Gay Men and Men Who Have Sex with Men: Intersectionality and Syndemics

Abstract

This chapter reviews literature regarding health disparities affecting gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM). Specific attention is granted to HIV/AIDS as a contributor to a series of potential syndemics—intertwining and compounding disease and social states. This review reflects on potential syndemics from an intersectional perspective. I argue there may be a number of syndemics at work among gay men and MSM due to variations between the social and health context of gay men and MSM. An intersectional lens also problematizes a dominant narrative referencing gay men and MSM as a “risk group,” suggesting, or at least leaving the impression they are a monolithic and cohesive population. Much of the literature informing gay men and MSM’s disproportionate relationship with HIV/AIDS considers distinct factors that contribute to risk and disease progression. What this literature highlights is the enhanced state of risk and/or progression among particular networks of gay men/MSM, e.g. drug users, not all gay men/MSM. Gay men and MSM live different oppressions, privileges, and resiliencies that produce various contexts, thus outcomes. To address health disparities, we must consider these intersecting social and personal positions as causal and mediating influences. The paths underlying synergistically interacting conditions that produce excessive burdens of disease involve distal and proximal factors that interact based on social position, and these factors can and do come and go over the life course. Ultimately we must understand risk as intersectional to better grasp how (and why) various conditions are impacting networks of gay men/MSM.