Generation X followed the Baby Boomers, and the group has been subject to criticism in mainstream media. Often labeled as the “slacker” generation, those within Generation X (about 40 million people) are stuck in between two other generations of people, with 80 million born before them and about 80 million born after. There has been confusion as to when exactly Generation X began, but most sources list those born between 1961 and 1980, although there is overlap on each side with the core of the generation born between 1965 and 1975. Baby Boomers have been defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. Generation Y has been defined as the next emerging group, born after 1976.

A peer-led multilevel HIV-prevention and community-building program, Momentum’s goal is to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic while creating a social outlet for gay men who are both HIV negative and positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded Family Health Centers of San Diego five years’ worth of funds to implement HIV-prevention activities targeting those identified as being at high risk for HIV transmission. Momentum was formed and is based on a model called “Mpowerment,” which fosters community building and peer support as part of its main principles. It was then replicated and adapted for gay men ages 25-35.

In their process to find out more about this dynamic group of gay men, the GMHP picked seven “gatekeepers” within the community to ask a series of questions related to their perceptions of this group. The gatekeepers consisted of three service providers, a bar owner, a gym owner, a shop owner, a gay publication employee and a club promoter.

Gatekeepers cited diversity and stability as major themes among Gen X gay men. They added it was difficult to define the “mid-ranged” group since there are many subgroups within it, ranging from club kids to leather men.

“We’re getting older so we’re not being part of the youth culture anymore, but at the same time we’re not ready to be part of the mature culture…. It’s kind of fitting that we are between the age of kids and men, since we are in a transition period,” said Beronilla.

According to San Diego County’s 2005 HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Report, those 25-34 have historically had the highest HIV-infection rates, with the next highest rates in 35 to 49-year-olds. Rates have increased for all age groups (not including the under 20 age group) since 2000, with statistically significant increases among the 25-34 and 35-49 year old brackets.

“Our program doesn’t necessarily equate being a part of Generation X as automatically being at high risk for getting HIV. However, the highest age group of gay men in San Diego County who are showing up positive in HIV tests are guys who are 25 to 34,” explained Beronilla. “Based on the observation that the Generation X label mirrors the current HIV/AIDS epidemiology, we’re trying to see how growing up and living as Gen-Xers impacted our thoughts, beliefs, behaviors and attitudes about areas like sex, sexuality, relationships, self-esteem, as well as other dynamics that may add to a complex mix of risks for HIV transmission,” he said.

Extensive research including survey and focus groups were conducted by GMHP staff within the mid-ranged gay men to find out what the general trend was in regards to socialization, relationship statuses, sexual behavior, self-esteem, HIV/AIDS testing and drug usage.

“The key word here is snapshot, not baseline, so basically this is a photograph of the community,” said Bailey Mitchell, a program coordinator at the GMHP.

According to survey results, 40 percent of those who have sex with a main partner never use condoms and 30 percent always use them. Of those who have sex with casual or anonymous partners, 16 percent said they never use condoms and 30 percent said they do. Beronilla cautioned that the survey results are just preliminary data, and there is still more information that needs to be reviewed and analyzed before they can generalize findings to make further correlations about this group of gay men.

“Our goal is to absorb this and future information to begin working from the common interests to address the common needs, and ultimately establish some ‘momentum’ toward a larger community of gay Gen-Xers who support and practice healthier sexual behavior,” he said.