Letters Respond to New York Times Editorial About HIV/AIDS Among MSM in U.S., New York City
The New York Times on Tuesday published letters to the editor in response to a recent Times editorial about HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men in the U.S. and New York City. Summaries appear below.
- Kevin Frost: The editorial correctly links the "lack of a comprehensive HIV and AIDS policy that focuses on the groups most at risk to the rise in AIDS cases nationwide," Frost, CEO of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, writes. He adds that "until our national leadership implements policies that will help eradicate root causes such as stigma, discrimination, racism and poverty that mostly affect at-risk populations, we will continue to see a rise in AIDS cases nationwide" (Frost, New York Times, 1/22).
- Donna Lieberman: Although the editorial "rightly expresses concern about the spike in HIV among young" MSM, it "does not mention the equally troubling increase in HIV and AIDS among women, especially women of color," Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, writes. HIV/AIDS "prevention strategies must include initiatives to stop the virus' spread among women," Lieberman writes, adding that a "good first step is to provide comprehensive sexuality education in schools," as well as to end the "current ban on condom demonstrations" (Lieberman, New York Times, 1/22).
- Christine Quinn: HIV/AIDS "continues to be one of the greatest health challenges facing our city, and providing resources for HIV and AIDS prevention has been, and will continue to be, a major priority for the" New York City Council, Council Speaker Quinn writes. "The only way to truly combat this crisis is to ensure that all New Yorkers take a simple first step -- learn their HIV status," Quinn writes, adding, "Only then can we arm those residents who are positive with both the medication and education they need to keep themselves and their partners healthy" (Quinn, New York Times, 1/22).