Counseling Issues and Approaches Working with Families of African-American Gay Male Members with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection continues to increase in large metropolitan areas and rural regions in the southeastern United States. African-Americans are 3.5 times more likely to contract AIDS than European-Americans and comprise about 25% of all AIDS cases in the United States. African-American males account for 32% of all AIDS cases and 47% of all new HIV infections. Despite a plethora of research over the 20 years addressing risk reduction, sexual behavior change, prevention and the medical aspects of this disease, scarce attention has been paid to the psychosocial impact of HIV/AIDS on African-American gay men and their family members. A number of psychosocial issues are explored as they relate to HIV-infected gay African-American men and their family members. Briefly discussed will be the social implications of being Black and gay as well as pertinent medical aspects of the syndrome. Two counseling approaches useful to working with this population are NTU and the Africentric model of Nguzo Saba.