Stigma - Fact or Fiction??

OK - been thinking (and talking) about the whole HIV thing and the stigma that goes with it.

I have to say, from my part at least - Stigma just is not there! Not from my friends, co-workers or family! Maybe I am lucky and the people I am surrounded with have good heads on their shoulders.

As far as the "scene" goes I am not too sure! Not being a "Scene Queen" anymore, I tend not to mix with the scantily clad disco bunnies so my status is not something I would usually bring up in conversation on, one of the few occasions I go out!

HOWEVER!

Being a member on Gaydar I do spend some time in the chat rooms and I have come across quite a disturbing trend! I can only refer to it as "status chasing". Supposed guys with a negative status that are actively searching out the virus! WHY!!! HELLOOOO - do you not actually understand what HIV does to you? OK, so it is no longer the death sentence it was back in the 80's but it still screws up the rest of your life! I just don't get it!! Seemingly "bright" guy chasing the virus by seeking out bareback sex with people they know that are HIV+.

Two things here: Firstly - If I was to knowingly have unprotected sex with someone and they then become infected, I can go to prison! Secondly, these guys are chasing the virus with no real comprehension of what it is like to live the HIV. Whats happened to education in schools, the wider community and the Scene?

I am just baffled and concerned! Maybe the local bars should start trips to the local wards in the hospital where folks in the final days of their lives due the HIV/AIDS are being treated and see the devastation it causes. Maybe when they see the destruction of the disease they will realise the importance of the safe sex message. Realise the posters & leaflets actually have a message that needs to be understood!

So they get infected, the become part of the "HIV Club" , what are they expecting next? The mind boggles!

Let me finish up by saying this - the safe sex message is something they should listen to, understand and "Rubbering-up" should be the new Black for 2009! Well we can hope!