Seropositivity,homosexuality and identity politics in Brazil

This paper focuses on the emergence of HIV seropositivity as a new identity, closely linked to male homosexuality, in Brazilian culture. Two distinct conceptions of seropositive identities that emerged in the Brazilian HIV/AIDS movement were examined. These two differing conceptions have taken shape as the basis for social action and activism around AIDS-related issues such as prevention, treatment and care. The first of these conceptions suggest that all people whose lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS can work together, based on principles of solidarity, in seeking to respond to the epidemic--whether or not they were themselves directly infected with HIV. The second, more specific conception suggests that those infected by HIV share a number of common experiences that distinguish them from others, while at the same time recognizing the specificity of homosexual men as opposed to heterosexual women or injecting drug users. Despite the differences, the two conceptions promote various common purposes such as the social integration and participation of HIV-positive persons in confronting AIDS, fighting for better life conditions, defending civil rights and breaking clandestineness and isolation. The differences appear mainly in the ways of organizing and political and social representation.