Growing up gay in a big city, there was no end to stories about acquaintances who had been diagnosed with HIV. It was said they were 'positive' as though saying so made it any less frightening, or any less real. The threat of contracting it was omni-present for a young boy who behaved promiscuously and often engaged in recklessness, all the while thinking with the wrong head.
Fortunately, for me, I managed to steer clear of HIV, three letters that I convinced myself were a death sentence, but I have many friends who were not as lucky. They inspire me, though, as they have shown me that a diagnosis need not be the end of the world. These friends have fulfilling lives, and continue to work towards achieving their dreams, like their diagnosis was merely a hurdle, and not a setback. I am inspired by their resilience, and take pride in having strong people like them in my life.
There was so much ignorance then (and there still is) within the community. People are shamed for having it, as if they set out in search of contracting the illness, as if they are to be blamed somehow. We are only human, and are susceptible to forget about certain things in the throes of passion; sometimes we take our partner's word for it when they tell us they have been recently tested, or that they are negative. There are many factors that come into play, and one person cannot be made to feel like a social pariah for one misstep that alters the course of their lives. The language we use when inquiring about another's status is even harmful, questions like "Are you clean?" only imply that a person is dirty if they happen to be "POZ."
A dear friend of mine contracted it from his partner, who had been unfaithful, and was devastated when his results came back. He made the mistake of assuming society was not cruel or judgmental, and that he could confide in his employer's about why he seemed depressed. That turned out to be a big mistake, as his employer feigned concern and suggested he take some time off, only for him to return and be followed around the office by coworkers wiping down surfaces he touched, and spraying air freshener in every room he was in. Their reaction and torment resulted in a deep depression, that he is still trying to recover from.
It's stories like this that instill fear in me; would it be any different at my work? What has changed, are attitudes even evolving in regards to HIV/AIDS? Is there enough knowledge today to prevent a reenactment of Philadelphia, the first film to acknowledge the illness? I do not think so, at all, but I feel like we are getting closer. I believe, that ultimately, the gates of ignorance and oppression can only be unlocked by education.
Once more people are informed about the virus, then there will be less paranoia surrounding it.
Today, there are medications, like pre and post-exposure prophylaxes, on the market that allow for an HIV positive person's viral loads to be reduced significantly to the point where they will not be infectious. Of course, these medications still require other forms of contraception, but they are proof that we have come a long way. Thailand has even managed to reduce mother to infant HIV transmission rates, which is further evidence that HIV/AIDS research is making progress. Either way, there is a lot more support for people who are living with HIV/AIDS and that, in and of itself, is monumental.
