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Hilarious images. to "Andy", whether or not you are joking, your accusations woefully mischaracterize this magazine, one I regularly have severe issues with. The horrors of mail-order pharmacies have been repeatedly dealt with here, and no publication can survive reporting on only one story. Using a mega-ASO-turned-global-octopus to fight against the most powerful HIV-prevention tool to ever come down the pike is "doing good"? That is bald propaganda. Weinstein's defenders can't hide behind his ASO, it cares for the HIV+ because it makes money doing so...it should never even tempt the view that it is fighting HIV prevention in any way, let alone so very aggressively and actively fight HIV prevention *for real*. Weinstein's arrogance and his Board's craven acquiescence have resulted in a Giant Vampire ASO, seemingly determined to grow by any means necessary...including by fomenting HIV infections with (wait for it) bald propaganda. shame! Shame! (ding-ding!)
I know the younger generation gets weary of lectures from us older H.I.V. people, but it's not just a matter of taking a pill or two and life is back to normal. I am black so some medications can cause kidney damage; other side effects include depression, anger, upset stomach, dizziness and nightmares. Then there is never-ending paperwork, you still need help even with insurance, and the biggie: loneliness and isolation. If you don't tell potential partners you have H.I.V., there is a chance of prosecution. Don't get me wrong. It's not a completely bleak situation, but life will change for you forever. H.C.V. (hepatitis C virus) and H.I.V. are even harder to deal with. Don't get me wrong. I ran amuck in the '70s, '80s and '90s, but you younger people can live a better life. Your health is the number one priority. Be pissed, but protect yourself. Thank you.
"If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you." The AHF provides a number of vital services for people of all HIV statuses. From PSAs about syphilis outbreaks to meningitis vaccinations, treatment advocacy to stigma reduction campaigns and of course an almost religious devotion to condoms. One glance at their website suggests that the organization brings a lot more to the table than attacks against PrEP and fear-mongering about our partners. Meanwhile, what is the message of this magazine? From what I can see, mostly PrEP advocacy, attacks against Weinstein and more PrEP advocacy. Almost daily, I read about how easy and affordable Truvada is, but I've personally found myself having to educate friends about co-pay assistance for Atripla while I juggle crushing bills for lab work. Shortly before this magazine launched a campaign to fight PrEP denials, a friend of mine found himself struggling to get his Atripla approved by a mail order pharmacy, causing him to lose hundreds of CD4 and suffer significant long term health complications. I'm certain there are people like him all over the country who never receive the attentions of POZ. POZ lacks advocacy for people with HIV; Treatment advocacy is nonexistent. Political activism is spoken of as an abstract. The word "cure" is mumbled sarcastically through gritted teeth, without the slightest inclination that it should be an inclusive end to this epidemic which would improve or save millions of lives. Just when you think this magazine can't get any more apathetic to the needs of HIV+ people, any more detached from the realities of this epidemic, there's always one more article about PrEP, one more article demonizing Weinstein's ham-handed PR stunts. Yet Michael Weinstein soldiers on, reminding people that trust is not a substitute for protection, promoting HIV tests and attending to the needs of those who wind up positive. Awkward, nasty, weird and a whirlwind of something that looks like real advocacy compared to his critics. Some people are so offended by Weinstein's perceived faults that they themselves have ceased to do anything constructive, devoting every effort to attacks against the AHF. Weinstein is now better than his critics, not because he is beyond reproach but because he is only person in the conversation who is actually a force for good.
Alexamdro: I couldn't locate the New Yorker article you referenced. Did you perhaps mean "Sex Without Fear" from New York Magazine? It's about gay men on PrEP (and was penned by POZ contributor Tim Murphy). If so, my takeaway is totally different--that the men are extremely empowered, informed and responsible. They are, to use your words, doing the hard work to stay healthy. Regardless, PrEP is not addressed in the fear-based 'Trust Him?' campaign. Though come to think of it, PrEP might be a great option for someone worried that his or her partner is cheating. At least it would take away the worry of contracting HIV as the couple works to establish honesty and open communication in the relationship--very hard work indeed.
I am ok with the advertising being done. I didn't feel any blame or shame at all. I thought it was done in good taste. I can see where some people might feel uncomfortable with it, but let's be real. It seems to be getting the attention that was meant. Think twice before you get in the saddle. You can bet I do and will as I am a 25 year aids survivor. AHF keep up the good work.
I would highly recommend reading the New Yorker article "Forgetting the HIV Epidemic." It is fun to read--particularly about unsafe, unprotected sex behaviours of irresponsible individuals (gay; non; gay; young; mature; etc.,) who naively and stupidly believe the PrEP treatment will transform them into invulnerable sex machines. HIV and STDs are "equal opportunistic" diseases that do not discriminate against race; age; sexual orientation and/or social status. This article is highly informative and a real eye opener. Getting HIV and STDs is easy; staying healthy is hard and responsible work!
Continuing to raise visibility to HIV while reducing shame and prejudice is a worthy cause. I thank AHF for their efforts. Even if used and proliferated as a joke, the message is still getting passed on. No publicity is bad publicity. Perhaps more humor and less gloom is just what the message needs to find its way to our gay youth.
Robert T. Jenkins
I see nothing offensive or distasteful about the AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) public or community service ads. The reality of STD transmission makes every "monogamous" spouse—wives, as well as husbands; long-term lover(s); friends with benefits; & even friends that you blame "it" on the liquor with—a person who can give you something much more enduring than orgasmic pleasure. The high-risk implications of high-risk carnal intimacy need to be addressed. Did your spouse/long-term lover stop at the park, adult bookstore, public restroom, or some other place where the hot & bothered engage in non-committed, I-don't-need-to-know-your-name carnal intimacy before heading home to their long-term loves? I appreciate the social media adaptations of the AHF ads, as committed relationships may have all sorts of sticky realities in the shadows.
July 29, 2015