Abstract #227  -  Structural change in gay communities: results from the 2007 Aids Impact Meeting
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr. B. R. Simon Rosser - University of Minnesota
Additional Authors:  Dr William West, Dr Richard M. Weinmeyer,
Aim: This study sought to identify how urban gay communities are undergoing structural change, reasons for that change, and implications for HIV prevention planning.
Method / Issue: Key informants (N=29) at the 2007 AIDS Impact Conference from 17 cities in 14 countries completed surveys and participated in a facilitated structured dialog about how gay communities are changing.
Results / Comments: In all cities, the virtual gay community was identified as now larger than the offline physical community. Most cities identified that while the gay population in their cities appeared stable or growing, the gay community appeared in decline. Measures included greater integration of heterosexuals into historically gay-identified neighborhoods and movement of gay persons into suburbs, decreased number of gay bars and clubs, less attendance at gay events, less volunteerism in gay or AIDS organizations and overall identification and visibility as a gay community. Participants attributed structural change to multiple factors including gay neighborhood gentrification, achievement of civil rights, less discrimination, a vibrant virtual community and changes in drug use.
Discussion: Consistent with social assimilation theories, gay infrastructure and gay community identification appears to be decreasing across cities. HIV prevention planning, interventions, treatment services, and policies need to be re-conceptualized for MSM in post-gay communities. Four recommendations for future HIV prevention and research are detailed.
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