Washington State: Panel Crafts Blunt AIDS Warning in Open Letter to Gays

More than three years have passed since health officials began seeing signs of waning caution among many gay men about HIV/AIDS. Rates for STDs have increased in that group and surveys show risky sex is more acceptable. King County health officials held a "summit" to discuss the problem and formed a task force to study it. But few voices from the gay community have been heard.

The Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS decided to raise that voice in a blunt, open letter to the gay community. It will be published around Gay Pride Week, June 23-30. "It's time to take responsibility again," the letter says. "We were in the same position 20 years ago. Gay men took to the streets and demanded change and responsibility from each other. And it worked. Gay men changed their behaviors." "Don't put at risk all that has been accomplished. Don't fret away what many of our brothers have died for... Until there is a cure, there is only us!"

The council hopes to place the letter in gay newspapers across the state. It is signed by all members of the council to signal that the 21-member panel comprises both gay and heterosexual people. It signals that gay men on the council are speaking to the gay community with full support from the rest of the members. The council expects a negative reaction from some gays. People don't like being told how to live their lives, said Councilman Karl Swenson.

In addition, the council decided to write a separate letter to gay men of color and place it in newspapers that circulate in minority communities. It will focus in part on the fact that the disease has disproportionately affected them. The council's executive committee will give final approval to the letter later this month.

Back to other CDC news for May 15, 2002

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