This article examines the rationalistic aspects of HIV prevention discourse. Self-protection, altruistic and egalitarian rationalities are examined from the perspectives of self-regulation, surveillance medicine and risk identity. These themes are examined through 16 in-depth interviews with HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men in relation to the (dis)order produced in risk administration. The analysis exposes some contradictions, the unequal relations of HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men and links with notions of risky sex such as `barebacking'. Some implications are identified, including the need for critical reflexivity in HIV prevention and an engagement with practices of resistance.
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