Deseret News | Attitudes changing as HIV rate grows in Utah

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Attitudes changing as HIV rate grows in Utah

Jon W. | 11:00 a.m. Oct. 16, 2009

It's amazing that many in the gay community are still behaving so irresponsibly. I have a brother who has been living an openly gay lifestyle since the late 1970's, who has wisely taken precautions and avoided AIDS all that time, so it can be done. I also have a sister and brother-in-law, both now dead of AIDS, who were innocent victims of the epidemic (he got it from a blood transfusion in the early days of AIDS, and infected her unknowingly). So don't go lecturing me about intolerance - just act responsibly.

Sandra S. | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 17, 2009

Why do you assume it's only in the gay community that people are behaving irresponsibly? Most of the people having unprotected sex, and doing IV drugs are straight, no? How do you know that hot guy (or girl) hasn't been in prison, or isn't using the same needle when they do needle drugs with that one friend they see every now and then? Everyone needs the facts about HIV and how to keep yourself safe. Everyone should have a simple test for HIV once a year. Not just high-risk people; anyone who could have been exposed. Is that you? Your doctor or HIV/AIDS information line can tell you.

Try reading the article again | 11:45 p.m. Oct. 25, 2009

Hey Sandra, it might help you out to read the article again and not jump to conclusions before you finish it. Just a thought...

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 12:37 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

There was NO mention of 8 years of foisting abstinence ONLY instead of science based sex education (which failed in 85% of Senior High School girls who took the abstinence pledge.) There will be another wave of massive deaths from AIDS coming,, in 8 years only one AIDS drug was developed for a disease which mutates constantly and whole catagories of drugs fail, not just one drug in the catagory. The next wave you will be losing your sons and your DAUGHTERS.
You need to "own" that all reference to gay sex was omitted from AIDS literature, by Republicans.
Mormon women should go get themselves tested even if they believe they at no risk, I know the bisexual/gay men in Utah, many are on the down low and married.

Susan | 3:00 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

So if the health care bill passes, do I have to pay for everyones sexual diseases? I have heard everyone talk about how people who are overweight will add to the system but what about people who are sexually permissive...

Moremanlee | 5:55 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

It amazes me how HIV/AIDS only started in the late 1980's, when gay sex has been practiced since Cain and Able. WHO were the EVIL HOMOPHOBICS responsible for creating the virus which started genocide. You can be sure that there would be no true investigation into it, as to many highly authorized people would be revealed as the instigators. It wasn't the first time that such conspiracies have been implemented, and it hasn't been the last. When you read the Book of Mormon you will find a relative story about Nephi cutting off the head of a defenseless drunkard who had fallen down unconscious from the world, and it was said, that "it was better for one man to die than for a whole nation to dwindle in unbelief". It may have been a similar theory that it would be better for the Gays and Druggies to die and rid the world of such a burden. But as usual GOD always turns the Evil upon the instigators who now carry the burden. "They have fallen into the pit they digged for the innocent". Even Christ acknowledged gays, Matt.19:12.

Funny guy | 7:10 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

According to Obama -- "dialog" is the answer to all of societies ails. I guess AIDS is an exception.

Anonymous | 7:12 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Sandra is correct, there is a growing trend nationwide that is affecting women at greater rate than ever. African American women are at the greatest risk of infection right now. Latino's in Utah are hugely impacted also since they are approximately 10% of population, and 17% of the new infections. They article is good, but it fails to discuss the implications in depth. We are seeing the increases due to many factors other than GAY.

Anonymous | 7:14 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

All people need to be tested annually, none of us know where our partners / spouses have been at all times. People lie! Annual testing will also help to stop the stigma, increasing dialog and communications.

If you tell people | 7:22 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

The conventional teachings around safe-sex are abstinence based, "Don't have sex until you are married." But then we tell an entire group of people, "Oh yeah, by the way, you can't get married." This group of people then has no reason not to just hook-up whenever they want with whomever they want.

In abstinence education, it is the norm that when any type of protection is discussed, its efficacy is downplayed - some even go so far as to say you are more likely to suffer negative consequences if you use some form of protection. So this same group that has no incentive to wait is also being told they have no incentive to try to protect themselves.

And then we scratch our heads and wonder why HIV/AIDS is on the increase.

