HIV: "the WHO is perpetuating gay stereotypes"

This schooling needs to start with young folks, each gay and straight. Nevertheless, we very first have to address the reality that several adults believe that it is inappropriate to talk to young men and women about intercourse in complete and frank detail, out of concern that doing so will inspire them to indulge in risky behaviours. In many conditions, these attitudes are primarily based on moral or religious views rather than any actual proof, and as a end result have severely constrained HIV and AIDS training in the Uk. It is just incorrect to presume that talking to young folks about safer intercourse and the value of employing condoms prospects to an improve in sexual exercise.

Younger men and women, gay and straight, are possessing intercourse, and they are experimenting with medication and alcohol, just as their mothers and fathers did. It’s a truth that we, and particularly parents, shouldn’t disregard. Some experiment a lot more than other folks, some perform it really secure. Some experiment with behaviour that some adults would see as “immoral”. We of program want to defend kids from likely harm, but in teaching them about sex we want to make sure we never target on the negatives, the dangers, and reduce it to argument about what’s moral or immoral.

There is still an assumption amid several in our society, which is currently being passed on to the younger generation, that indulging in “immoral” sex and unlawful drug use will lead to HIV infection. This merely perpetuates the stigmatisation of folks who are residing with HIV, and risks implying that any individual who has HIV is therefore concerned in “immoral” routines, and has got what was coming to them.

The WHO tips truly feel like a phase backwards, advertising a unfavorable gay stereotype that I imagined we have been moving away from. Let us be clear: a more relaxed mindset to HIV is not exclusive to the gay local community. It truly is an perspective that’s become prevalent across all communities. The report will encourage straight people to believe that HIV is basically a gay problem, and that they themselves are off the hook.

I am not towards antiretroviral medication exactly where they are required. The report correctly highlights that antiretroviral drug use can lessen the possibility of passing on HIV by up to 92 per cent. Even so, other studies tell us that, when utilized correctly, a condom is about 98 per cent effective. Shouldn’t we be focusing our efforts on educating individuals to use condoms (which are more affordable than medicines and side-impact cost-free) as an alternative?

A fraction of the expense of investing in huge amounts of antiretroviral medication would go a lengthy way to making a programme that educates us all – gay and straight – about responsible sexual overall health.

Alternatively, the WHO appears to have developed a scenario with a really clear winner (medication companies) and a extremely clear loser (gay guys).

HIV: "the WHO is perpetuating gay stereotypes"