HIV: A Gay Disease?

The first question I can't answer but I would say yes to the second and third. I understand that they want to shake up young gay men but at the same time it's reinforcing the idea that AIDS is gay-only problem. BTW, have you ever seen the documentary, "The Gift"?

No, I haven't, but I'm familiar with the concept. Pretty disturbing! I remember folks thinking about HIV in that way even 10 years ago, though. Men saying that they felt left out becuase they weren't infected.

I lost my partner to AIDS. As it has been some years now and the new drugs are helping those with HIV to live longer, gay men seem to have relaxed. In fact, there are efforts now to reeducate gay men about safer sex. Sadly, there are some men who wear their HIV status like a badge of honor. This attitude needs to change. There are also some men who refuse to use condoms. That needs to change as well if this disease is to get under control within the gay community.

About other groups - such as intravenous drug users and unwitting wives. They are growing in numbers and it is even more dangerous for them because ignorance keeps them from getting tested and treated. The last figure I read was that about 250,000 people are infected with HIV and don't know it. How that figure came about I don't know. But, if it is true - more needs to be done to stem the tide of an entirely preventable disease.

As far as HIV status or STD status in general, people don't like to think about it or discuss it. They don't consider themselves to be in a "high risk group" or know any of "those" people. Also, routine STD screening is generally not offered at GYNs and the tests can be very expensive even with insurance. A friend told me that she wanted to get a full screening at her OB/GYN but couldn't because it would have about $500+. I suppose one could go to a low cost clinic (i.e. Planned Parenthood, etc.) but who wants to be caught coming out of there? Stigma plays a very large role in the lack of prevention.

BTW, this a bit off the topic but it really rubs me the wrong way how people are equating Mark Foley's Creepy Old Guy (COG) behavior with his sexuality. The two things have nothing to do with one another. COGs come from all walks of life! lol