Re: Moremanlee | 7:35 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Wow. That's about all I can say. Wow.

message same in 1980s | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

During the original outbreak of AIDS/HIV, Surgeon General Koop, our leading health authority and the CDC stressed abstinence. Although he and other health authorities educated the public about condoms, a strong message was sent that there is no such thing as "safe sex". Even the CDC booklet encouraged premarital abstinence and fidelity after marriage to an uninfected partner as the primary strategy for prevention. If there is any attitude shift, it is in society that accepts early sexual activity. US Surgeon General Koop said it best in a National PTA convention held here in Salt Lake City. This is a disease directly related to morality.

Asking Why? / Irresponsibility | 8:10 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

HIV/AIDS does not care what your sexual orientation is, it is an equal opportunity attacker. However, as a gay couple of 16+ years in a monogamous relationship, it only seems fair that gays need to take some responsibility for their actions. We are in our late 40's and remember the earlier stages.

The other big question is why would someone choose to expose themselves, or not love themselves enough to protect themselves? We still worry that a low self-esteem, developed through lacking family/social support encourages a "If no one loves me, I guess I'm not worth loving myself" attitude, which contributes to these decision making process.

Each of us are responsible for our own actions, however all of us may play a role and contribute in some way that makes a difference for good or bad.

Pagan | 8:34 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Use protection. Every time.

It's a very simple concept. Since abstinence-only classes have been shown to fail, we can only assume people are going to have sex. It happens every 60 seconds somewhere in the world. To think otherwise is foolish.

Orientation is really a moot point since anyone's sexual orientation is, well, sexual. And this is a sexually transmited disease.

Marriage, casual, whatever your flavor (and whatever you are legally able to do) get tested, use protection.

Let's not pretend your not a risk here.

word to the wise. | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Just dont do IT!

Granny | 9:22 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

I'm a 50+ Grandma with HIV, recently infected. HIV doesn't care if you are gay, straight, married, unmarried, young, old, white, black, hispanic, rich or poor. It is still a death sentence if you don't get tested and obtain early treatment. Medication can cost as much as 3,000 per month just to stay alive. A lot of people think if you have HIV, you must have done something wrong. Tell that to all the women who get it from their husbands. A simple and inexpensive test should be routinely included when people go the e-room or have their annual exam. Complacency, a lack of education, and moronic moralizing are killing people. Everybody get tested. Just do it. Over 200,000 people in this country have HIV and don't know it. That could be you or your spouse, your child, or yes, even your granny.

Again | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

If you tell people to abstain until after marriage and then prevent certain people from ever getting married, why should those people abstain?

It is really easy to say, "don't do it," but seriously - do you want to go your whole life without it?

We are creating a ridiculous situation and then getting upset that it is not tenable.

Anonymous | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Just have sex with one person, now and after being resurrected. Problem solved.

I feel sorry | 11:16 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

for those who do not take AIDS seriously. Anybody who has the attitude of "don't bother me about that" is going to bring a lot of heartache into their lives and the lives of those they love.

It is obvious everyone has to be concerned about it.

The gay community did a great job of raising awareness years ago about AIDS, but, as others have mentioned here, this is not just a gay disease. We need more public awareness and responsibility, now.

Try this | 11:21 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

My wife and I have a beautiful marriage and much of it is based on a simple concept. Abstinence before marriage and monogamy after. It's unfortunate when an unknowing spouse gets infected from an unfaithful partner. But I'd guess a disproportionate majority of these cases come from people incapable of controling themselves. At what point does society stop blaming politicians and religions and point the finger to those who simply don't have the willpower to control themselves?

No Such Thing as Safe Sex | 11:25 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

For all those people saying there needs to be a change in education about sex, you are the problem! There is no such thing as safe sex. Even if a person were to take every precaution available, there is still chances for the pregnancy and the spreading of STDs.

The logic of the have sex anywhere anytime people is laughable. They would argue with people told to drive a car only on the right side of the road. They would make the case that a person should drive on whatever side of the road they want, because it is a personal choice which only affects themselves. Regardless of the accidents it would cause due to people obeying the law of the land.

Not having sex until marriage is still the best way to control these epidemics. Amazing how something taught since the beginning of time is the solution to STDs including AIDS. If both the husband and wife are honest and are healthy going into marriage, then they won't magically get AIDs.

Plus I love these random baseless facts about AIDs that are spouted without backing.

Re: Anonymous 12:37 am | 11:37 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Ah, the old "Abstinence never works" argument. One that has been repeatedly debunked, but always seems to show up because it confirms all the bigoted stereotypes that some people have about Mormons.

