As part of its efforts to improve gay men's psychological health and help prevent HIV transmission, the Desert AIDS Project is offering a series of workshops about issues older gay men face. The first session was filled to capacity with 35 participants, but the next "Gay and Gray" meeting is scheduled for April 22 and reservations are still being accepted.
Most of Bob Chrnalogar's friends and the man he calls "the love of my life" died of HIV-related illnesses. "I'm grateful for all the extra years that I have, but I feel a little isolated," says Chrnalogar, who at age 54 has been HIV-positive for 22 years. He moved to Palm Springs from Seattle in February and is looking for social interaction.
Even though many older gay men in Palm Springs are HIV survivors, they have lost most of their psychological support network, said Paul Froman, a psychologist and moderator of the four-part series. "It creates a sense of isolation and alienation, and of trying to create new relationships as good and nurturing as those from 20 years ago," he said.
Some problems are unique to older gay people who grew up when homosexuality was less accepted, Froman said. "I see a lot of people who haven't spoken to or been spoken to by their families for decades," he added.
"When you have to hide who you are from the people you love, it really takes a toll on your self-worth," Froman said. The lack of self-esteem, due to familial rejection or other reasons, can also lead some men to engage in risky sexual behavior, said Robert Swortfiguer, a Desert AIDS Project community health educator who works with older gays. For more information, telephone 760-323-2118 ext. 271.
04/04/08
CALIFORNIA: Desert AIDS Project: Sessions Offer Help to Older Gay Men
Source: Press Enterprise (Riverside):: David Olsen; Courtesy of the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention