POZ

N.Y. Official Concerned About Meningitis Outbreak in Gay Men

The city initially recommended only sexually active HIV-positive gay and bisexual men get vaccinated, but it has expanded that recommendation to all sexually active gay and bisexual men.

To read more, click here.

Posted 1 month ago

2 notes

New York, meningitis, Jay Varma, HIV, gay, vaccinations, outbreak, nyc, 2013,

Wounded AIDS Warriors Suffering, Dying on Their Own by John Voelcker

The death of Spencer Cox prompts a cofounder of the Medius Institute for Gay Men’s Health to speak out.

The death of notable AIDS activist Spencer Cox last month, at age 44, was a wake-up call — a blaring alarm — that highlighted once again the critical need for mental health programs and studies of the powerful trauma experienced by gay men in their 40s through 70s who’ve lived through the loss and destruction of entire communities due to AIDS.

Posted 4 months ago

2 notes

Spencer Cox, John Voelcker, ACT UP, Mental health, HIV, AIDS, Gay,

We Can Change This by Jeremiah Johnson

The former Peace Corps volunteer who helped change its discriminatory HIV policy reflects on five years of living with the virus.

January 11 marks five years since I was diagnosed with HIV. Since then, I have undergone a transformative journey filled with highs and lows, peaks and valleys. Yet through it all—through every single challenge I have faced as a gay man living with HIV—I have had tremendous support. I had a father who was brave enough to stand by me even when he didn’t understand me. I had friends who loved me when the negativity from others and from within myself felt like it would crush me. I had a loving and caring doctor who patiently listened to all my questions (even the ones I was afraid to ask) and helped me get on life saving treatment.

Posted 4 months ago

2 notes

Jeremiah Johnson, Peace Corps, HIV, Gay,

Advocates Ask Obama, Romney to Wear Purple on Spirit Day

Friday, October 19, is Spirit Day, which raises awareness about bullying. Anti-bullying advocates are asking President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney to both wear purple on Spirit Day to stand against bullying and support LGBT youth.

Posted 7 months ago

4 notes

spirit day, bullying, anti-bullying, hiv, aids, gay, lgbt, barack obama, mitt romney,

Can you tell which quote above was secretly recorded and which one was not?

From Shawn Decker’s blog “Paris Hilton Has AIDS (Problem)”

Posted 7 months ago

2 notes

Shawn Decker, Paris Hilton, Gay, HIV, AIDS,

Swaziland Seeks Gay Couples for HIV Testing

On Valentine’s Day, public health officials in Swaziland urged male couples to test for HIV together, despite the country’s laws that prohibit same-sex relationships, PlusNews reports. In a new nationwide campaign called “The Love Test,” organizations are encouraging the country to acknowledge the existence of men who have sex with men (MSM) and encourage them to use HIV testing and counseling services. Swaziland has one of the world’s highest rates of HIV, with about a quarter of all adults living with the virus.

(Source: poz.com)

Posted 1 year ago

1 note

Swaziland, Gay, HIV, AIDS, MSM,

HIV Stigma Among Gay Men Remains Widespread

“Stigmatization of HIV-positive gay men appears to be extensive and wide-ranging.” That’s the conclusion of a recent review published in the journal AIDS Care. The review, which looked at English-language, peer-reviewed articles, revealed a growing division between HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men, and it found a fragmentation of gay communities based along the lines of perceived or actual HIV status. The report noted that HIV stigma takes diverse forms and can incorporate aspects of social exclusion, ageism, rejection and violence as well as discrimination based on physical appearance and health status. The review was compiled with the hopes of better understanding HIV-related stigma and then finding ways to reduce it. Click here for more.

Posted 1 year ago

15 notes

HIV, AIDS, Gay, Men,

Commonwealth Debates Reform of Homophobic Laws

An internal group developing options to reform the Commonwealth of Nations is urging member countries to repeal homophobic laws in order to stem the spread of HIV. Most of the countries were formerly part of the British Empire, which left them with laws that criminalize homosexuality. These laws are still enforced in 41 of the 54 member nations. Not every Commonwealth country actively uses these antigay laws, but reform advocates argue the laws prevent people from seeking HIV prevention, treatment and care. Commonwealth countries are disproportionately affected by HIV, and they represent nearly 60 percent of all HIV/AIDS cases worldwide. Click here for more.

Posted 1 year ago

6 notes

HIV, AIDS, Gay,

Young Gay Men Less Likely to Use Condoms With “Serious” Partners

Young gay men were eight times more likely to have unprotected sex when they’re in a “serious” relationship than during a casual sexual encounter. Previous findings have indicated that two thirds of HIV transmissions among U.S. gay men take place between primary sexual partners rather than through casual sex. Researchers suggest that future safer-sex outreach must emphasize the risks of unsafe sex in a serious relationship. Click here for more.

Posted 1 year ago

13 notes

HIV, AIDS, Gay, MSM, Condoms, Safe Sex,