Reflecting on Loss, Trauma, and the Changing Science
In honor of December being AIDS/HIV awareness month, the team at ATC wanted to take a moment to reflect on the cultural legacy of HIV/AIDS and honor those impacted by the AIDS epidemic.
Joined by Lee Warwick, LMSW
The experience of contracting and managing HIV/AIDS has profoundly changed over the last four decades. Knowledge and treatment options have increased and stigma is decreasing. While it’s not perfect, it’s progress.
Intergenerational Trauma & Collective Community Loss
So much of the legacy of HIV/AIDS is one of deep collective community loss.
The queer community as it currently stands is missing an entire swath of a generation of beautiful, unique individuals. These queer community members—people who would likely have survived if the US federal government had appropriately responded to a clear and persistent health crisis—never had the chance to become community elders. They never had the opportunity to pass along their knowledge; to live their own whole, magical lives; to love; to see how the world has changed, and how it hasn’t. And our current queer collective has suffered from the lack of role models, the anxiety around pleasure, and the persistent presence of loss.
While those who survived continue their legacy, the empty places where those who we lost were meant to be is still felt to this day.
The Changing State of HIV/AIDS Stigma and the Science
Stigma and lack of adequate science drove much of the loss of life during the AIDS epidemic, alongside rampant homophobia.
Thankfully, through much hard work, the state of the science and the stigma those with HIV/AIDS face have changed dramatically over the last few decades.
Contracting HIV is no longer a death sentence. HIV developing into AIDS is less likely, and those who do develop AIDS are better able to manage the health impact of the virus. Mixed status couples can even be intimate with one another with less fear of transmission due to incredible advances with medicines such as PrEP.
Navigating Sexual Intimacy with HIV/AIDS
Take care of each other!
In honor of the memory of those we lost, we as a collective queer community must continue to destigmatize HIV/AIDS, push for further advancements in treatment and management, and continue to keep one another safe through safe sex practices.
Start by making consent and communication part of your flirtation – safety is sexy!
Safety is something that should add to the intimacy and connection, not take away from it.
If you are currently sexually active and have HID/AIDS or have (a) partner(s) who do(es), be sure to:
1. Get tested regularly! NYC offers a ton of public access sexual health clinics, as do other agencies such as Callen Lorde and GMHC
2. Use protection that works for you and the person(s) you are with
3. Have open conversations related to your sexual health and remember, practice makes perfect!
