I hope those infected with HIV will read our own LESSONS section on transmission. Please believe me, it's one of the most scientifically accurate and well researched things I have ever read.
I have told prospective partners I was poz and they said they didn't care, only liked it raw; of course I gave them a lecture and sent them on their way, BUT?!? That's a big frigin' BUT when there are so many nut cases that don't give a shit.
More to the point... how do you prove intent?
And what do you do after you have already ruined someone's life?
oops, sorry, someone lied about ya. Enjoy being a pariah.
I think this was a product of a poor support system. It seems to vary in different hospitals the one i'm at now is excellent but the hospital I diagnosed in was an absolute disgrace it still remains the only place i've ever come across any HIV related stigma.Yes, that is the point of the second section of my rant. Some places really let us down where support and information come into it. As long as that is allowed to happen we will be seeing more of these cases.
Jon,
See I have one of those backwards point of views I have to admit. I mean me thinking that I am the one that needs to be responsible is ludicrous..
I hope I am not giving the impression that I am cavalier or anything....
While everyone's feathers are in a ruffle, this -- to me -- seems like a no-brainer and the perfect argument FOR disclosure.
Simple rule: If you are HIV+ and choose to have sex with ANYONE, you MUST disclose your status IF you are going to engage in any risky activity. YES, condoms should always be used! But we are human and that doesn't ALWAYS happen, does it? So let your partner(s) know!! Give them the CHOICE to play or split. What is the big deal? And are any of you REALLY going to tell me that if YOU were NEGATIVE, you wouldn't EXPECT having this information?? Give me a break!
It's about respect, for ourselves and our partners. And until the entire world and all of its leaders and populations are "comfy" with it all, those of us blamed for being immoral in the first place should be stepping up to the plate, acting like mature, respectful adults, and not pissing and moaning when someone gets "caught" fucking someone over -- literally and figuratively!! Grow up! Fuck your brains out, but have the decency to let a partner make up his/her mind whether or not to fuck you! Ignorance is bliss, folks! We've all been there. We know that sometimes, some people aren't terribly concerned with protecting themselves. Does that make it right to keep our mouths shut? Does it mean we are not responsible? Accountable? Spare me!
Being proactive and helping to change how this virus is spread IS our responsibility!! Period. WE'RE THE ONES LIVING WITH IT!! Sucks! But that's how it is. So how many more "neggies" have to become infected just so we can fuck our brains out without bothering to worry about them? When do we get sick of being blamed?
Sorry kids... THE BUCK STOPS WITH US!!!
it frustrates me that in one breath, our government/society says "this is a manageable disease, it's just like diabetes"(and hence, prevention messages/campaigns aren't all that important) and in the next, goes about locking people up for giving someone a "death sentence".
What frightens me here is the number of people who are thrilled to sacrifice their security and liberty to support these laws. So long as HIv carries the stigma it does, it only takes an accusation of non-disclosure to ruin someone's life. That's apparently a sacrifice some are willing to make.
Look at the laws in the USA. In many states, it does not matter whether or not you wear a condom. If you fail to disclose, you are as "guilty" of assault as if you had unprotected sex. ...
...Personal responsibility must be applied to both parties, or it defeats the purpose of HIV education entirely. I am saddened that members of the HIV community buy into their own stigma, the reputation as predator, as evil.
It was 100% on me....
Hiv stops with ALL OF US. That is the point here. It is a shared responsibility between both positive and negative people as well as the people who don't even know their status.
This is what got me so angry about the newscast. The TOTAL responsibility was laid at the feet of positive people and they yet again missed the opportunity to make it clear to people that condoms must be used when you are not 100% certain of either party's hiv status.
It takes two to tango and the use of condoms is both partner's responsibility. We are not getting that message out. The message being put out is that you should rely on your partner's disclosure and you have no responsibility to protect yourself and that you even have the right to prosecute if you didn't bother to exercise your right to protect yourself.
No. To be blunt, it was 50% on you. Just as it was 50% on me when I did not insist on condoms.
...but really want to know what you feel should be done if I knowingly infect someone.I think what she did was wrong. The disagreement is whether or not this is a matter for the criminal courts. I personally don't think so. But I can see why some believe that such actions should be prosecuted, as I'm uncomfortable with the notion that there are (or should be) no repercussions for that kind of behaviour. But maybe there are repercussions. I'm sure it's not easy for her to live with her actions, knowing the pain she has caused a loved one. Or maybe this should be a civil matter. Actually I'm surprised this hasn't become a civil matter, especially in the US. Everything else has.
No Jon that is where you are mistaken... that part is over! My anger comes from the fact that HIV does stop with us...those that know.
If I go out and knowingly infect someone why should I not be thrown in jail?
Please Jon... I ask this question not out of anger, but really want to know what you feel should be done if I knowingly infect someone.
people must use condoms until they have tested together with their partner.
On one hand you (rightly) complain that the educational message is not getting out.
On the other, you say the responsibility is 50/50.
Make up your mind.
Don’t forget the cohorts of uninformed adolescents who weren’t properly taught about sex let alone HIV.
The metaphor I imagine is telling someone to go for a walk through a minefield.
The person inviting the other to walk in it knows what's underfoot.