The Viral Truth

On the Passing of Jacques Chambers, HIV Legal Expert

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 14:12:00 GMT

We learned earlier this week that Jacques Chambers passed away on Jan. 11. Even if that name doesn't ring a bell for you, it's likely that if you're part of the HIV community, you've been touched in some way by his efforts.

Making the Most of the Sheen HIV Spotlight: Share the "New Basics" of HIV

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 20:02:00 GMT

In the most publicized news event on HIV in the last decade, Charlie Sheen took to the Today show to confirm the truth: He is living with HIV.

But with his individual revelation, a broader and ultimately more significant truth emerged: The realities of HIV today are drastically different from the dated concepts of the public imagination.

The AIDS Quilt Doesn't Take Manhattan

Mon, 11 Aug 2014 12:00:00 GMT

I slept poorly. I woke up feeling dizzy and didn't want to leave the house. I did anyway. I went to see the AIDS Quilt.

Missouri Youth Faces Stiff Sentence Under Stigmatizing HIV Criminalization Law

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 18:26:00 GMT

Not surprisingly, I have a Google Alert for "HIV" -- each day I receive an email with links to all headlines across the Web with the term "HIV" in them. For several days this past week my alert email was dominated by headlines regarding the same news story:

HIV-Positive College Student Secretly Filmed Sex Tapes With 32 People

Queen and HIV: One Whole Step Forward

Tue, 7 Jan 2014 19:37:00 GMT

About a month ago, a good friend of mine named Doug informed me that he'd be playing bass guitar in an upcoming Queen tribute concert alongside the guitarist Alex Skolnick of (kind of) famed '80s thrash metal band Testament. After frantically assaulting him with questions of how this was possible, what their setlist would be and when I'd "get to hang out with Alex," I set off to mark it down in my calendar, prepared to bulldoze whatever preexisting plans I may have had to make room for this once-in-a-lifetime event. This opportunity. Sure enough, Dec. 1 was just a blank square, waiting to be filled.

HIV, Intersectionality and the Generation Gap

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 04:30:00 GMT

Here at TheBody.com, we have a long-standing, awesome tradition, which is that we order lunch together as a team every Wednesday. (Don't be confused into thinking we eat together as a team; we're all cubicle-dwelling workaholics, so after some chatting and banter, we retreat to our desks to work while we eat, just like every article on living healthily while working in an office says you should never, ever do.) We're a small but tight-knit group -- we know one another's favorite TV shows and musicians, what we all did last weekend and where we're all planning to go for our Thanksgiving vacation days. So it's always surprising when one of us says something that gets nothing but blank looks in return. And when that happens, it's almost always caused by one thing: the generation gap.

Is HIV/AIDS the Real American Horror Story?

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Horror movies are a way for filmmakers to deal with that which forces humans into survival mode, and perhaps nothing is more visceral in terms of mass fear and hysteria than the HIV epidemic, especially in its early years. Horror movies are built around the idea of human mortality, and horror as a genre often looks at the lengths people go to in order to survive when motivated by fear. When faced with the possibility of death, people feel most alive, and the protagonists of horror movies are often spurred into action by a presence that wants to unleash them from the mortal coil.

Food for Thought: An Observation on Longevity

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 15:05:00 GMT

Unfortunately, artists who create great music do not always enjoy the same longevity as their work. And no, I'm not just talking about today's musicians. Composers such as Mozart, Schubert and Chopin, whose pieces we've all heard time and time again (whether we know it or not), made early curtain calls fashionable long before the dawn of the 20th century. But then there's Elliott Carter, a composer who lived to age 103. So, in a universe where someone seems to have it out for musical genius, where there seems to be a cap to the vitality of musical creation, is Carter just an outlier? Can we really attribute his long life to random chance? Dumb luck? Can't be. While it's true that there are certain things we simply don't plan for, Carter's music provides us with advice that, I think, couldn't be clearer -- that, when remaining healthy is paramount, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.

Endure, Remember, Forgive

Wed, 9 Oct 2013 02:01:00 GMT

I'm 30 years old, but writing this in autumn, I feel so much older than I did in the spring. I wrote a few months ago that my mother was sick. July saw her getting worse, and on the first day of August, she moved into Hospicare, a hospice facility in my hometown. She passed away in early September.

TheBody.com Goes to the Big Easy: Reflections on USCA 2013

Wed, 2 Oct 2013 20:24:00 GMT

We're back from New Orleans and the U.S. Conference on AIDS! Back in mid-September, Mathew and I -- along with many other community members and TheBody.com colleagues -- thrived amidst the punishing heat and the mountains of fried meats, and reveled in the welcoming embrace of a regional HIV community that does a great deal of vital work in the face of profound resource constraints. Stay tuned for a spotlight series on the site that focuses on HIV/AIDS in the U.S. South, where we'll go more in depth into the topic, around the end of 2013 and early in 2014.

Do You Know Who My Father Is?

Tue, 3 Sep 2013 23:54:00 GMT

Before I was 22, I rarely talked about HIV. After the summer of 2012, I began working at APICHA Community Health Center. I now work for TheBody.com, I am on the HIV Prevention Planning Group at the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, and I am an active member of ACT UP. This is probably solely due to my dad.

Having the Awkward Conversation

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 09:36:00 GMT

Let me set the stage for you: It's almost seven years ago. Our heroine, a young'un of about 23, has recently moved to New York City, is working at a bookstore, and embarks on her very first post-college, grown-up-type relationship. There has been some smooching. Perhaps even (gasp!) some snuggling. She and her love interest are enjoying a nice evening in, watching TV on the couch, when they have the following exchange:

5 Years and Running: How I Quit Smoking

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 02:06:00 GMT

Aug. 2 marked five years since I started out as an intern at TheBody.com. I remember those early days of transcribing interviews and ordering lunch for the staff. Now look at me -- transcribing and conducting interviews ... and still ordering lunch for the staff. (We do company lunch every week. It's a real morale booster. Don't take it away from us!)

