Introduction:
Once again, we globally acknowledge the impact that HIV/AIDS has inflicted upon our people; we recognize that education is vital in combatting HIV/AIDS; we understand that responsibility is essential in preventing HIV/AIDS; and we remember those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who have fought the battle against HIV/AIDS.
Even though we are all living with the consequences of yet another pandemic, coronavirus COVID-19 and all the variants, we continue to struggle against HIV/AIDS. We understand the necessity of efforts to identify and establish a cure from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. We share the hope that our awareness of HIV/AIDS brings an end to this disease in the very near future.
Background Observation:
In the early 1980’s – even before there was an official name for it – health officials and medical doctors noted cases of a new infection that fatally compromised (weakened) then destroyed the immune systems of patients. A significant number of those suffering from this infection were same gender loving men (also derogatorily referred to as “homosexuals”). Soon, the unofficial name for this affliction became “gay cancer” or the “gay plague.” Later, the name for the infecting virus became human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the disease it caused was named acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Due to the overall stigma attached to the same gender loving populations, it was several years before sufficient monies were appropriated for fighting against this disease. As a result, many lives were lost and many rumours and misinformation abounded.
Blame/Forgiveness:
Fundamentalist and radical clergypersons and prejudiced politicians joined in the growing hysterical outcry against the “homosexual” community for the rapidly rising numbers of HIV infected persons. In churches throughout the USA, countless clergy regularly and repeatedly condemned the “homosexuals” for their ungodly living. Political aspirants, not to be left out of the hate-fest, raged against the sexual deviants and their un-American way of life.
The majority of the clergy and the politicians who denounced the same gender loving people falsely believed that the fatality of HIV/AIDS fully justified their homophobia and marginalization of the affected community and the infected people. Fortunately, this hatred was only widely practiced within the USA. The rest of the world reacted without the extreme hatred and prejudice present in the USA.
Later, as the facts concerning HIV/AIDS became common knowledge, no clergy or politician apologized for their blame, condemnation, or hate of the same-gender-loving people. No one ever asked for forgiveness for their unfounded hatred and their hypocrisy.
The bigoted and discriminatory clergy and politicians needed someone to blame for the HIV/AIDS situation. We, the same-gender loving community and culture, were awarded the honor. We were condemned, judged, and vilified. The disease is still here.
“For all of us, as same gender loving men, we must remember that we constitute a distinct minority community and culture. As such, it is incumbent on us to recognize that our pride in ourselves is based on our self-acceptance and self-confidence of both what and who we are. Guilt and shame have no place in our lives. We need to let them go and move forward in patience, tolerance and understanding for all, even those who despise us and wish harm upon us. Love and respect are the keys we need. Hate and ignorance are not.” ~ Roger Poladopoulos ~ Deaf AIDS Action address, 16 June, 2023
“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” ~ Jason Collins ~ first openly gay professional basketball star, NBA, Brooklyn Nets team
“It’s not who we are but rather it’s what we do that puts us at risk for HIV infection.” ~ American Red Cross ~ Basic HIV/AIDS Prevention Education curriculum
HIV/AIDS: The Basic Facts
1. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
2. AIDS is a result of HIV infection.
AIDS is not transferred or transmitted from one person to another. HIV is the virus that is shared. HIV may live within a person for many years before the infection is discovered (detected). That is why HIV tests are important so that treatment may begin.
3. HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
The above listing contains the four body fluids that carry the virus from one person to another. HIV is not contained in enough quantity in tears, sweat and saliva to transmit (spread).
4. Only a physician can diagnose AIDS.
Certain criteria (conditions must be met before an AIDS determination can be made. Physicians (medical doctors) are the only internationally recognized professionals allowed to make this decision.
Infection:
Untreated (without medical attention) HIV infection weakens the body’s immune system (ability to fight off diseases) and eventually destroys it. Medical treatment can and often does strengthen the immune system and enables people to live longer with healthy and productive lives.
There is currently no known cure for HIV/AIDS but there are numerous testing strategies internationally to develop a cure for the disease.
World AIDS Day:
World AIDS Day was first envisioned in August, 1987, by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. They delivered their concept to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann endorsed the idea and agreed with the recommendation for the first observance to be 1 December, 1988.
The Red Ribbon Campaign:
The red ribbon was selected to wear over the heart on World AIDS Day. It allowed those persons wearing it to let others see that they were aware of HIV/AIDS and the health crisis that it was creating. It also was worn in memory of a loved one who had died from the disease.
I have been buying red ribbon and small safety pins since 1988, and making red ribbons on my own. I have a special basket that I carry to work with me and invite faculty, staff and students at my university to join me in supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS. To date, I have never had any ribbons leftover to take home with me.
It is a small effort on my part to remind us all that HIV/AIDS remains a threat against us all!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, December 4, 2023. and the proposed topic is: “Salutations South!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 