AIDS/HIV Prevention and Education

... criterion for identification. Researchers started to record the numbers of gay men who were diagnosed with immune system disorders and correctly postulated that the disease was acquired.

Although it was clear that AIDS was a biological phenomenon not exclusive to the homosexual population, the fact that gay men had the highest incidence of infection fueled an already significant antigay sentiment. Fundamentalists and right-wing extremists, for example, perceived AIDS as a manifestation of God's abomination of homosexuality. If God was willing to inflict His wrath on gays, there was little reason to think that mere mortals would be obligated to be kind to them.

While the scientific community was busy fighting over the credit for discovering the cause of AIDS, the United States government was slow to address both the spread of HIV and the needs of those who were already infected. There were officials who believed that HIV was a disease that would remain exclusive to gay men and was not a problem in or for the heterosexual community. For this reason, little was done in the area of prevention education that was designed for heterosexual audiences. There was still fear of and prejudice against those suffering from AIDS, but the government did nothing to address methods of protection from HIV transmission or to provide information that would help to combat fear and prejudice.

To date, there is still no indication of a cure for AIDS. The only recourse is to educate people and hope thereby to prevent them from becoming infected. Most people agree with this mandate; however, controversy has arisen over educational methods. Doubts arise about whether it is better to promote safe sex versus abstinence; the appropriate age at which children should be educated about sex, AIDS, and HIV; and who the appropriate spokespersons are to deliver these educational programs.

Fear of sexuality often prevents AIDS education. Many leaders in the field of AIDS education have their roots in groups that are predominantly gay. Groups such as ACT UP were so powerful in both education and policy making that many people believe an AIDS educator is also a gay rights advocate. This is not the case. It is important to give credit where credit is due, and if it were not for the courageous efforts of many gay men and lesbians in our society involved in ACT UP (and similar groups), the AIDS epidemic might be worse than it is today. Notwithstanding the contributions of these groups, many people remain homophobic, and while ACT UP and others educate people about AIDS to promote change and equality, this objective should be secondary to that of preventing the actual disease.

A common mistake made by those attempting to deliver HIV prevention information is the failure to assess the educational needs of the audience. Before any program can be designed and implemented, it is important to examine what is known thus far about AIDS and HIV, the groups at risk, and the overall effects of the disease on different segments of society. The greatest obstacle that homophobia would place in the way of AIDS education is not that it would bar gay men and lesbians from teaching children about HIV and AIDS.

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