An Award for the Days in Our Lives

Wed, 7 Aug 2013 04:54:00 GMT

We got word late last week that we won an award with significant meaning to us. The National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) announced the winners of its annual Excellence in Journalism Award on July 31, and we snagged the Excellence in Multimedia Award for our A Day in the Life video series.

"1 in 2, Could Be Me": On Being an HIV Statistic and the Violence of Numbers

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 16:31:00 GMT

When I was in college, my best friend and I used to get into a lot of spirited, friendly debates. He was a sociology-oriented person who always extolled the virtue of macro-scale studies with numbers and data, while I was a literary person who would rather read a work of fiction to learn about people. He would claim that my literary pursuits were too myopic, and I would warn about the violence and judgment that lie behind the numbers of many major studies. We were constantly stalemated.

Obama, Trayvon, HIV and the Problem of Empathy

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 23:14:00 GMT

This past Friday, President Obama held a press conference to share his reactions to the Trayvon Martin verdict. His speech has been heralded by some as among the most important he has ever given and lambasted by others as too little, too late at best. I encourage you to listen to the speech, if you haven't already, and form your own opinions. I had my own cascade of thoughts, but I'll get on to what all this has to do with HIV.

On Grief, and Connecting to a Community

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 17:03:00 GMT

I was raised by parents who didn't just tell me that it was important to do good things and help my community, they demonstrated it in the way they lived their lives. Dad was a volunteer firefighter. Mom was a nurse. Together, they helped cofound our tiny town's emergency rescue squad in upstate New York. They were often first responders -- the kind of people who don't rubberneck at accidents, they pull over and help.

The HIV Cure Chatter Is Real, but It's Only Part of Our Story

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 03:25:00 GMT

I don't know about you, but I'm starting to have trouble telling apart one HIV cure story from another.

Just one short year ago, it was all so simple: Whenever anyone talked about a person being cured of HIV, we knew exactly who they referring to. How could we not? There was literally only one guy they could be talking about.

I See Why HIV Testing Can Make You Nervous

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 15:38:00 GMT

In light of this year's National HIV Testing Day, I got tested last week at GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis) here in New York City. It wasn't my first HIV test (I routinely get tested at my annual physical checkup), but it was my first time going to a free testing site.

A Brazilian Lesson in Body Positivity

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:06:00 GMT

I have five tattoos. My first one, an Aries symbol in rainbow, I bought myself as a high school graduation present. It was to remind myself that I should remain true to myself and never apologize for the way I was born (both as a gay man and a stubborn Aries). My second is an homage to my favorite author Flannery O'Connor. My third is an homage to my favorite film Hedwig and the Angry Inch. My fourth is a poem by E.E. Cummings, and my fifth is a quote from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.

Let's Talk About the HIV Cure News

Thu, 9 May 2013 15:07:00 GMT

One of the best parts of my job is covering HIV cure stories. They offer hope and they serve as amazing examples of human tenacity and the wonders of modern medicine. First there was the case of Timothy Brown, the so-called "Berlin Patient," who underwent a stem cell transplant using donor cells that were resistant to HIV. After almost three decades of the epidemic, his case proved that HIV could be cured.

Inside TheBody.com: What We've Been Up To

Mon, 6 May 2013 14:35:00 GMT

It may not look like it given how huge this website is, but TheBody.com is run by a small, close-knit team <>: Just five full-time employees, plus a handful of part-time folks. We thought it might be cool to give you a glimpse of what it is we all actually do here, and what we've been working on lately to make our home on the Web a larger, more complete, more welcoming place for you to come and visit.

Why Does Mainstream Media Continue to Throw Young Black Gay Men Under the Bus?

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

This past Wednesday, April 24, the New York Daily News published an article entitled "Young Black Gay Men Who Hide Sexuality May Be Behind Brooklyn's HIV Epidemic, Doctors Say." The article, from the headline on in, is stigmatizing, racist, heterosexist, shortsighted and misinformed. It does what all the best journalism does: It packs quite the punch in a few short paragraphs. Unfortunately, it reserves its worst jabs and most powerful punches for young black gay men -- a population already at the intersection of many oppressed identities -- and does nothing to further healthy, productive conversation on the fight against HIV/AIDS, ending homophobia or respecting the lives and bodies of Brooklyn residents.

Porn Stars vs. High Schoolers: Who Needs Condoms More?

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:44:00 GMT

Let me begin by saying that I am a huge condom advocate. I have a box of condoms in my own bedside dresser, and carry around a few with me in my bag at any time. No, not only for myself. I give them out to friends, acquaintances, anyone who asks me for one. The use of condoms has increased significantly since the genesis of the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s to the point where they are ubiquitous in all supermarkets and discount department stores. One day, I hope to see them moved out of stores, divorced from the marketplace, and made available, free-of-charge, everywhere. They should be subsidized by a government that cares about the preventative health of its citizens.

Notes on a Conference: Catching Up; Women and HIV; and Thoughts on the Opening Ceremony

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:27:00 GMT

So I won't lie: Waking up this Sunday morning wasn't easy. And my intentions to wake up at 6:30am and go running at the hotel fitness center, turned into me waking up at 8am with Becky Allen, our site manager, laughing at me as she left to get breakfast.

