The Erogenous Zone: HIV/AIDS: The risk is still out there

Nov. 24, 1991 was the day that Freddie Mercury, front man of the insanely successful rock band Queen, succumbed to AIDS after a reported four-year battle with the HIV virus. Each year on the anniversary of this shocking loss, millions of people all over the world (including yours truly) light candles, observe moments of silence, and partake in more personal rituals to honor and remember Freddie.

Because his life's work has had such a huge impact on me, I decided years ago to show tribute to Mr. Mercury through activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Since then, I've donated time and money to several great organizations that are just as passionate as me about stopping this horrible virus. I've also made it my duty to use writing as a means of getting the word out on awareness and prevention, and this makes my third annual column for The Carolinian on this topic.

Maybe it's because the cause is never too far from my heart, but it astonishes me how so many people are quick to forget that HIV is still out there and dangerous as ever. According to the Elton John AIDS Foundation website (www.ejaf.org), the number of Americans living with HIV reached one million in 2005 and over 3.1 million people worldwide died from AIDS - the disease the HIV virus evolves into - in that year alone. With statistics like this on something that kills, it blows my mind that people seem to be so willing to forgo using condoms because they just assume or believe their partners when they say they don't have it. I personally don't trust anyone that much.

That's why using protection properly and getting tested frequently (around every six months) are a big part of my sexual practices. You should do the same. Thankfully, there is a fabulous organization here in Greensboro called Triad Health Project (www.triadhealthproject.com) that offers free testing every Monday. You would have to pay for the same tests at the UNCG Student Health Services, and I wouldn't recommend going there anyway.

I can vouch for the quality of the services the THP provides since I was there a few months ago for my routine testing. You're greeted with a smile as soon as you walk in the door, and the staff is incredibly kind and compassionate throughout the entire thing. Before the test, you fill out some forms and they ask you some questions about your sexual history (this part is mostly to identify behaviors that put you at risk for contracting HIV). They'll give you free condoms and lube, too. Shortly after that, they take samples of your blood that will be sent off to a lab to determine if you've been exposed to HIV.

I'm not going to lie; the waiting is the hardest part. It takes about two to three weeks to get your results back, and even if you're pretty sure that you have nothing to worry about, it's a nerve-wracking time. On the date they designate, you return to the office and meet face-to-face with a caseworker who will show you the results. If your test comes back negative, they remind you to be safe and to keep testing frequently. If it's positive, they help you deal and guide you toward what to do next. Either way, your results are confidential.

After you get tested, there are other things you can do to help raise HIV/AIDS awareness. First, educate yourself. There is a great website called AIDS Education Global Information System (www.aegis.com) that is actually run by a covenant of nuns. The site has all the latest medical information and tons of articles, including ones written by people living with HIV on what to do if you are diagnosed and how to deal. Also be sure to check out www.doeshivlooklikeme.org. It's a real eye-opener.

Once you know more, do something! Find organizations and give them some time and money. One of my favorites is The Mercury Phoenix Trust (www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com), which was started in memory of Freddie Mercury.

Also remember that December is World AIDS Month. Earn some good karma and participate in the Triad Health Project's annual Winter Walk for AIDS this Dec. 3 (see www.triadhealthproject.com for more info).

It really is the least you could do.

Read more from Brook at her blog: thecarolinian-mistress.blogspot.com