If Utah teens -- which are overwhelmingly LDS -- are having more sex than other teens and are doing it without any condoms, then one would expect that the teen pregnancy rates in Utah would be significantly higher than the national average.

Yet, according to 2004 figures provided by the Alan Guttmacher Institute (ie, Planned Parenthood) poor, backward, repressed Utah had the 6th LOWEST teen pregnancy rate in the entire US.

Got that? Utah's teen pregnancy rate is signficantly lower than more "enlightened" states such as Massachusetts, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Washington DC, the city with most liberal policy on condoms and teen sex education, is dead last in the US, with a teen pregnancy rate more than TWICE the Utah rate.

Yes, some kids will get pregnant no matter what. But the statistics clearly show that Utah's policy of treating teen sex as an issue of personal responsibility is far more successful than the "if it feels good, do it!" philosophy.

So Granny.. | 11:38 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

When you found out you were HIV positive did you shoot your hubby??
I know I would have ------ I hope they find a cure if only for you--

It is simple... | 11:50 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Regardless of your beliefs, your religion, your lifestyle you should simply not have sex with people that you do not know. And of course, never have unprotected sex with someone until you know that you and they are both clean. It is simple people.

Soul | 12:12 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Get tested AND then what?? Easier said than done! Stay clean and monogamous.

re:Sandra S | 12:52 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

"Everyone needs the facts about HIV and how to keep yourself safe. Everyone should have a simple test for HIV once a year. Not just high-risk people; anyone....."

Actually no Sandra, I don't need to get tested every year because I don't engage in risky sexual behavior and MANY people don't.

I am monogamous and I don't do drugs...both of these things are taught by a certain local religion.

If you follow these two simple eternal truths you have basically NOTHING to worry about.

Clearly you are familiar with a lifestyle where your frame of reference is "everyone should have a test" which leads one to believe that you and likely the people you associate with are the people that our society has to financially/morally "accommodate" through our health care premiums.

You go ahead with your selfish behavior and don't worry about anybody else but yourself. Save the preaching for yourself though why don't you.

Mans Gotta Do What a Mans Gotta | 1:10 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Sex is a fundamental need of humanity and most other animals. It is a big mistake to think that you can tell people to just say "no." They are going to get it one way or another, regardless of all your preaching and posturing.

HIV increase | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

I wonder if there is a relationhip to increased HIV to the gay community.....close the bath houses!

Outsider, looking in | 2:40 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Why does everything have to be a fight, and everything have to be about religion? I don't hate those not of my faith, though I hold it (my faith) strongly. I do think that we need to get back to morals, and behave in socially responsible (or moral) ways. Let's "play nice;" we're all in this together, and we all want the same thing: a happy, healthy life. Lets be responsible, and help each one of us achieve this goal.

To true "mans gotta do" | 3:10 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

The neccessities of staying alive do not include sex. Food, shelter, water, etc. Sex is a choice.

Teen birth rates | 3:39 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Unfortunately, since 2004 Utah has dropped in the teen pregnancy rankings, from 6th all the way to 18th in 2008, according to the CDC.

And yes, those liberal, 'anything goes,' Northeastern states ranked well ahead of virtuous, holier-than-thou Utah.

In fact of the 17 states that ranked ahead of Utah, 15 voted for the Democrat in the last presidential election. Who'd have thunk it?

Pagan | 4:17 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Bottom line, abstinence does not work.

If we teach kids about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, and how to stop it, they have less to fear. And so do they're parents.

Oh, and by the way, HIV is not a 'gay disease'. That's so 1980.

Be aware. Take precautions. Stay informed.

Use protection. Every time.

Anonymous | 4:26 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

" I do think that we need to get back to morals, and behave in socially responsible (or moral) ways."

Translation: Believe/act the way I do... otherwise you aren't moral.

Re: Teen birth rates | 4:42 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Your statement that Utah "dropped" in the rankings of teen birth rates is quite misleading, since Utah's rate has risen only slightly since 2004 and is still significantly lower than the national rate.

It's more accurate to say that other, more liberal states have become more like Utah during the past few years, than to say that Utah is experiencing a massive increase in teen births.

But once again, if abstinence were clearly ineffective at preventing teen pregnancies, Utah would be at the top of the list since Utah is the youngest state in the US and has the highest proportion of teenagers in the nation.

Bottom line, abstinence does work.

Re: Pagan | 4:56 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009

Wow, every 60 seconds. And I just spent ten minutes reading these comments. I hope that someone had fun.

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