In 2008, the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS has benefited profoundly from decades of activism, advancements in legal protections against discrimination, and the development of new antiretroviral drugs – all contributing to HIV-positive people living longer and healthier lives. But these great strides have also triggered an untoward outcome...

...the dangerous misconception among some that HIV is no longer a “big deal.”  

Not only is HIV infection still a threat, it’s on the rise in communities where men have sex with men. This past summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that approximately 56,300 people were newly infected in 2006. Over half (53%) of these new infections occurred in gay and bisexual men.

What’s changed is that, nowadays, it’s increasingly more likely a proposition will come via the Internet instead of in-person.  But, the Internet is also a place where HIV/AIDS intervention, prevention and research can occur.  An emerging trend for gay men to socialize online rather than in the clubs and bars, has meant “prevention” outreach and education has also had to change.

Researchers at New York City-based Public Health Solutions and New York University have collaborated to produce an innovative web-based campaign that tells the story of Josh, a young gay man who meets sex partners online, and deals with issues like online hookups, unprotected sex, disclosing HIV status and getting tested for HIV.  When a sample of 500 men was surveyed three months after viewing the serial's first episode, it found that men were three times more likely to disclose their status, and about 1.5 times more likely to get tested for HIV.

Watch IN THE LIFE's segment about the “HIV is Still A Big Deal” campaign, then read below to learn how you can take action!

1. Go the “HIV is Still a Big Deal” website and watch the serial of videos.

“HIV is Still A Big Deal” is an innovative internet-based campaign that confronts the real life dilemmas gay men face in making healthy choices about safe sex through a series of web-cast dramas. These compelling stories are an emotional appeal meant reinforce the unending seriousness of HIV and AIDS, and provide gay men with the tools to make healthy choices.

Watch "The Test" above, then visit www.hivbigdeal.org to watch the rest of the series.

2. Getting Tested.

Making the decision to learn your status may not come easy, but taking steps to finding a doctor, or learning where to get tested is.

National HIV and STD Testing Resources:

Stay Educated and Active!

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