I'm not even going to bother checking to see if this is a repost because A) I'm lazy, and B) There are like thousands of posts to dig through. For years I wanted HIV/AIDS. Sick I know. You look in these HIV treatment ads in gay magazines and you see a happy, hot, coupled gay man walking on the beach living it up. I know it's supposed to send the message that if you have HIV/AIDS your life doesn't have to end however, it also sends the message that living with HIV/AIDS is going to make you happy, hot, and coupled. Much in the same way that the tobacco industries lure their customers. Now that I've had an HIV scare (still waiting on the results) I've decided...hey maybe it's not such a good idea to get HIV/AIDS. Questions? Comments? I now open the floor for debate.

Ah, well you'll have to let us know how that one goes. You've got out support. *internet hug*

I'm rather interested in the AIDS epidimic, and through my reading I have noticed what you're talking about. I even read a book where several people were quoted saying that getting HIV was the best thing that had ever happened to them. They said they'd finally realized to live every day to its fullest. I'm glad they can be so positive about it, but it does give young impressionable minds the wrong idea.

I've seen the ads you're talking about on banners online, and they are quite remniscent (sp?) of cigarette ads or diet programs. And clpo's Levitra commercial. *shrug* I'm all for treatment, so I guess whatever catches the public's eye goes.

And another thing, I'm totally for Rent. Obviously. It's my favorite show of all times. But still, I can't help but think some people come away from it with the wrong idea. They don't catch the deep down meaning and just run away with their shallow impression. "Oh look! They have AIDS and they're happy! No need to worry about that particular pandemic!" No matter that they're freezing they're buts off, Roger's coming out of withdrawal and depression, Mimi almost dies, etc. *Shrug* Oh well. Oh yeah, the on-topic part of this: I guess Rent does in a way glorify AIDS, but the overall message of equality, endurance, and love is what it's really about.

Whew. Long slightly off-topic post finished.

Well the test came back negative...with one exception. The test was worthless. It was an OraSure (oral swab) test and unless you're exhibiting symptoms it won't show up on an OraSure test. So I'm going back to get a blood test done.

Well now you're obligated to tell us whether you're positive or negative once you find out.

Anyway, I agree. I haven't conciously considered it, but it's a very good point. I have thought about how they're all pretty healthy seeming. But I think that's to project the image that using the treatment they offer you will be fine. However, the couples thing is a huge issue since most HIV+ gay males are promiscuous, and unsafe no less, and so that doesn't logically (in my brain) equate to being in a steady relationship.

Ultimately I think it's stupid that they are coupled since it's not realistic for most HIV+ people. In that sense it almost is advertising that you will be in a relationship no matter what if you use them (which requires HIV/AIDS).

Good point.

*huggle* I never wonder.

I wonder about you sometimes...

Ads like that do tend to be pretty misleading. Like that one Levitra ad where the guy throws a football through the tire swing. Yeah, I know it's sexual innuendo, but at first glance, it makes you think that Levitra gives you a good throwing arm. Heck, if I remember right, that ad doesn't even mention ED, which is what it's really for.

Anyways, I highly doubt HIV or AIDS is ever going to be a good thing to have, no matter what perks you get for having it.