AIDS & Abstinence Programs

This video was complied by myself for a classroom assignment. I received no compensation to make the video. The pictures were obtained from the web, and the music is by Oceansize.

My Thoughts: AIDS & Multimedia

My awareness regarding HIV/AIDS has expanded during the last several weeks. With some research and after interviewing several individuals, I am now more aware of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Florida.

Charles Martin, executive director of the South Beach AIDS Project, Inc., provided me with a wealth of knowledge about the disease and its spread in South Florida. However, many are unaware of the crisis in South Florida because there is no media coverage. Martin agrees with research studies performed across the country that have stated that abstinence programs are flawed because they do not teach youths to protect themselves from diseases. It was Martin who led me to interview someone from an abstinence program.

I spoke to Paul Quintero from the program Abstinence Between Strong Teens. This program was founded in 1992 and provides abstinence education to many youths in Miami Dade County. Quintero like Martin gave me valuable information. Quintero denied that the abstinence program they have does not teach youths about condoms and diseases. In fact, he mentioned that they allow youths to make the decision to have sex for themselves; nevertheless, ABST informs youths that condoms may not always be useful.

The past several weeks have also allowed me to be able to experiment with building blog sites. I feel that it alone is a valuable tool to further my career as a journalist. Only six weeks into this semester and I have accomplished building five blog sites. I have also created a video concerning HIV/AIDS. I have learned the importance of visuals on sites, and learned to add pictures and slideshows on sites. I have also performed one interview on camera. I know that this is only the beginning of the semester. I have yet to edit footage for my video, which will be another learning experience for me. Although I have some experience with editing and script writing from my internship at NBC, I look forward to learning how to edit footage on another program and capture my own video.

The Truth About AIDS in South Florida

Charles Martin has fought to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS for more than ten years.

“I have a passion because I am a black gay man. I see how it is destroying communities,” said Martin.

As executive director of the South Beach AIDS Project, Martin understands that HIV/AIDS is still an epidemic especially in South Florida.

The South Beach AIDS Project is the only prevention program in the state of Florida that targets the gay minority infected with the disease. SOBAP provides testing, education and counseling. All free of charge. Although the program is geared toward homosexual males, they do often provide services to females.

“Any community we work in, we need to be a reflection of that community,” said Martin.

Martin is aware that the number of people infected with AIDS each year has declined by sixty percent since the early 90’s, but he knows that today AIDS is devastating minority communities across the United States. In fact, AIDS is the number one cause of death in Blacks between the ages of 25-44, and one out of every eight black males is living with HIV/AIDS.

“Our own people are dying, and the people dying are the poorest,” said Martin.

To Martin, AIDS infections in the United States could be prevented if the proper programs were used to educate people. Currently, abstinence programs are in use. These programs tell America’s youth not to have sex, instead of educating them on how to protect themselves from incurable sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS and Herpes.

“We teach kids not to play in the street, but we also teach them how to look both ways,” said Martin.

Martin believes the problem with abstinence programs lies in traditionalist thinking. People do not want to encourage sex, so they preach kids not to have sex at all.

“We are only giving them half the message. We are failing them,” said Martin.

Enough proof that abstinence programs are not discouraging teenagers from having sex is the current teenage pregnancy rate. Every year, 750,000 teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant, and the United States has the highest pregnancy rates in the world. Most alarming is that pregnancy rates do not include those individuals who are sexually active, and do not get pregnant, which include teenage boys.

Martin sarcastically grins as he tells a story about a young girl that went to get tested for HIV/AIDS at the South Beach AIDS Project some years back. He asked her if she used condoms. She responded that she was on the pill.

The pill is for birth control, and it does not prevent a girl from being infected with sexually transmitted diseases or from infecting someone else. Some are unfortunately misinformed. Martin believes that the lack of information the young girl had is a common trait many American youths share.

Like the young girl, other people become infected this way. They are only concerned about not getting pregnant, instead of being worried about getting a terminal disease. Martin believes this behavior stems from being told not to have sex, instead of being taught how to protect themselves from diseases.

“I don’t think we should scare them as much as educate them,” said Martin.

Educating people could help the way people view those who are infected with HIV/AIDS. People who have the disease are often stigmatized.

“There is no other disease that you can say you have that people will look at you as if you have done something immoral,” said Martin.

It is the stigma associated with the disease that is hard for most individuals infected to overcome. People look at those infected as if they brought it on to themselves. They forget that it only takes one night and one mistake to become infected.

“People who look down on them have done the same things,” said Martin.

Poor education is at fault when some people are unaware that you cannot catch AIDS. The disease can be transmitted sexually, by sharing syringes or by blood transfusions.

As part of his job, Martin reads any news relating to HIV/AIDS. He remembers one story in particular about a 4 year-old boy who was forbidden from swimming in a campsite pool for fear he would infect others.

“This shows the ignorance about the disease that is still so pervasive,” said Martin.

