIV or AIDS face compared to those with other chronic illnesses. The author discusses how the impact of illness itself is affected by identity and social networks. He goes on to demonstrate why themes common to other illnesses are more likely to be expressed in identity terms by those affected by HIV or AIDS.