Negotiating sexual relationships after testing HIV-positive

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 60 people with HIV disease and 40 of their caregivers, this article reports on the effects of HIV seropositivity on sexual interaction and relationship formation. Using a sample representing gay and heterosexual, black and white, and male and female respondents, we focus on how people in the syndrome account for, cope with, and work through problems associated with HIV. While disengagement from sexuality is common, at least initially, many respondents successfully readjusted the mutual understandings of ongoing relationships or went on to develop new ones, often with seronegative people. Further, we compare the experiences of those already in relationships when they test HIV-positive to those seeking new relationships and discuss problems of disclosure and safer sex, with notes on the responses and perceptions of HIV-negative sexual partners.