Another Awareness Day...

 

Today is, National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2021.  This piece is about that matter.  If I seem underwhelmed,  I am.  

I understand in the US, HIV has struck hardest in the Gay communities & among those actively MSM.  I get it & in this country that's accurate.  But, it isn't globally.  Around the world, HIV seems most prevalent in those parts of society with less standing and power.  Whether that be Gays, Women, POC, etc...

For decades our society has divided into smaller & smaller groups.  So some people can feel better  represented.   If some groups do have specific issues,  those should be addressed.   If not we should all be treated the same.

I'm male, of Native American descent, Gay, rural,  poor & a host  of  other descriptors.  But, in this matter, a single point should be the focus.  I am HIV+. The virus in my body is what's being treated, not any of those other things.  I'm not saying those other things can't impact my health or treatment.  But those are social, cultural or psychological matters, not medical.

Division in these matters will only do harm.  Unless a biological matter needs to be addressed during  treatment, then it shouldn't matter who we are.    We're all people  living with HIV.

Cya...