Notes on a Conference Day 1: MSMGF Pre-Conference and PWN Reception

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:15:00 GMT

I have a secret to share with you all.

Despite the fact that I have been writing about the AIDS epidemic since 2006, this is the first International AIDS Conference that I have ever attended.

Shocking, I know.

Fire Destroys Office of New Orleans-Based Organization, Arson Suspected

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:43:00 GMT

Another day, another attack on women.

In the wee hours of the morning on May 25, Deon Haywood received a horrible phone call from her building's landlord. The office of the organization that she runs, Women With A Vision (WWAV), had been burned down.

Buffalo Bills Player Tweets HIV Test Results: Over-Share or Encouraging?

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:03:00 GMT

Earlier this week, Buffalo Bills wide receiver David Clowney tweeted a picture of his negative HIV tests results, with the tagline "Got My HIV Results Back! Thank God for keeping my body healthy and safe."

Zimbabwe Leader Believes That Women Making Themselves "Less Attractive" Will Curb HIV Infections

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:03:00 GMT

It isn't rare for politicians to put their feet in their mouths when they talk about HIV/AIDS. This past January, Tennessee state Sen. Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville) told a radio show "homosexuality is harmful," the HIV epidemic came from a single gay airline employee having "sexual relations" with a monkey, and that heterosexual men and women really cannot contract HIV.

Thoughts on a Roundtable: How to Get Heterosexual Black Men Involved in HIV Prevention, Part 1

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:06:00 GMT

I've always been bothered by the fact that heterosexual black men have been kept out of conversations about HIV prevention in the African-American community. A lot can be blamed for this blatant omission, but it's important to point to homophobia and an unhealthy obsession with the down-low as major reasons why we haven't included straight black men in the mix.

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Talk HIV/AIDS on Letterman

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:10:00 GMT

Last week on the Late Show with David Letterman, to promote the new Broadway play about their NBA rivalry, basketball greats Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird discussed how their relationship morphed from on-the-court adversaries to best friends. They also discuss the day that Magic disclosed that he is HIV positive.

An Open Letter to Zac Efron: "Get'cha Head in the Game" and Be a Safer Sex Advocate

ballen@thebody.com (Becky Allen) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:39:00 GMT

So here's the thing: I might have a very slight, teeny tiny, not at all age-inappropriate fondness for the High School Musical (HSM) franchise. And by "might" I mean "definitely" and by "teeny tiny" I mean "Yes, that picture is of my workspace here at TheBody.com, and yes, that is a High School Musical 2 poster hanging above my monitor." I choose to think of this as one of my adorable quirks. I suspect my coworkers might describe it differently, but they can keep their opinions to themselves, thankyouverymuch.

Tennessee Senator: It's Virtually Impossible for Heterosexuals to Contract HIV From Sex

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:18:00 GMT

Another day, another opportunity for our elected officials to completely expose themselves for being entirely out of touch with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this country.

Say What? HIV-Positive Wall Street Protester Tells Cop Who Punched Him to Get Tested

wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:53:00 GMT

According to the Gothamist article "HIV Positive Protester Says Cop Who Punched Him Should Get Tested," last Friday, an Occupy Wall Street protester was punched in the face by a New York City police officer. The protester, Felix Rivera-Pitre, who is openly gay and HIV positive, told Gothamist, "The cop just lunged at me full throttle and hit me on the left side of my face. It tore my earring out. I remember seeing my earring on the ground next to me and it was full of blood. I was completely dumbstruck. I'm HIV positive and that cop should get tested."

amfAR Is "Making AIDS History" With New PSA Campaign Featuring People Living With HIV/AIDS

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:43:00 GMT

When most of us think of HIV research, we envision laboratories filled with researchers dressed in white lab coats, mixing concoctions in beakers and viewing specimens through a microscope. It's very rare, when we talk about HIV research, that the people actually living with HIV come to mind. But "Making AIDS History", a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign created by the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), is trying to change that. amfAR is an organization dedicated to funding HIV research and finding a cure.

AIDS @ 30: Media Coverage From the Early Days

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:01:00 GMT

This past Sunday, June 5, 2011, news outlets from all across the world commemorated the 30^th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. From national news sites, such as CNN.com and MSNBC.com, to high profile newspapers, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, to local newspapers and news stations, there was an influx of reporting on how the epidemic has affected all of our lives over the past three decades.

And it is the first time in a long time (perhaps since the 25th anniversary) that we have seen these many conversations about the epidemic. I admit that I had expected to see more diverse faces -- not just gay, white men -- given just how HIV/AIDS has impacted communities of color. But nevertheless, the overall message from many of the articles and news stories I read was one of hope and perseverance.

The New York Post Is at it Again; This Time it Outs Alleged Victim's HIV-Status

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:17:00 GMT

As a New Yorker for the past nine years, I have grown accustomed to the ridiculousness called the New York Post. I no longer shudder when the newspaper refers to criminals of color as "thugs," transgender people as "trannies," or exotic dancers as "strippers." I have accepted the fact that journalistic integrity and this Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper don't go hand in hand. (Just think Fox News in print.) But Wednesday morning, the New York Post published "IMF accuser in apt. for HIV vic," a story so scathing and stigmatizing that it actually shocked me.

In a botched attempt of what they might believe is "investigative journalism," staff reporters Jennifer Bain and Bob Fredericks somehow "uncovered" that Dominique Strauss-Kahn's nameless alleged rape victim may be HIV positive and living in an apartment complex designated for people living with HIV.

