This paper reviews the most recent literature on HIV/AIDS, gender and sexuality in Latin America and the Caribbean and identifies the various ways in which gender influences the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS prevention and access to services offering treatment, care and support. Under the rubric of gender, this paper also considers issues as they affect adolescent boys and men. Recommendations for programme and policy interventions that can help to reduce gender-related vulnerabilities to HIV/AIDS draw upon analysis of the vast number of sociocultural and economic factors contributing to women's and men's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in the region.