HIV disease has permanently altered the landscape of the American gay and lesbian community. HIV Disease: Lesbians, Gays, and the Social Services enhances readers'understanding of the pivotal roles being played by gays and lesbians in responding to the increasing incidence and prevalence of HIV infection and AIDS. The book offers a timely summary of what has happened within the gay and lesbian community in response to HIV/AIDS. It identifies challenges for the future and offers direction for those who care for people affected by HIV disease today. HIV Disease: Lesbians, Gays, and the Social Services highlights the inherent strengths and tensions in the gay and lesbian community, creating a mosaic of issues to be considered as the response to HIV/AIDS matures. The book represents the diversity of the gay and lesbian community and analyzes the myriad responses of lesbians and gay men to the personal and social impact of HIV disease. Knowledgeable contributing authors convey their unique perspectives on lesbians and gays as organizers, caregivers, and researchers, drawing freely upon their rich and varied experience and presenting it in a personal way. Recurring themes include the struggle of gays and lesbians for help and recognition of HIV as a major health crisis early in the epidemic and the continuing impact of homophobia and heterosexism on services to individuals affected by HIV and AIDS. Specific topics addressed by the authors include social services and bereavement in the lesbian and gay community, the ecological context of HIV/AIDS counseling, the relationship of lesbian women to HIV disease and the AIDS movement, the HIV-related experiences of African American gay males as cultural phenomena, a culturally sensitive AIDS prevention curriculum for gay and bisexual Latino men, identification of critical issues in the development and future operations of AIDS service organizations, a model of telephone group counseling for reducing AIDS risk in gay and bisexual males, and barriers and issues that exist in providing services to high-risk youth HIV Disease: Lesbians, Gays, and the Social Services serves as both a reference for practitioners and a text for teachers and advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in lesbian and gay perspectives on HIV disease. The book is an ideal resource for readers who have factual knowledge about HIV/AIDS but know little about interventions and organizations. Among those who will find this book helpful are social workers, counselors, physicians, nurses, clergy, and members of AIDS service organizations and gay/lesbian advocacy groups.