Why Our Youth Desperately Need Condoms

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:19:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, all media hell broke loose when the national news got wind of a Philadelphia, Pa.-based safer-sex campaign that is offering free condoms to teens and tweens as young as 11 years old. While some media outlets did a decent job of reporting on the health initiative fairly, others chose to anchor their stories in the belief that these types of campaigns are morally problematic and encourage teen sex. But regardless of whether the coverage is fair or biased, most articles ran with sensationalized headlines that focused on the "11-year-old" angle.

PrEP Ineffective for Women? Study on Truvada for HIV Prevention Is Unexpectedly Cut Short

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:55:00 GMT

A clinical trial investigating the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection among women has been cancelled after early results suggested the approach would be ineffective, according to a statement issued by FHI, which implemented the study.

The findings are unexpected, to say the least. It was just a few months ago that a trial known as iPrEx gave us solid evidence to suggest that PrEP -- the use of antiretrovirals by HIV-negative people to help prevent infection during high-risk sexual exposure -- was successful in reducing the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). In fact, iPrEx was so successful that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quickly created interim guidelines to help health care professionals decide whether (and how) to prescribe PrEP to HIV-negative MSM.

HIV-Positive Prisoner Betsie Gallardo Passes Away

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Tue, 1 Feb 2011 15:21:00 GMT

Last month, TheBody.com reported on Betsie Gallardo, an HIV-positive Florida inmate who was dying from stage IV gallbladder cancer and being denied food and liquids from prison officials. I'm saddened to report that Gallardo passed away Jan. 31 in her mother's Indiana home. She was only 27 years old.

"I Talk Because": A Better Way to Do HIV/AIDS Awareness Ads

wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:31:00 GMT

In case you missed it, on Dec. 7 the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) began airing an HIV prevention public service announcement (PSA) with the tagline, "It's Never Just HIV." The PSA targets young men who have sex with men (MSM) by flashing scary images that warn that HIV can lead to bone loss, dementia and anal cancer. Since its debut, this ad has polarized the HIV community. Some activists, such as Larry Kramer, believe this ad is a much needed wake-up call; others, such as our news editor, Kellee Terrell, believe it does more harm than good because it demonizes gay sex, being gay and being HIV positive.

In my opinion, "It's Never Just HIV" seems as effective as the phrase, "Every time you masturbate, God kills a kitten."

CNN Tackles HIV and (GASP!) Just About Succeeds

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:41:00 GMT

When I read that CNN's Anderson Cooper was hosting a news special about the HIV epidemic in America, I wasn't too excited about it. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Cooper, but too many times mainstream media's coverage of HIV has fallen flat.

Case in point: CNN's 2009 special "Black Men in the Age of President Obama." In one of the segments, CNN attempted to address gay and bisexual black men. But instead of tackling homophobia, violence, bullying and job discrimination, CNN anchor Don Lemon, Essence's former editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray and a panel of straight black men (none of whom possessed HIV or LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] expertise) used the time to talk about how the down low is killing black women. No real proof to back up their claims, no real HIV expert to explain the rise in HIV rates among black men who have sex with men and no voices of actual gay men telling their own stories in their own words were provided.

New Nebraska Bill Proposes Increased Penalties for Spitting on Cops if You're Living With HIV or Hepatitis; Media Fails in Its Reporting

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:47:00 GMT

Even though HIV and hepatitis C are not spread through the transference of saliva, that scientifically proven fact didn't stop Nebraska State Senator Mike Gloor. On Jan. 10, Gloor proposed a bill that would make spitting on a police officer a misdemeanor in his state, but for someone living with HIV or hep C, the punishment would be much more severe.

Revised U.S. HIV Treatment Guidelines Include Minor Changes, Reassurance on Viral Load "Blips"

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:51:00 GMT

In recent years, we in the HIV information world in the U.S. have taken to holding our breaths whenever a new version of the official U.S. HIV treatment guidelines is released. The last time the guidelines were updated, in December 2009, they altered some of the basic rules that health care professionals should follow regarding when a person should start HIV treatment and what HIV meds he or she should take.

No such earth-shattering changes this time around. New guidelines were released this morning, and they include no major changes to "when to start" treatment or "what to start with." However, they do include a number of minor, but noteworthy, changes that could impact some aspects of HIVers' health care.

Denial of Health Care for HIV-Positive Florida Inmate Raises Discrimination Questions

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Wed, 5 Jan 2011 17:36:00 GMT

This article was updated 1/5/2011.

Thanks to her mother's love and tenacity, Betsie Gallardo, a young, HIV-positive Florida inmate dying of cancer, is finally receiving the basic nutrition she needs to stay alive. But some wonder if she'd still be in prison at all if she didn't have HIV.

"Betsie is finally being fed, and thank God for that!" Jessica Bussert, Gallardo's mother, wrote in an e-mail update on Dec. 30 to reporter Todd Heywood. "She is very weak and thin, and I'm not sure how much longer she could have held on."

New York City Radio DJ Suspended After HIV Remark

wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:36:00 GMT

This article was updated 12/29/2010.

New York City radio station Hot 97 has indefinitely suspended one of its DJs, Cipha Sounds, following outrage over a controversial joke he made on the air on Dec. 17. During his morning show last Friday, Cipha Sounds, whose real name is Luis Diaz, told listeners, "The reason I'm HIV negative is because I don't mess with Haitian girls."

While he might have thought the comment would be forgotten by the next commercial break, it wasn't. Within hours, people from the Haitian community, local leaders and the general public launched phone complaints and angrily sounded off on the station's Twitter and Facebook pages.

Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga and Other Celebrities "Dying" for AIDS

wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) — Mon, 6 Dec 2010 21:32:00 GMT

This article was updated 12/6/2010.

