This report reflects on the underlying question -- Does the AIDS epidemic, in all its destructive power, also hold the potential to transform gender relations and open up new ideas of masculinity? It takes a closer look at the formation and transformation of masculinities and gender relations and recommends that a better understanding of the complex relationship between men, masculinities, HIV and AIDS in different geographical contexts is needed, in order to serve the policies that address HIV transmission and to enable men to take more active roles in preventing the further spread of HIV.