This essay examines the development of research on sexuality in the wake of the HIV/AIOS epidemic. It suggests that although AIOS called attention to the historic neglect of sexuality research, and made available expanded resources for the support of research activities focusing on sexuality, the majority of the work carried out in responde to AIOS, has nonetheless been limited by inadequate and outmoded theoretical and methodological paradigms as well as by the lack of a clear and coherent research agenda. Particularly within the field of public health, biomedical models and epidemiological concerns have guided the design of research activities, but have falled to provide data and analyses capable of contributing effectively to AIOS prevention. As an alternative to traditional theoretical frameworks, the article calls attention to an emerging focus on the social and cultural construction of sexual experience, and points to the importance of developing a new research agenda for the study of sexuality that will be better able to address the intersubjective context of AIOS education and prevention.