Homophobia spreads AIDS

[Roon]

“We have data that show that gay people who are out and feel good about themselves as gay men are more likely to practice safer sex than guys who are in denial,” says Cahill, referencing separate research by the AIDS Project of Los Angeles and the New York City Health Department. “Particularly those who are struggling with identity issues—who lead a compartmentalized life where they’re not their full selves—they’re often the ones more likely to engage in riskier HIV behavior.” <----Me

http://www.poz.com/articles/ExGay_Fear_HIV_2521_18927_2_of_2.shtml

[closeupready]

1. This is common sense, IMO.

Failure to practice safe sex can be attributed to many things, but clearly, in many (most?) cases, it is reflective of self-hatred and personal disregard for one's own health. Because when a gay person's family, 'friends', religion and co-workers all openly hate gay people, most gay people end up hating themselves, too, keeping the gay part of their identities hidden deeply in the closet. Sex is likely to be done furtively, anonymously and spontaneously, i.e., not in a fashion which lends itself to advance preparation or the taking of precautions.

[Roon]

2. Yeah, I have lived it

I am just glad to find out I was not the only one.

[Touchdown]

3. K&R

[natrlron]

4. True

Yes, this certainly true. But homophobia has another major impact because homophobia in African-American churches keeps the issues from being discussed and continues to put many AA women at risk.