Taboo...

Sex has always been considered taboo. Most people are uncomfortable discussing it, but have no problem doing the deed. Perhaps that's why the statistics tell a story filled with horror, fear, and ultimately death. Two days ago the Washington Post printed an article that has the country in complete and utter shock. Many other news sources then took the baton to put on a world stage what makes many people uncomfortable.

HIV/AIDS is not a new disease here in America. At the end of 2003, an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States were living with HIV/AIDS, with 24%-27% undiagnosed and unaware of their HIV infection. For a a disease to be considered an epidemic in a given area the rate of cases has to hit 1%. In D.C., 3,000 out of every 100,000 people are infected with the virus. This raises the rate to 3%, which according to Shannon L. Hader, director of the District's HIV/AIDS Administration, raises the rates higher than West Africa. 76% of those with HIV/AIDS in Washington, D.C. are black and 70% are men. Hader also notes that the mode by which the disease is being spread is on the rise in all categories-- heterosexual, homosexual, and drug relationships.

What is most disturbing about these preliminary statistics is that they are only a reflection of people who have taken the initiative to get tested. Out of the 550,000+ people that live in D.C. studies are only a reflection of about 70,000. That means that there are hundreds of thousands more who are living with the disease, but just don't know it. In this case ignorance is not bliss.

No matter where you live, it's important to know that HIV/AIDS is running rampant and there is no one to blame but those who engage in sexual behavior irresponsibly. It is up to us, to protect ourselves. The government has provided the resources for people to get tested for free, get condoms for free, and get educated on sexual topics for free, but all of that goes to waste if people choose not to take advantage of the situation.

There was a time back in the day when penicillin was the cure all, but with the sexually transmitted diseases in this era most are incurable and people have to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Protect your life by any means necessary. After researching the topic, celibacy sounds real attractive. Although it's not healthy to live in fear, contracting HIV/AIDS is something that can be avoided. If you have to have sex with a person why not take 20 minutes to go to the clinic together and get tested. 20 minutes is a lot less time than your whole life. If you choose not to go to that extreme, be constantly aware of your status. Don't be afraid to ask your partner questions! When you lay down with someone you are automatically putting yourself at risk so you have the right to know what you're getting yourself into. After getting tested, you get an official document with your status on it. Don't be afraid to ask to see that piece of paper, it's your right.

HIV/AIDS has no respect of persons. It crosses all races, ages, genders, and lifestyles. It doesn't have a face and if you know more than 10 people then chances are you know someone with HIV/AIDS. Sex is meant to be enjoyable an intimate joining of two people, but it isn't worth risking your life for.