Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities

From Crisis to Crossroads

Understand gay men’s unique health issues beyond the incomplete focus of HIV to include the concerns of those living with a broad range of chronic illnesses and disabilities

Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities: From Crisis to Crossroads is the groundbreaking book that comprehensively examines and forms strategies to respond to the needs of gay men living with non-HIV chronic illnesses and disabilities such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, and muscular sclerosis. Bringing together the interdisciplinary expertise and unique perspectives of leaders in the fields of social work, psychology, and rehabilitation counseling, this groundbreaking book helps you understand the key issues from theoretical, clinical, practical, and personal perspectives.

Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities: From Crisis to Crossroads conceptualizes and addresses the integration of psychosocial and medical issues faced by the gay men living with both HIV-related and non-HIV chronic illnesses and disabilities. Each chapter delves deeply into the psychosocial impact of their marginalization in daily living while offering strategies for partnership and integration between gay and mainstream health and social service organizations. With extensive, up-to-date bibliographies at the end of each chapter and case studies that illuminate theoretical discussions, this book is essential reading for those involved in health policy and practice with gay men living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities: From Crisis to Crossroads explores:

• the “invisibility” of gay men living with non-HIV illnesses and disabilities and the need to provide adequate services to them

• the impact of sexual orientation on living with a broad range of life-threatening illnesses

• the multiple layers of stigma of being gay while living with a chronic illness or disability

• how chronic illness can lead to increased body dissatisfaction in gay men

• the multidimensional challenge of psychotherapy with HIV positive gay men

• the connection between aging, chronic illness, and sexual orientation

• living with a non-HIV chronic illness as a gay social service professional

Gay Men Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disabilities: From Crisis to Crossroads is vital reading for social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, sociologists, public health advocates and experts, community organizers, and everyone engaged in providing medical, social, or psychological services.