October 20, 2006

More on “HIV is a gay disease”

I totally get that the “HIV is a gay disease” campaign seeks to empower the gay community and to call people into action. There is nothing wrong with taking ownership of issues in our communities to spur action. However, I fear that directing this particular message to the gay community sends the dangerous message that if you are not in and of that community, you are in the clear.  

We have made so many strides since the 1980s in getting the word out that HIV/AIDS is a huge issue that goes beyond the borders of the gay community. It would be a shame to see any step backwards.

While it's true that HIV/AIDS is a gay disease, it is also a black disease, a Hispanic disease, a woman/man disease and so on. Bottom line, it’s an equal-opportunity human disease. So let’s not leave anyone out of that message.
 
Nita Costello