On Dec. 1 the world will unite for the mourning of millions of people around the world. Dec. 1 is internationally recognized as “World AIDS Day.” Events will be happening across the globe to commemorate the loved ones we’ve lost, educate our communities on how to prevent the further spread of HIV and join together in hope for the future of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Here in America many people think of AIDS as an issue that doesn’t affect them. The common stereotype is that only gay men and intravenous drug users get AIDS. Nationally it has been true in the past, but recently that trend has changed. In fact, the truth is women between the ages of 15 and 25 comprise the fastest growing population to be infected with the deadly virus. Heterosexual people (not including I.V. drug users) comprise an estimated 33 percent of all new infections nationally, as published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov). People under the age of 25 are at greater risk for infection and are believed to comprise more than half of all new HIV infections annually, a fact very little people know about. This isn’t a scare tactic, just an eye-opener to some of us, that all of us are in jeopardy.
Though the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender communities have all been devastatingly impacted by AIDS in the ’80s and ’90s, a more global look reveals a much different pattern. Over 98 percent of HIV-infected people world wide are heterosexual. Sub-Saharan Africa alone is home to more than 28 million people who are believed to be infected with HIV. The World Health Organization estimates that world-wide there are 40 million people infected with HIV. Think about that. 40 million people is the population of California and Massachusetts combined. That number doesn’t include the millions more who will be infected in the years to come. Personally I find that daunting.
So is there hope? This is all really scary and seems hopeless at times. Personally I think there is not only hope, there is the certainty that we are capable of ending this pandemic situation. Ultimately the question each of us has to pose to ourselves is, “What does this mean for me?” In my life it means being mindful of how precious life really is. It also means remembering that there are people who aren’t given a choice and who don’t know how to prevent getting infected. In my life it means developing the skills to negotiate safe sex with partners, whether in a monogamous relationship or casual dating. It means taking steps to make sure IV drug users have clean needles, needle-exchange programs remain open, and safe sex options are available to everyone. Most of all it means remembering we have a long way to go before there is a cure for HIV and maintaining vigilance is important in preventing new infections.
Please, on Dec. 1 join the rest of our global community in celebrating and commemorating the lives of people who live with HIV and AIDS and those who have passed on. Red ribbons will be available at the USM GLBTQA Resource center and The Women’s Resource Center located in the Woodbury Campus Center. Look for events in your local communities and on campus. Get involved, speak up, speak out, and ACT-UP against AIDS.