This World AIDS Day, some of the most followed celebrities have sacrificed their digital lives, in one of the more interesting campaigns to raise money for HIV/AIDS, known as Digital Death. The celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake, will stop using online social media until US$1,000,000 is raised via Buy Life for Keep a Child Alive, singer Alicia Keys' foundation that provides HIV/AIDS treatment and services for millions of people in Africa and India.

So basically, the celebs "die" digitally and you buy their lives back by donating to Keep a Child Alive. Many of them took casket photos -- looking very glamorous, I might add -- and prepared "Last Tweet and Testament" videos explaining their personal reasons for signing off Twitter and Facebook on World AIDS Day.

It's World AIDS Day. Who Cares?

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 1 Dec 2010 15:35:00 GMT

To most of humanity, today is World AIDS Day. To most of the world's 33 million people who are living with HIV, it's Wednesday.

Radio and television airwaves today will carry an endless stream of numbers, delivered in a heavy tone by somber news anchors, talk show hosts and political leaders. There will be calls for more awareness, more funding, more testing, more action, more research, more treatment, more condoms, more abstinence, more tolerance. And the 1.2 million people in the U.S. who have HIV will wake up, get dressed, eat, go to work, care for their children, do the laundry, go shopping -- and, of course, take their meds. Just like they do every day.

Has Obama Already Failed Us on HIV/AIDS? (And Will Yelling Make It Better?)

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Fri, 5 Nov 2010 05:55:00 GMT

Is it somehow "wrong" to protest President Barack Obama on HIV/AIDS? If you have mixed feelings on the question, you're not alone: The HIV community itself is divided over the issue.

We got a rare, but important, public glimpse into that division on POZ.com this week. POZ's editor in chief, Regan Hofmann, and Housing Works' president/CEO, Charles King, both well-known HIV/AIDS advocates, criticized one another over when it's "appropriate" to protest Obama on HIV/AIDS issues. Hofmann, writing the day before mid-term elections swept dozens of congressional Democrats from power, pointed specifically at a few recent examples (university students heckling Obama in Connecticut; Charles King's own outburst during an Obama speech earlier this year) and said that, while she agrees "with the message they were delivering," she disagrees with "the timing and venue they chose."

Why the Porn Industry's HIV Problem Is Our Problem, Too

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:18:00 GMT

For the past two weeks, the media has been buzzing about the adult film performer in California who tested positive for HIV. Inappropriately dubbed "Patient Zero," the individual has been identified as a male actor who worked in both gay and straight porn, which appears to be a rarity with male performers. This discovery has prompted four studios, including Vivid Entertainment and Hustler Video, to shut down production while they test anyone who has had unprotected sex with the actor. As of yet, no one has tested positive, but given that it can take up to 90 days to seroconvert, retesting will most likely happen in the near future.

Oprah Misses the Mark on HIV/AIDS ... Again

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell ) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:55:00 GMT

Oprah Winfrey devoted the Oct. 7 episode of her talk show to HIV/AIDS. But instead of it being about anything substantial, eye-opening or educational, Oprah decided to focus on issues that distort the epidemic.

"Why She Sued Her Husband for $12 Million and Won" opened with beautiful, educated Bridget, who had met and married the love of her life. It was a fairy tale -- until the day, 10 years ago, that she found out she was HIV positive. Later, she learned her husband was HIV positive, too. And that he had slept with men without using condoms. And that he was the one who had given her HIV. She later sued her husband for $12 million and won.

Project Disclosure: Mondo Guerra Announces He Is HIV Positive

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell ) — Wed, 6 Oct 2010 02:19:00 GMT

"This print is also just symbolism for who I am now," Mondo Guerra, a Project Runway contestant explains during deliberations. "It's just very very personal and it tells a story."

The contestants were asked to make a pattern based on something from their own life. Guerra's creation -- a black-and-white silk halter, tucked ever so neatly into high-waisted, magenta bell-bottoms with black and yellow plus signs -- wowed the four judges. "I wish you would tell us the story," Nina Garcia, the editorial director for Marie Claire, urged.

My Thoughts on the United States Conference on AIDS: Confessions of an HIV News Editor

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell ) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:52:00 GMT

It's funny that even though I have been writing about HIV/AIDS since 2006, this year's United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) was my first opportunity to attend any type of HIV/AIDS conference -- ever.

And I am so glad that I went, because it was amazing.

U.S. Senate Nominee Christine O'Donnell on HIV Funding: Less Is More

wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:30:00 GMT

Whether you're political or not, you can't help but raise your eyebrows at some of the things Republican U.S. Senate nominee Christine O'Donnell has said, whether it's with respect to her campaign against masturbation or dabbling in witchcraft. Last week, a C-SPAN video surfaced of her in 1997, talking about government funding for HIV. She says, "A lot of the money that we're spending goes to things we know will not prevent AIDS, but indeed continue to spread the disease, when a lot of our money goes to distribute condoms in high schools, when a lot of our money goes to distributing material that is literally pornographic." Which sounds like she's saying that using condoms spreads HIV.

Who's Gonna Stand Up to AIDS in America?

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:43:00 GMT

Nearly two weeks ago, television networks joined forces to raise awareness and money for cancer -- and to no surprise, America paid attention. Stand Up to Cancer clocked in a record 18.3 million viewers and raised a whopping $80 million. And while I watched dozens of celebrities talk about the importance of finding a cure, a thought hit me.

Where's the Stand Up to AIDS in America special?

HIV/AIDS: A New First Impression

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:40:00 GMT

If only HIV/AIDS had made a different first impression.

