This article reviews the factors of sexual culture formation & stigma in the representation & prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Two views of stigma -- insider vs outsider meanings & practices -- are contrasted in the history of anthropology & sexuality studies. Changes in ethnography & the understanding of ethnographic method since the rise of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic are considered through a series of case studies. The implications of this work for HIV education & interventions surrounding stigma management & community action are summarized. The author advocates the study of stigma as a means to enhance education & prevention efforts in crosscultural research on AIDS. 46 References. Adapted from the source document.