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HIV/AIDS

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency viruses, two species of Lentivirus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Without successful treatment, over time they can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive. Without treatment, average survival time after infection with HIV is estimated to be 9 to 11 years, depending on the HIV subtype. In most cases, HIV is a sexually transmitted infection via blood, pre-ejaculate, semen, or vaginal fluids. Non-sexual transmission can occur through blood transfusions, drug injections, and from an infected mother to her infant during pregnancy, during childbirth by exposure to her blood or vaginal fluid, and through breast milk. Initial identification in 1981 in a small group of sexually active gay men in the United States led to belief that it was a disease exclusive to homosexuals and bisexuals—”gay cancer”—which generated a variety of manifestations of discrimination second in horror only to the nature of the victims’ deaths. New cases and deaths escalated rapidly; as more and more cases were identified in other countries medical experts realized it was not an epidemic but a pandemic. While sex between males continues to be the lead means of transmission in the US, heterosexual transmission prevails in countries with the largest number of cases such as South Africa. As of the end of 2018 about 35 million people around the world had died including over 700,000 in the US, around 37 million were living with HIV, of whom only about 22 million were on treatment.

    • The absence of leadership during the coronavirus means silence still equals death
      Commentary

      The absence of leadership during the coronavirus means silence still equals death

      Perhaps the greatest outcome of this dark and challenging time will be the continued wide-scale awakening from American political passivity.

      Thursday, December 24, 2020
    • The ban on gay & bi men donating their eyes is leaving thousands blind
      Health and Wellness

      The ban on gay & bi men donating their eyes is leaving thousands blind

      There has never been a reported case of HIV transmission through corneal transplant surgery anywhere in the world.

      Tuesday, October 13, 2020
    • Cynthia Nixon says Black Lives Matter movement reminds her of HIV activism from the 90s
      Life

      Cynthia Nixon says Black Lives Matter movement reminds her of HIV activism from the 90s

      Both HIV/AIDS and Black Lives Matter activists worked “to seize the world’s attention and demand an enormous change,” the actress and once-political hopeful said.

      Sunday, September 20, 2020
    • Two men found with a completely drug-resistant form of HIV. Doctors are worried.
      Health and Wellness

      Two men found with a completely drug-resistant form of HIV. Doctors are worried.

      Doctors believe this is the first time the medication-resistant strain of HIV was passed from one person to another.

      Tuesday, September 1, 2020
    • Potential HIV cure approved for a human clinical trial
      Health and Wellness

      Potential HIV cure approved for a human clinical trial

      The treatment uses gene therapy to eliminate the virus from a person’s body.

      Sunday, August 23, 2020
    • Anti-LGBTQ policies increase risk of HIV among gay & bi men
      Health and Wellness

      Anti-LGBTQ policies increase risk of HIV among gay & bi men

      Men who have sex with men were almost five times more likely to have HIV in countries that severely punish homosexuality.

      Sunday, August 2, 2020
    • Colorado’s out governor signs four pro-LGBTQ bills, ensuring it’s no longer “the Hate State”
      Politics

      Colorado’s out governor signs four pro-LGBTQ bills, ensuring it’s no longer “the Hate State”

      One of the bills bans the gay and transgender panic defenses.

      Tuesday, July 14, 2020
    • Georgia Rep. Park Cannon is a queer “activist elected official” getting it done in the South
      Commentary

      Georgia Rep. Park Cannon is a queer “activist elected official” getting it done in the South

      She was only 24 when she was first elected to the state legislature.

      Friday, July 3, 2020
    • Pride in Pictures: Living on
      LGBTQ Pride

      Pride in Pictures: Living on

      Mark has attended more Pride events than most people may have had a chance to – and he’s not slowing down, either.

      Tuesday, June 30, 2020
    • Pride in Pictures: Bubble of community
      LGBTQ Pride

      Pride in Pictures: Bubble of community

      “The support I feel whenever I’m at an LGBTQ event brings me back to this day…”

      Wednesday, June 17, 2020
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