Education is also at fault when people think they cannot become infected because they are not gay or drug users. The fact is AIDS can be transmitted by heterosexuals as well, but people only associate homosexuals with the disease.

Others assume since they are not considered high-risk individuals for contracting HIV/AIDS, they should not worry about the disease. Martin believes this thinking gives some a false sense of security. When in reality, they too are not safe from the disease. He believes that this false sense of security is why more people 60 years old and older are the becoming infected with HIV/AIDS.Martin agrees that HIVS/AIDS is an important issue that has not been getting enough media coverage.

“HIV/AIDS has been swept off the front page,” said Martin.

In the early 90’s, HIV/AIDS was spreading rampantly across the United States infecting over 100,000 people each year. The media then covered AIDS everyday because people were dying everyday. With the advent of new medication, people started living longer.

If the media covered HIV/AIDS, even if the abstinence program did not, people would be more aware about the disease. In Miami, there should be more coverage about the disease because this disease reflects a large part of the community.

No coverage has lead some to believe that there is a cure. In reality, there still is no cure.

With such high rates of AIDS infected people in the United States, more should be done. For Martin, the problem can stem from policy making. He believes that certain issues have divided this country. Some of which, are insignificant when compared to HIV/AIDS.

“We are more worried about keeping marriage between a man and a woman,” said Martin.

Martin believes it is more important to find a solution to the AIDS epidemic in this country. He cannot understand why within the United States, it being one of the most powerful countries in the world, some people are still dying from AIDS.

“I see how we are so worried about the simple things,” said Martin.

Gay Organizations in South Florida

Atlantic Coast Dinghy Club
The Atlantic Coast Dinghy Club is a group of gay and gay-friendly sailors with or without boats. Members are almost all gay men but non-member gay men, lesbians, and straight people often participate in club events.
Website: http://www.atlanticcoastdinghyclub.org/

APFL (AIDS Project Florida)
APFL is devoted to leading the way in educating the community and providing the latest medical treatment and social services in a caring, compassionate environment that meets the needs and serves the best interests of all people affected by HIV disease and other infectious diseases.
954 537-4111
2817 E. Oakland Pk Blvd., #200 . Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306
Fax: 954-537-9737 .
Website: www.apfl.org

Care Resource
Care Resource is South Florida's oldest and largest not-for-profit HIV/AIDS service organization serving both Dade and Broward Counties. Through prevention, education, care and treatment, research, and support, Care Resource strives to end the HIV pandemic.
954 567-7141
993 E Oakland Park Blvd . Fort Lauderdale . 33334
Fax: 954-565-5624
Email: phyman@careresource.org
Website: www.careresource.org

Compass, Inc. – West Palm Beach
Compass Inc. is a HIV/AIDS agency and gay and lesbian community center of Palm beach County that hosts a variety of social groups and sponsors the annual events – PrideFest; Stonewall Ball; and Cocktails for Compss
Website: www.compassglcc.com

Comprehensive AIDS Project of Palm Beach County (CAP) Locations in Palm Beach County
The Comprehensive AIDS Project of Palm Beach County provides and promotes education, advocacy and compassion to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV and A IDS in Palm Beach County
Website: www.cappbc.org

Coral GAYbles
Coral GAYbles is a social organization created to organize social gatherings for members of the gay and lesbian community in Coral Gables, South Miami, Coconut Grove, the Brickell Financial District, Little Havana, Kendall, and other Miami mainland areas.
coralGAYbles@coralGAYbles.com


Equality Florida
The Equality of Florida is a state-wide organization founded to eliminate discrimination in the state of Florida based on sexual orientation, race, gender, and class.
3510 Biscayne Boulevard Suite 205
Miami, Fl 33137
305-573-4499
Field Organizer - Tobias Packer, Tobias@eqfl.org
Website: http://www.eqfl.org/about/

Florida Great Outdoors Association, Inc.
The Florida Great Outdoors Association is a gay and lesbian, all-volunteer outdoor recreational organization. Activities include camping, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, and walks. Annual membership is $20. Please visit our website or write for more information.
PO Box 142123 . Coral Gables . 33114-2123
Website: www.floridagreatoutdoors.org

Gay & Lesbian Community Center of South Florida
The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of South Florida mission is to enlighten and educate, to change negative perceptions and myths; to encourage men, women and youth to make informed decisions by providing a safe and nurturing environment.
954 463-9005
1717 N. Andrews Ave. . Fort Lauderdale . 33311
Website: www.glccsf.org

The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida
The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida was established in 1986. It presents a high-quality, professional men's choral performances that provide a positive voice for and affirm the contributions of the South Florida gay community. The chorus attempts to provide a sense of inclusiveness and pride within its audience and its membership.
954 832-0060
P.O. Box 9772 . Ft. Lauderdale 33310
Email: gmcsf@hotmail.com
Website: www.gmcsf.net

