Prior to the late 1970s / early 1980s, the stigma associated with homosexuality was much stronger. Being gay, and having multiple sex partners, was something th

Prior to the late 1970s / early 1980s, the stigma associated with homosexuality was much stronger. Being gay, and having multiple sex partners, was something that most gay men would probably not admit to. In many areas it would be admitting to a crime. So in the case histories of early AIDS sufferers, that commonality may not have been clear.