I wonder where we'd be right now if those first few cases of AIDS had been found in straight white guys. If the disease hadn't been initially referred to as "gay cancer" or GRID (gay-related immunodeficiency disease). If HIV/AIDS hadn't been associated from the start with lifestyle, rather than biology.

Here we are, entering the fourth decade of our life with HIV as a human nation. And much of our country -- heck, much of the world -- still thinks HIV/AIDS is not so much a viral disease as it is the inevitable result of a bad decision.

FDA Decision on Egrifta (Tesamorelin) Delayed Until Fall

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 17:38:00 GMT

It's been more than a month since a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel unanimously recommended approval of Egrifta (tesamorelin). That recommendation appeared to put Egrifta firmly on track to become the first approved treatment for lipohypertrophy (unusual fat gain) in people with HIV.

It was widely expected that July 27 would be the big day, but it came and went with no approval. What gives?

TMC278 (Rilpivirine) Stands Up to Efavirenz in Battle of First-Line NNRTIs; FDA Approval May Be Drawing Near

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:16:00 GMT

The NNRTI efavirenz (EFV, Sustiva, Stocrin) is one of the most popular first-line HIV medications, but its risk of associated neurological side effects sometimes leaves people seeking other options. An NNRTI in late-stage development, TMC278 (rilpivirine), appears firmly set on offering treatment-naive people a viable alternative.

It's too soon to predict whether TMC278 will succeed in that goal. But research presented at AIDS 2010 appears to support this young upstart's progress toward U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, perhaps within the next several months.

July ADAP Update: State and Federal Programs Get an A for Effort, but Waiting Lists Keep Growing

ballen@thebody.com (Becky Allen) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:27:00 GMT

For what feels like the first time in months, there's good news about U.S. AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting lists.

North Carolina's ADAP re-opened on July 11, for the first time since January. At the beginning of the month, N.C. had 783 people on its waiting list; now, thanks to an influx of $14 million in state funds, that number is down to 182, with more than 900 additional people expected to be enrolled in the months to come.

Where HIV Care Is a Rare and Precious Thing, 4,000 May Be About to Lose It

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:35:00 GMT

One of the 30,000 people here in Vienna for AIDS 2010 is Svetlana Antoniak. She is a short, round woman with curly, shoulder-length red hair. At first glance she seems jovial but matronly, a person who loves life but knows her responsibilities. At closer inspection, though, it's clear that the vivid gleam in her eyes is offset by a face that has become drawn from exhaustion and worry. Antoniak looks soulworn.

And no wonder: Antoniak is the head of one of Eastern Europe's most successful HIV/AIDS clinics. And it may be about to die.

Confessions of a Conference Newbie

ballen@thebody.com (Becky Allen) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:34:00 GMT

AIDS 2010 has brought me a couple of incredible firsts: It's my first AIDS conference, and it's my first time traveling abroad. Either of those things on its own would be overwhelming, but "overwhelming" doesn't quite cover it. My coworkers had told me all about it, and I can remember being amazed by just their descriptions of the conference two years ago, so I'd braced myself. I thought I was prepared.

I really, really wasn't.

Raltegravir Lovefest, Vienna Edition: AIDS 2010 Studies Explore Various Strategies for Use

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:16:00 GMT

The first set of scientific presentations at AIDS 2010 brought us some new research on raltegravir (Isentress), a study on raltegravir and some new data on ... let me see here ... ah, yes! Raltegravir! How could I forget.

Five presentations comprised the conference's opening set of oral abstract presentations; of them, three focused on various strategies for the use of raltegravir, currently the only integrase inhibitor on the market. (Of the other two presentations, one was devoted to a competing integrase inhibitor in the pipeline; the other discussed TBR-652, a CCR5 antagonist with potential anti-inflammatory properties.)

At Opening of AIDS 2010, Creative Action Turns Conferees' Attention to Governments' Broken Funding Promises

oford@thebody.com (Olivia Ford) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:47:00 GMT

HIV/AIDS activists from around the world collaborated on a demonstration set to coincide with the opening ceremonies of AIDS 2010. In addition to a banner drop, which, sadly, I missed (though I did procure a photo, courtesy of Kaytee Riek from Health GAP), a diverse contingent marched through the conference exhibit hall shouting. At the entrance of the opening ceremonies, the contingent staged a "die-in" to illustrate the avoidable deaths that inevitably result from a lack of funding for HIV treatment. Health GAP's official press release provides more details about the issues behind the demonstration.

Between the banner drop and the die-in, while the march snaked its way through the conference center, activists held onto giant helium balloons festooned with the faces of world leaders who've pulled the strings of funding shortfalls for HIV treatment. Among those pictured were the G8 leaders (including Barack Obama, who got his own balloon), as well as the presidents of four African nations.

An Anti-Inflammatory Antiretroviral? CCR5/CCR2 Antagonist TBR-652 Monotherapy Study Results

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:47:00 GMT

When it comes to health problems in people with HIV, inflammation is the flavor of the day. In the case of TBR-652, a CCR5 inhibitor in the earliest stages of testing in humans, that's an awfully good thing. What sets TBR-652 apart from other CCR5 inhibitors -- heck, all other antiretrovirals on the market today -- is that it's also designed specifically to block another receptor, CCR2.

CCR2 has nothing to do with HIV, but appears to have quite a bit to do with inflammation. Drugs that can inhibit CCR2 are being explored as potential treatments for a number of health problems tied to inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.

