By L. Merhoff and L. Fitzgerald
Each year, around 38,000 people in the United States are infected with HIV and even more face the disease across the globe (Harris). Many of these people are initially unaware that they are infected and can spread the disease unknowingly.
The United States government has developed a plan to address HIV and a larger plan in case of a major outbreak. Their strategy involves a three-step procedure including diagnosing, treating, and preventing the disease. Because many people are unaware they are ill, it is important to spread awareness of the disease in hopes of keeping people safe. Modern science has developed medication to treat those infected with the disease. Although there is no cure, treatments have been developed to keep people alive and healthy for long periods of time. Most of all, it is important to prepare and prevent the illness from breaking out. The government has set aside a federal budget of 28 billion dollars dedicated to disease outbreaks (Federal).
Although there is no cure, treatments have been developed to keep people alive and healthy for long periods of time.
Originaly viewed as a “homosexual plague,” HIV hit the LGBTQ+ community the hardest in the 1980’s. The rapid spread of infections in this community caused a surge in homophobia. People responded in fear and chose to stay away from the LGBTQ+ community. Fear led to neglect from the government and medical personnel. In the gay community, activists promoted the use of condoms and safe sex. An increase in community-based campaigns and other organizations advanced awareness among high-risk citizens. In 1983, a national conference of gay and lesbian health care workers demanded that members of the LGBTQ+ community were given fair and equal medical treatment which included the ability to make their own decisions (Harris). Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the band Queen, has become a public face of AIDS and, along with others, fought for gay rights (Freddie). Reportedly diagnosed in 1987, Mercury did not announce his illness until the day before he died in 1991. Although he was not open about his disease, Mercury’s openness about his sexuality inspired many people to come out of the closet and embrace their sexuality.
In 1983, a national conference of gay and lesbian health care workers demanded that members of the LGBTQ+ community were given fair and equal medical treatment which included the ability to make their own [medical] decisions.
Today, stigma is HIV’s biggest enemy. Sir Elton John, openly-gay Biritsh pop star, has had close encounters with HIV. During the 80s, many of his friends passed away of the disease. After meeting a boy who had been shunned by his family for retracting aids, Elton made the decision to enter rehab and better himself (John). John started a foundation to support those living with HIV. What began as a foundation that focused on HIV/AIDS, Elton John’s cause grew to advocate for safe sex and LGBTQ+ rights.
Because of the people who risked their reputation and careers to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and proper care for diseases like HIV, countless lives have been saved.
