CDC Finds High Homosexual HIV Rate

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CDC Finds High Homosexual HIV Rate

Special Report - August 30, 2007
Men who participate in homosexual acts with other men accounted for 71 percent of all HIV infections among males in the United States in 2005, according to a recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC study took data from 33 states with “long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting” in order to determine what percentage of each population segment contracted HIV. According to the results, nearly three-fourths of all male HIV cases occurred among men who have sex with men. This number is significant considering that less than three percent of the male population identify themselves as homosexual or bisexual, according to a legal brief filed in the Lawrence v. Texas case by a group of leading pro-homosexual organizations. Nearly 232,000 homosexual males were living with HIV/AIDS in 2005, the study found.

The report concluded that rates of HIV infection among homosexual males have increased in recent years. The number of diagnosed cases of HIV fell during the 1980s and 1990s but rose 11 percent between 2001 and 2005, although the study questioned whether these increases were due to additional cases or simply more testing. Among other potential reasons for the increase, the study pointed to the Internet, which has opened up opportunities for homosexual males to meet partners who might be willing to engage in risky sexual behaviors.