With the rise and fall of the swine flu, we’ve heard a lot about epidemics lately. You’d think we’d be prepared by now, but epidemics are tricky; they keep mutating and then popping up in completely different places, and at times you’d least expect them.
In the HIV arena, the word “epidemic” isn’t new. But despite everything we now know about the virus, and all the potent anti-retroviral drugs available, "epidemic" still applies. In the US, the rates of new infection have been only stationary for the last few years, which is maybe disappointing in and of itself. And in one particular population, broadly named “MSM” (Men who have Sex with Men), the rates of HIV infection are actually increasing. With all the information we now have about the virus and how it’s transmitted, not to mention how to protect ourselves, what could be causing this increase? What separates the MSM group from the other high risk groups: IV drug users, prostitutes etc?
The answer? Homophobia. Yes, the powers that be have determined that this has less to do with any inherent high risk behaviour this group engage in and is more to do with that fact men who have sex with men are looked down upon and made to feel ashamed, which makes them sad and depressed and more likely to hide their HIV status, avoiding getting help. So, say the public health big wigs, the reason HIV rates are increasing among the MSM population is that there is a homophobia epidemic “fuelling” the HIV epidemic. If you are anything other than 100% supportive of homosexuality, you are actually guilty, not just of bigotry, but of promoting the spread of a deadly virus.
One of the most disturbing features of this point of view, (a view which has been seeping into the HIV world for a while now), is that it’s at least supported, if not the brain-child of people who claim to be scientists. Scientists are supposed to require convincing evidence on which to base their conclusions. There’s so little evidence to support a “homophobia epidemic” it’s shocking that the theory has survived this long. How many people do you know who have a “fear or hatred of homosexuality” and is there any sign that this number is increasing?
But I suspect that’s not the definition of homophobia that’s being used, and that this has nothing to do with science. This is a very poorly hidden agenda to push the legalisation of gay marriage. If you oppose gay marriage and you feel backed into a corner, I don’t blame you. “Are you in favor of gay marriage, or more HIV ?”. “Errr………..”. I suspect “neither” isn’t an option on that questionnaire.
I have no doubt that genuine homophobia exists, and it has been the cause of genuine suffering. Violence and the suffering it causes should be opposed by everyone, no matter who is the victim. But, labelling every person who favors marriage between only men and women as a “homophobe” just distracts from the real problem, (which I suspect has more to do with power than sexuality). And then linking this watered-down definition of homophobia to the HIV epidemic, the cause of a staggering amount of suffering, is the biggest emotional blackmail of all.
Philomena
allthesephilomena@yahoo.com
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