
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
Scroll To Top
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Words That Ring True
I understand the woman who says, 'HIV-positive moms often have a difficult time disciplining their children because they want to be remembered in a positive light' ['Mom's Little Helpers,' August]. I have a 6-year-old, who was born HIV-positive, and a 2-year-old. I am regularly torn between my desire to be a good mother and my fear, because I have been sick, that I may die and my children will only remember me as a mean mom.
Name withheld by request
Atlanta
Against the Establishment
I remembered just having read your 'New Kids on the Bloc' article about groups joining forces to find ways to purchase medications at reduced prices [August]. And, I swear, now it seems like this is the hot topic on the talk radio station I listen to every day. I hope these states that are taking on this effort are successful'for my much-needed benefit and everyone else's!
Jeff Gonzales
Dallas
Looking for Aid
I am an HIV case manager and noticed that you mentioned going to your Web site to locate information on pharmaceutical manufacturers' patient-assistance programs ['A Pharmaceutical Safety Net,' August]. I quickly looked over your site and cannot seem to find this info. Where can I go for this on your site?
Janelle Durlin
Mid-Iowa Community jAction
Ames, Iowa
[The editors respond: A click-through link is located in the Related Links box next to the article. However, here is a link to the site for your convenience: Helping Patients (www.helpingpatients.org/index.cfm/).]
He Said What?
I just read the June issue of HIV Plus and enjoyed it thoroughly. When reading the article 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell? No Way!' there was a comment regarding getting rejected by a potential date after breaking the news to someone that you are HIV-positive. The article states, ' 'Get rejected? Get over it,' says Manhattan shrink Michael Shernoff; 'otherwise, you are just reinforcing an unhealthy victim status.' It's just rejection, not the end of the world.' ' I must take issue with Shernoff's callus and aloof stance on this issue.
I have been positive for 10 years and have met countless men who, after I have disclosed my status, run for the closest exit door as fast as they can. I can understand where one or two rejections can be manageable, but when it happens repeatedly, it is hard to adopt Shernoff's attitude about this painful issue. And I am not alone. I have several friends who are also positive who continuously experience the same thing.
I think the root of the problem comes from both gay and straight lackluster attitudes toward HIV as a whole. We have all seen it: reduced funding for educational programs, carefree attitudes around bareback sex, fear of safer-sex programs in schools, and poor government support for an ever-growing epidemic. When are we all going to wake up?
I would hope that Shernoff's educational and professional training has taught him to be more feeling, understanding, and compassionate with his clients. His advice helps no one and, in fact, just reinforces feelings of the unhealthy victim to which he refers. If in fact this is the advice he gives to his clients, I pray that they seek other professional help.
David C. Parker, MHSA
Cincinnati
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Lexi Love comes out as HIV+ after Trump deletes federal resources
January 23 2025 11:23 AM
Ricky Martin delivers showstopping performance for 2024 World AIDS Day
December 05 2024 12:08 PM
Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources
January 31 2025 5:29 PM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
This long-term HIV survivor says testosterone therapy helped save his life.
December 16 2024 8:00 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
HRC holds 'die-in' to protest Trump health care cuts
April 28 2025 2:11 PM
The Talk Season 5 premieres this spring with HIV guidance for the newly diagnosed
March 26 2025 1:00 PM
Jess King is here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life yet
March 24 2025 4:35 PM
Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times
March 11 2025 3:38 PM
'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Trinity K Bonet quietly comes out trans
December 15 2024 6:27 PM
Hollywood must do better on HIV representation
December 01 2024 9:00 AM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Two right-wing Supreme Court justices signal they may uphold access to PrEP and more
April 21 2025 4:10 PM
500,000 Children at Risk: PEPFAR Funding Crisis
April 08 2025 3:51 PM
Discover the power of Wellness in your life
March 26 2025 12:41 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs
March 18 2025 6:10 PM
Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American issue
February 01 2025 3:28 PM
Plus nominated for 2025 GLAAD Media Award
January 22 2025 12:42 PM
AIDS Memorial Quilt displayed at White House for the first time
December 02 2024 1:21 PM
Broadway's best raise over $1 million for LGBTQ+ and HIV causes
April 03 2025 7:15 PM
Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring
March 26 2025 12:20 PM
Tyler TerMeer vows to continue to fight for health care for all
January 28 2025 3:00 PM
A camp for HIV-positive kids is for sale. Here's why its founder is celebrating
January 02 2025 12:21 PM
Decades of progress, uniting to fight HIV/AIDS
December 01 2024 12:30 PM
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM