Abstract
It is the assumption of this article that when the etiology of an illness is framed in a “moral” language and the illness in question affects religiously stigmatized and legally proscribed minorities, the victims of the illness will be blamed for their ill health. Evidence is given of the connection between moralizing about a medical issue and the response of the medical establishment. The role of religion in the definition and interpretation of AIDS is emphasized as well as its effects on gay people and gay life. A political analysis of AIDS and its assumed causes is also given. These homophobic explanations are viewed as attempts to disenfranchise and discredit gay life further. Responsibility for containing AIDS is discussed in the context of “brokenness” between and among gay people. “Healing” is given as a necessary solution.
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The Gay Men's Health Crisis, Inc., is a voluntary group of men and women concerned about the social and medical victimization of people with AIDS. GMHC is a multidimensional social service organization basically concerned with the welfare of PWAs and the education of the public to this health issue.
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The author gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Terrance Thornton, M.A., Chris Poslock, and Rodger McFarlane, Executive Director of the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Inc., to the development of this article.
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Kayal, P.M. “Morals,” medicine, and the AIDS epidemic. J Relig Health 24, 218–238 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01597315
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01597315