A "Family Reunion" for Some Fierce Activists: The Global Forum on MSM and HIV

oford@thebody.com (Olivia Ford) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:47:00 GMT

In what's becoming a tradition around International AIDS Conference time, the Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF) held its pre-conference gathering on the day before the conference officially opened. MSMGF, to paraphrase its Web site, works worldwide to fight HIV and promote the health and human rights of men who have sex with men.

To better understand what many participants in MSMGF do, imagine this scenario: You're gay and HIV positive -- already not a walk in the park in most societies. Now imagine you live in a country where there's no effective HIV treatment available, your condoms regularly tear from lack of lubricant, and what HIV prevention messages there are shut you out completely because sex between men is a legally punishable offense. Now go out, raise your voice and fight for your rights -- without a salary, because the notion of being paid for working as an activist for men who have sex with men does not exist in your area.

HIV/AIDS Vaccine Experts Discuss Hopes and Fears for the Future of Vaccine Development

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:30:00 GMT

Before AIDS 2010 had even officially begun, some of the luminaries in the HIV/AIDS vaccine field gathered to talk about how bright and bubbly the future looks for vaccine development.

All right, it wasn't quite that simple.

To be sure, there was a considerable amount of cheerleading during the July 18 satellite session entitled "The Search for an HIV Vaccine: Where Are We, Where Are We Going, and How Can We Get There Faster?" But there was also plenty of sober reflection. After all, we are just a few years removed from one of the greatest failures in the history of HIV vaccine development -- one that left many in the field wondering whether there even was a future for HIV vaccines. You don't go from death to rebirth that quickly unless you're in the Bible.

An HIV/AIDS Vaccine Breakthrough? On CNN, Community Leaders Offer Perspective

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:17:00 GMT

Off the cusp of the exciting news that scientists have discovered two potent antibodies that can stop more than 90 percent of HIV strains, CNN anchor Don Lemons interviewed Phill Wilson, CEO and founder of The Black AIDS Institute, and Sherri Lewis, HIV/AIDS activist and TheBody.com blogger, to discuss what this development means in terms of a possible HIV/AIDS vaccine.

What Does an ADAP Waiting List Really Mean? A Look at the Deepening Crisis From HIV/AIDS Service Organizations' Point of View

ballen@thebody.com (Becky Allen) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 18:45:00 GMT

Waiting lists for AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are at an all-time high, having grown steadily all year: They're now at 2,090 people across a total of 11 states. An unknown number of additional people -- perhaps thousands -- have lost their ADAP coverage entirely or seen it reduced due to other cost-cutting moves.

Obviously, this has a dramatic impact on low-income HIVers who rely on ADAP assistance to get their meds. But it has also become a major concern for people who work with HIVers at clinics, doctors' offices and HIV/AIDS service organizations. "I think that we're doing a lot of panic control right now. These stories fly so quickly, people get really concerned and take it very personally when their health is at risk," says Beth Parker, case manager of the AIDS Insurance Continuation Program for the Northeast Florida AIDS Network.

New HIV Risk Estimates Are In: Anal Versus Vaginal Sex

wtong@thebody.com (Warren Tong) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 18:15:00 GMT

When it comes to calculating risk of HIV transmission, some people can really get fixated on specific percentages. That's not something to condone. But it's still interesting -- and useful -- when studies use those percentages to shed new light on key topics in HIV transmission. Which is what a group of British researchers did recently for the age-old question: When it comes to HIV/AIDS, how much riskier is anal sex than vaginal sex?

When Will the Media's Obsession With the "Down Low" Die?

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Thu, 8 Jul 2010 16:17:00 GMT

On the June 22 episode of The View, guest host D.L. Hughley attempted to school America on why HIV is so prevalent among African-American women. He said with confidence, "They are getting it from men who are on the down low."

Co-host Sherri Shepherd agreed with Hughley, and proceeded to offer her take on what the "down low" is: "The down low is African-American men who have sex with men and then have sex with their girlfriends -- or their wives. They're husbands, as well. It's very prevalent in the African-American community. Very!"

During Pride Month, President Obama Vows to Make Progress on LGBT Issues

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:05:00 GMT

"The fact that we've got activists here is important because it's a reminder that change never comes, or at least never begins, in Washington. It begins with acts of compassion -- and sometimes defiance -- across America." These were the opening words from U.S. President Barack Obama as he spoke at the White House's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Pride Month Reception on June 22. Obama took the opportunity to defend the progress his administration has made for LGBT rights, and to outline additional measures he's striving towards.

U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy Release Is Imminent

oford@thebody.com (Olivia Ford) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:07:00 GMT

Finally, the release of the U.S.'s first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy is almost upon us. "We're no longer talking months; we're talking weeks," said U.S. Office of National AIDS Policy director Jeffrey Crowley in a recent conference call with community members. Organizations across the U.S. are circling the wagons, preparing to alert their constituencies about the strategy upon its release.

Selzentry Labeling Includes New Warnings for People With Kidney Problems

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 2 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The CCR5 inhibitor Selzentry (Celsentri, maraviroc) should be used with caution by HIV-positive people with kidney problems, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration release. The release provides details on several changes that have just been made to the official drug labeling for Selzentry, all of which have to do with the renal (kidney) issues.

This is all pretty new information. Although it was previously known that some Selzentry dose adjustments were likely needed for people with kidney failure, that's also true of an awful lot of drugs, since the kidneys basically act as the body's filtration system -- and if they stop working, it seriously hurts the body's ability to prevent drug levels from building up dangerously.

