AIDS, homosexuality, public opinion, and changing correlates over time

Comparing data from national Los Angeles Times surveys allows for an examination of changes in attitudes toward AIDS in 1985, when the crisis was first coming to public attention, and in 1987, when public opinion had a greater opportunity to stabilize. The primary predictors of public opinion did not change from 1985 to 1987, but there were somewhat less irrational attitudes among most segments of the population by 1987. However, among those who were conservative on the issue of homosexuality, personal concern for AIDS fell and support for repression grew.