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| "Waiting (Detail)," 1995, Michael Golden, newspapers, bird next, HIV meds |
Visual AIDS has asked community members to share their thoughts on the recent FDA decisions, recommending the approval of Truvada as a form of PrEP, and the sale of Oraquick’s rapid, over the counter, take-home HIV tests. Through these blog posts, we hope to encourage conversation around these current events, and inspire artists, writers, and others to consider what is going on right now in terms of HIV/AIDS. For more information, below are links.
Cassidy Gardner: I don’t believe PrEP is the magic pill. If the answer is still a pill, it is still capitalism. What I do believe, is if this is an additional way a person can stay HIV-negative while taking the pill responsibly—and it isn’t forced on them—then yes it is important and should therefore exist. But, is it likely that someone will take a pill as directed every single day, as it’s prescribed? No. We are human, most of our lives are not that organized, but hat doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be an option.
Secondly, PrEP is not for everyone, really it’s not. PrEP could cost upwards of $14,000 a year, that is not what many of us call accessible. PrEP could be a very effective tool for sex workers, IV drug users and other at high risk populations, but how will it be accessed—mention paid for—and what does FDA approval do for these populations? Sounds like a money maker and less of a viable option for those who are already waiting for treatment. This is not to say it should not exist, but if we don’t talk about access, we are missing the point.
Additionally, the effectiveness of PrEP in reaching high-risk populations will be deterred by detrimental obstacles such as HIV criminal laws that continue to exist in many states. In these states it may be harder to get a prescription for PrEP due to health practitioners asking patients to disclose personal information such as sex work experience or the nature of their sexual relationships. Can we completely trust how public health is practiced in these states? I’m not sure. But the conversation around PrEP is more complicated than even that.
Due to HIV criminalization laws deterring people from getting tested, it is important to acknowledge that, as humans, we have experienced and tried differing sexual behaviors that we have become accustomed to in one way or another. Some of those ways did or do not include the use of condoms. Condoms have been in many ways a great asset in slowing the epidemic but we have to be realistic: many people don’t use them, won’t use them, or don’t have access to them. PrEP may be a good option for those facing these realities. Many people involved in sex work or in contentious relationships may not have the option of using them entirely. We also cannot tell people how they should have sex, instead we can inform people of the possible risks and health consequences they may face.
What the new FDA guidelines for Truvada for PrEP show is that new HIV prevention technologies are important and necessary, but if they cannot be accessed and used by high risk populations (many of whom will not be able to afford it), then this cannot be seen as a major victory. Getting people who want to be on HIV treatment on it is crucial and so is coming out with new prevention technologies. Yet in order for them to have the maximum benefits they cannot be elitist in their accessibility and target. Corporate and pharmaceutical greed should not continue to dictate whose lives are more important than others.
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| "Retrovir (AZT): Miracle Drug?" 1990 Kurt Reynolds |
Cassidy
Gardner is an entrepreneur, queer activist and a firm believer that
conversations around sexual pleasure are integral to the strength of the
AIDS movement. She is a community organizer and board member for
QUEEROCRACY and a member of ACTUP NY. She is currently working on a
campaign to combat HIV related criminalization statutes and stigma.
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to
share your own reactions please email us at info@visualaids.org
Read other posts in the series:
FDA Panel Recommends Approval Of Truvada As HIV Prevention Tool
AIDS Activists Divided Over Whether Drug Will Help or Harm Epidemic
Take Home HIV Tests
AIDS Activists Divided Over Whether Drug Will Help or Harm Epidemic
Take Home HIV Tests
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