A new PSA aims to tackle the stigma that still surrounds HIV/AIDS. The video was produced by the Gay Men’s Health Charity, a British nonprofit, and highlights guys who, despite their statuses, are living their lives to the fullest.
Related: Unfortunate New Study Finds HIV Stigma And Discrimination Is Alive And Well
It opens with a bunch of cute men hugging and mugging, and then some introductions. They come from all walks of life, from porn star to athletes, and “there’s no barrier to life with HIV,” they say.
“You can be anything,” they proclaim. “You can do anyone.”
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“There’s no shame,” the men say, some of whom are in long-term relationships. Even the actor in the porn industry is comfortable talking about his experiences, working with performers protected by PrEP.
Related: Honest Confessions From Men With HIV
“I don’t let HIV stigma into my life at all,” says another speaker, and then they all declare “I’m living.”
Imagine if the LGBTs coping the the epidemic 20 years ago could have seen a video like this in the future! For over a decade, they would have been seeing people cut down in their prime by illness, by indifference, and stigma. Who could have foreseen that there would come a time when HIV was something you live with, rather than fear?
crowebobby
I’d be okay with HIV; “haitch” would be a deal breaker.
Billy Budd
If I were hiv positive I would date other positive guys and use condoms. I would take my meds religiously and would probably die of other causes not AIDS. Here in Brazil the meds are paid in full by the government. To everybody.
abnerbha
If people are promiscuous straight or gay & not use condoms, then if they get a Venereal Disease (VD), it’s their fault-they knew the risks but chose to take them. Most smokers except for those suing the tobacco companies aren’t asking for sympathy if they get lung cancer because smokers knew the risks but still chose to smoke.
Most straight Venereal Disease (VD) victims don’t ask for sympathy. Most men who got Venereal Disease (VD) after they had sex with many women w/o using condoms aren’t asking for sympathy because they admit they knew the risks but still chose to take them. Gay victims, ask others for sympathy after they get AIDS. The truth about gay AIDS victims is that almost all of them knew the risks, but chose to take them.
Ander
@abnerbha: So what you are saying is that people with HIV should be stigmatized.
Billy Budd
@abnerbha: They are not victims, but they should not be condemned for a fuck-up. Getting HIV can happen to ANYBODY, even a guy like myself or yourself who always uses condoms. You are very judgemental and that is ugly.
Heywood Jablowme
@abnerbha: “The truth about gay AIDS victims is that almost all of them knew the risks, but chose to take them.”
That is not even close to being true.
– There are still a lot of very long-term survivors who got infected before 1981 when AIDS first made the news.
– A lot of gay men get infected by a partner who mistakenly assumes he’s negative.
– A lot of gay men make sure the top puts on a condom, then when they’re relaxed and their guard is down, the top takes off the condom. (I hate to think how often this happens!)
As for stigma, there are a lot of gay men in sero-discordant relationships. They know the risks, i.e. that if the HIV+ partner is being properly treated there are practically no risks at all.
ErikO
@Billy Budd: Agreed, way too many HIV+ men and even neg men don’t use condoms. The worst are the ones on PreP who believe that they’ll always stay neg and without any STDs.
Masc Pride
If they had refused to let HIV into their lives, this wouldn’t even be necessary. It’s called a condom, fellas! Guarantee you a life consumed with whining about HIV stigma all the time feels worse than sex with a rubber. Think about it.
Jack Meoff
The only HIV+ men I have a problem with are the one’s who behave irresponsibly and engage in unprotected sex without declaring themselves. If every HIV+ person made the decision to take pains not to pass on HIV to anyone else then eventually the number of people infected with HIV would reduce. Instead the infection rate remains steady with the largest at risk group being men between 15 and 29. That’s an alarming statistic.
Ander
@abnerbha: I find your lack of humanity deplorable.
dsharpark
@Ander: I agree with abnerbha… I’m not saying they should be stimatized… but they definitely should NOT be celebrated.
How about an article about the guy that had his fun, did it safely, and doesn’t now have to rely on a lifetime of medication? Or how about an article about the guy who waited until marriage? No… instead we hear about the guys that decided to bareback (at a time when millions of dollars are being spent on HIV education so that they know better)… and “Hooray” because HIV isn’t going to slow them down…
Yuck.. there are far better people to hear about and to look to for inspiration.
Brian
I’m sorry but I think you SHOULD be shamed if you have acquired VD. I don’t consider VD to be something to be proud of.
Besides, if you have VD and are spreading it to others, you should be jailed.
kevin57
I am shocked by the uncompassionate and ugly comments towards fellow human beings. Do HIV+ guys seek to be sympathized with as “victims”? I don’t know. Maybe. The few I’ve known don’t come across that way. Do HIV+ guys deserve compassion even if they were “irresponsible”? Of course. Nearly everyone who has had any medical condition bears at least some “responsibility” for what they have. Most cancers can be traced to “lifestyle decisions.” Diabetes, mostly yes, again. My mother died of emphysema. She smoked for many decades. Was she responsible for her death? At some level, yes, but that should never lead any human being, with a heart, to condemn or judge. Where is the humanity with some of you?
heatstroke1981
My partner of 6 years is HIV positive, and while most people assume that I am as well, I’m not. I should have HIV. I’ve put myself out there and I’ve tested the risk. It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate and also one that leaves you lucky to not have contracted it if you don’t.
Kangol
Good for them. We’re over 35+ years into the HIV/AIDS area. It should be a stigma any more, and we also should be doing everything we can to prevent its spread and to ensure that those with HIV and AIDS get the best treatment possible.
Masc Pride
We’re OVER 35+ years into the HIV/AIDS AREA? lolz
We’re over 35 years into the HIV/AIDS era, so it shouldn’t even be an issue anymore. 35 years is certainly more than enough time for even those stuck on stupid to get a clue.
Fixed.
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