Was It A Good Thing That AIDS Started As A Gay Disease
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Society first recognized AIDS as an epidemic in the white homosexual male community. In fact, in the beginning it was not known as AIDS but rather GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency). Because of the nature of the homosexual community at that time, men who slept with men spread the HIV virus in a rapid and extensive manner. Although there were some positives results of AIDS initially hitting white homosexual men, sexual practices in the homosexual community, the stigma attached to being homosexual, and the attitude of society and the then-Republican government towards homosexuality have played a tremendous part in the tragedy that HIV and AIDS have become today.
Sex is about intimacy and a connection between two persons. The 1970s was the height of the sexual revolution for the entire nation, not just homosexual men and women. Nevertheless, homosexuals considered sex an important part of their culture and growth. The risk involved was unimportant; in fact, taking a risk was part of the thrill. Anal sex is often considered rougher and more dangerous because tearing and bleeding are common. Moreover, homosexual men and women eschewed safe sex...