AIDS Is NOT Just a Gay Disease

The other day while casually flipping through the pages of a local gay magazine, I came across a particular ad that caught my eye. I couldn't help but stop and stare at the page. It wasn't the color, artwork or message. What enthralled me was the picture of a woman in an ad for a widely used HIV medication. I wondered why this seemed so strange to me. Then it all became clear- I was accustomed to seeing mostly white men in HIV medication ads. We are all aware that HIV doesn't discriminate, but do we still see HIV as only a gay white male disease?

The United States Center for Disease Control publishes alarming numbers of HIV cases. Here are their conclusions:

• African-American men account for 43 percent of HIV cases reported among men in 2001


• African-American women accounted for nearly 64 percent of HIV cases reported among women in 2001.


• A CDC study of Job Corps entrants, ages 16 to 21, found that, compared to their white counterparts, African-American women were seven times more likely to be infected with HIV, and African-American men were four times more likely to be infected.


• In 2000, 38% of women reported with AIDS were infected through heterosexual exposure to HIV.


• Since the epidemic began, injection drug use has directly and indirectly accounted for more than one-third (36%) of AIDS cases in the United States.


• Through December 1998, 109,311 women were reported with AIDS. Of these, 2,220 were reported to have had sex with women; however, the vast majority had other risks (such as injection drug use, sex with high-risk men, or receipt of blood or blood products).


• In 2000, Hispanics represented 13% of the U.S. population (including residents of Puerto Rico), but accounted for 19% of the total number of new U.S. AIDS cases reported.

These statistics blur the lines of our perceptions that a person of a certain gender, sexuality or race is more likely to carry HIV than another. Therefore, it's important that we take precautions while engaging in sexual encounters with any person.

To help protect yourself from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, take the following precautions:

Ask Questions

You can never ask your partner enough questions about his or her sexual history or current status. This is difficult because it's extremely easy to worry about ruining the mood or turning off your partner. Nonetheless, a few minutes of discomfort is worth your health or your life.

Use Protection

Learn how to put on a condom and always use it! Use a dental dam while rimming, which will help safeguard against hepatitis. Sometimes in the heat of the moment your partner may attempt to penetrate without protection. Don't allow any degree of penetration without protection. It doesn't take full insertion to transmit HIV, which only requires the transfer of body fluids.

Don't Transfer Fluids

Be sure to safeguard against your partner's body fluids. STD's can be transferred through them. Make sure your partner's fluids do not come into contact with your body, especially if you have any cuts or abrasions. Wash your hands before and after sex and use a towel to remove the condom, not your hands.

Just Because He Looks "Clean" Doesn't Mean He's Disease Free!

Remember, STD's, especially HIV and AIDS do not discriminate. Just because a guy or girl looks healthy doesn't mean they are not carriers of an infection. Some STD's have little or no side effects, so for your protection assume everyone has a STD and take the necessary precautions. Also, don't let the statistics fool you! Just because one race or gender has an increasing rate of HIV transmission does not mean you are any safer with one of a lesser rate.

Why should I get tested? Here are reasons everyone should get tested, irregardless of gender, race or sexuality.

How long should I wait if I've been exposed to HIV?

Tests used to detect HIV look for the antibodies that your body produces to fight the virus. These antibodies can be detected within 3 to 6 months of exposure.

What are rapid HIV tests?

Rapid HIV tests, such as the OraQuick Rapid HIV Test can produce results in as little as 20 minutes. These tests should, however, be followed up by a standard HIV test.

Where can I get tested?

You can get an HIV test from your medical doctor or at most public health clinics. Most tests can be done confidentially, which means you do not have to give your name or any contact information. To find a testing center near you, visit the National HIV Testing Resources

Its not bad to have fun and explore our sexuality..just be sure to be protected at all times!! Have fun but always be protected.