Homosexuality and the Healthcare Profession Stiernborg (1992) suggests, from his own study, that attitudes underpin knowledge and consequently, affect the actions of a healthcare professional. Acknowledging this finding, the writer proposes to define the term's homophobia and attitude. He then aims to differentiate between the terms homosexual and gay or lesbian as terms of reference. Following this the writer then aims to briefly discuss whether possible negative attitudes have any bearing on the care that HIV, (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), positive and AIDS, (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), patient