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Is America able to shead it's neo-colonial, puritanical view of love, sex and hiv* so we can erraticate this plague? We made Obama president....maybe ther is a glimmer of hope for the courageous ones! Thank you Dr. B! (*I refuse to capitalize the disease and made it stand out....)
I think the article is brilliant with challenges to radically change course as we face this disease in 2009. I find the last paragraph most interesting, because THAT is the call to action. Do we have anyone interested in heeding Dr. Bellman's call? It will turn sex education on its head and reopen blistering arguments about gays, the disease, and plague. I sat out the Act Up Years. I'd be interested in helping Dr. Bellman's proposed campaign. Now what?
A Dr. chastizing newly infected patients? Prepostorous! Destigmatization of HIV is an uphill battle that needs to be fought. People are sexual beings and as such, it is not practical to expect abstinence to be a viable solution to control HIV spread. But, I believe the use of condoms is essential, not only to prevent HIV spread, but also to prevent the risk of other STD infections. As an HIV poz, I certainly do no want to become infected with any other diseases!
What a wonderful article written in a nonjudgemental manner. Being in the medical field myself, I only wish more MD's practiced in this manner.
Great article!
I and many other folks who have HIV will be happy that it may be reduced for others and that there may be light at the end of the tunnel after all. The election of Obama was a great source of hope for folks all around the world.
This is an extraordinarily clear, concise, practical and well thought through article which also conveys great feelings of passion and hope. Dr. Bellman is healing in his writing as well as his clinical practice. Treatment is more than chemistry. Thank you.
santiago
dr bellman's courage and dedication to command change in health care for hiv for so many years is admirable. his dream of compassion to a social acceptance of hiv+ persons sheds light on such a dark dilemma. thank you for educating us more on the subject..
January 21, 2009 • NY