ABC's Brothers and Sisters Tackles HIV/AIDS and the Over-50 Crowd

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:37:33 GMT

With May sweeps coming to an end, it's network television tradition to throw in, out of nowhere, cliffhangers that draw you back to a new season in the fall. ABC's Emmy-winning Sunday night drama, Brothers & Sisters, was no exception to that rule. The season finale on May 16 pulled out all the stops with a multi-car pile-up; the death of Rob Lowe's character; and the revelation that Ron Rifkin's character, a 70-something gay man, tested HIV positive.

Community Members Step Up Pressure as GMHC Prepares to Respond

kterrell@thebody.com (Kellee Terrell) — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:45:33 GMT

On May 12, TheBody.com first reported on the current growing rift between Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and community leaders about GMHC's pending move. Here are some updates:

On May 13 at GMHC's Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) monthly meeting, Larry Kramer, longtime HIV/AIDS activist and one of GMHC's co-founders, blasted GMHC Chief Executive Officer Marjorie Hill and the co-chair of GMHC's Board of Directors (BOD), Matthew Moore. "You all should just resign," he said as they both sat in the audience.

HIV/AIDS Clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Hit Hard by Earthquake; How You Can Help

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:31:33 GMT

A quick note on some HIV/AIDS-related news trickling out of Haiti in the aftermath of this week's devastating earthquake: A key HIV/AIDS clinic in Haiti, the GHESKIO facility in Port-au-Prince, has been severely damaged but most of its staff is accounted for and OK, according to a message from Jean W. Pape, M.D., the director of the facility.

The Thai HIV Vaccine Trial: Is It a Big Deal or Not?

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:11:33 GMT

If you're feeling a sense of whiplash over the recent barrage of HIV/AIDS vaccine news, you're not alone: Public reaction to the results of the RV144 Thai HIV vaccine trial has felt like a roller coaster.

First came the over-the-top headlines hailing the results as a veritable miracle of science. Then came the over-the-top headlines calling the results into serious doubt.

ADAP Coverage Struggling in Many States, Leaving Many HIVers in the Lurch

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Thu, 1 Oct 2009 14:42:22 GMT

HIV vaccine in Thailand = sexy. HIV treatment access in U.S. = yawn.

That's the lesson we can apparently take away from the news of the past two weeks. On the one hand, you have The Big News of the Year: Heralds throughout the U.S. trumpeted the story about an almost-sort-of-successful HIV vaccine, despite the fact that even if it does pave the way toward a fully effective anti-AIDS shot, that won't happen for many years.

Meanwhile, largely ignored has been the rapidly deteriorating situation regarding HIV treatment access in the world's richest country, where we seem not to be able to afford to give HIV meds to some of our neediest HIV-positive citizens.

25-Year Prison Sentence Vanishes for Man Convicted of Not Disclosing HIV Status

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:04:26 GMT

Twenty-five years in prison and a lifetime of parole. That's the sentence that was initially handed down to Nick Rhoades, a 34-year-old, HIV-positive man living in Ohio. His crime: Failing to disclose his HIV status to another man before having sex with him.

The man Rhoades slept with did not become infected with HIV. Nonetheless, when District Court Judge Bradley Harris sentenced Rhoades in May 2009, he gave Rhoades the toughest sentence possible under the law, likening Rhoades' actions to "carrying a concealed weapon." And Rhoades himself basically agreed: He pleaded guilty, after all, and from the beginning expressed remorse for his actions.

Then, on Sept. 11 -- just four months into Rhoades' 25-year sentence -- Judge Harris wiped the whole thing out and gave Rhoades five years of parole. Rhoades was released from prison that very day.

Wait. What? Twenty-five years and lifetime parole becomes five years of parole, end of story?

How Long Will You Live With HIV? Take Studies With a Grain of Salt

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 9 Sep 2009 21:12:25 GMT

"How long will I live?"

It's one of the most pressing, frightening questions facing people with HIV, whether they've been newly diagnosed or have been infected for some time. And like so many other questions in HIV, the answer is frustratingly complex, confusing and ever-changing.

How long will you live with HIV? It depends on who you are. Research suggests that HIVers die sooner if, for instance, they use injection drugs; are coinfected with hepatitis; are depressed; or are pretty much any race and sex other than a white male.

Kaletra and Gemfibrozil (Lopid): A Match Not Made in Lipid Heaven

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:34:15 GMT

Here's a heads-up for those of you with HIV and high cholesterol/triglycerides: Depending on which HIV meds you're taking, lipid-busting drugs may not work exactly the way they're supposed to.

The latest item to add to your "Oh Great, Another Thing I Need to Keep an Eye On" list comes from the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, and it specifically concerns a drug known as gemfibrozil (brand name: Lopid), part of a family of triglyceride-fighting drugs called fibrates. The study involved eight men and seven women, all of whom were HIV-negative. Here's what happened:

The 15 people took a single dose of gemfibrozil.
For the next two weeks, the 15 people took a regular twice-daily dose of Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir)
When the two weeks were up, the 15 people took another dose of gemfibrozil.
In all 15 people, gemfibrozil didn't absorb into the blood nearly as much as it's supposed to, meaning it lost at least some of its effectiveness.
Nobody experienced any major side effects.

HIV (Apparently) Comes From Gorillas: What This Means for the HIV Community

mhelfand@thebody.com (Myles Helfand) — Wed, 5 Aug 2009 23:13:42 GMT

Look out! You can get HIV from a gorilla! Somebody warn Ann Darrow!

OK, OK, let's all calm down. Yes, scientists have apparently found that HIV can make the leap from gorillas into humans. But what does it mean for someone living with HIV -- or even for the human race in general? For now, at least, it means pretty much nothing -- unless, of course, you're fascinated by cool (by which I mean nerdy) developments in science.