(iPoster) From Behavior to Identity: Gay Men in Implementing HIV/AIDS Policies in China

• In Event: Poster Session: Racial, Ethnic, Gender, LGBTQ+ Politics & Sexuality and Politics
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Sexuality & Politics

Abstract

HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health issue. For China, on December 6, 2024, the General Office of the State Council issued a notice on the "Implementation of the 'China's HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Plan (2024-2030)'," which marked a new phase in HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the country and introduced new strategic priorities. This new phase signifies a shift in focus towards the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. From the perspectives of both the government and social organizations, this study examines how the AIDS prevention policy is implemented from the central level to specific target groups. Based on case studies from Beijing, China, where social organizations mainly consist of gay male members, this paper explores why, in a context where the Chinese government holds conservative views on gender-diverse groups, it is essential for the government to collaborate closely with these gay male-led organizations.

The article begins by analyzing the government's conservative stance on gender-diverse groups, setting the stage for discussing the ambiguities in the HIV/AIDS prevention policy. These ambiguities reveal a gap in which the government, unable to act directly, relies on the involvement of gay male volunteers. The study then delves into the implementation process of the policy, noting that these volunteers do not merely target the MSM group as defined in the policy but instead provide tailored interventions based on the identity of being gay. Finally, the article evaluates the outcomes of the policy's implementation. Although the involvement of gay male volunteers has received recognition and financial support from government authorities, the social organizations involved have still failed to gain legitimacy. Moreover, due to limitations in policy implementation, the gap between the gay male community and the general public has deepened.

Author

• Pinzhang Zhu, Peking University