Gay & Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) of South Florida -- Fort Lauderdale
This community center is host site a number of small gay organizations, including the Broward LGBT Youth Group that meets on Thursday evenings, as well as regular monthly educational meetings on gay/lesbian domestic violence. Both are join projects of SunServe and GLCC.
Website: www.glccsfl.org

Gay Men's Multi-Ethnic Association of South Florida
Gay Men’s Multi-Ethnic Association of South Florida is a social group for professional gay men from all ethnic backgrounds. The group meets at the Gay and Lesbian Center on Oakland Park Road in Fort Lauderdale.
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/fl/ymact/

HOPE Youth Group – Compass GLCC – West Palm Beach
Hope Youth Groups provides youth empowerment programs; HIV/AIDS education and prevention; individual and group counseling.
Website: www.compassglcc.com

Immigration Equality
Immigration Equality, Inc. tackles the widespread discriminatory impact of immigration laws on the lives of lesbians, gay men and people with HIV through education, outreach, advocacy and the preservation of a nationwide resource and support network. Monthly meetings are the second Wednesday at the G&L Community Center. (formerly the Lesbian & Gay Immigration Rights Task Force South Florida Chapter)
305 538-0121
1717 N. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale . 33311
Email: lgirtfsf@bigfoot.com .
Website: www.lgirtf.org

The Key West Business Guild – Key West
The nation's first LGBT chamber of commerce,
Website: www.gaykeywestfl.com

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – Miami
The largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses.
Website: www.gogaymiami.com

Miami Gay Men's Chorus
In 1999, Miami Gay Men’s Chorus was founded, and its members are gay men of all ages. The group performs twice a year, usually in June and December, and their shows include singing, dancing, and acting, often with a heartwarming or humorous look at gay life in Miami.
PO Box 190209
Miami Beach, FL 33119-0209
Phone: (305) 604-8787
E-Mail: rsvp@miamigaychorus.org
Website: http://www.miamigaychorus.org/index.php?section=1

Palm Beach County Human Rights Council -- West Palm Beach
Advocates for equality for LGBT residents of Palm Beach County
Website: www.pbchrc.org
Email: pbchrc@aol.com

People For the American Way
People For the American Way (PFAW) is a progressive social justice organization devoted to the promoting and protecting the First Amendment rights and the civil rights of all Americans, including gay men and lesbians.
800 326-7329
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 400 . Washington, DC 20036
Fax: 202-293-2672
Email: pfaw@pfaw.org . Website: www.pfaw.org

PFLAG Ft. Lauderdale Chapter
PFLAG Ft. Lauderdale Chapter is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support to cope with an adverse society, education to enlighten an ill-informed public, and advocacy to end discrimination and to secure equal rights. PFLAG is committed to helping other parents, families and friends learn what we have learned.
954 916-9252
683 Pelican Way . Delray Beach . 33483
Fax: 561-272-1634
Email: carolebeno@pobox.com

Project Yes
In 1996, the Yes Institute was founded to reduce the suicide rate among gay and lesbian young people through communication and education on sexual orientation and gender topics.
5275 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33143
Office (305) 663-7195
Fax (305) 663- 7197
Website: http://www.projectyes.org/


Pridelines Youth Services
Pridelines Youth Services is a support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth that was founded by Marilyn Volker.
Website: http://www.pridelines.org/

S.A.G.E. of Broward County
S.A.G.E. (Senior Action in a Gay Environment) of South Florida, is a non profit organization founded in 1994. The group’s goal is to enrich the lives of the growing senior community. Sponsoring educational programs that deal with the special needs of the G/L/B/T population in South Florida.
954 786-5893
PO Box 11704 . Ft. Lauderdale . 33339-1794

Save Dade (Safeguarding American Values)
In 1993, Save Dade was created to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
Website: http://www.savedade.org/

SOBAP – South Beach AIDS Project – Miami Beach
South Beach AIDS Project works with the community to identify and address its local needs for HIV/AIDS prevention, education and care.
Website: www.198.65.253.17/welcome.htm

South Florida CMA – Fort Lauderdale
12 step groups for recovery from addiction to crystal meth- mostly gay men
Website: www.southfloridacma.org

AIDS in South Florida

Miami has the top AIDS rates in the country. Fort Lauderdale comes in second place. The rate of people infected with AIDS is increasing in Palm Beach County as well. This makes South Florida combined populated with more AIDS sufferers than in any other place in the country.

The rates in South Florida can be increasing over time because AIDS is not receiving the media attention it needs to keep people aware of the disease. AIDS has taken a backseat to crime, the 2008 presidential campaign and the Iraq War. While these issues are also important, the disease should be receiving more media attention than it does.

Being diagnosed with AIDS was once considered a death sentence in the United States. Today many live with AIDS including Magic Johnson. New treatments have lengthened the lifespan of people infected with AIDS.

While the numbers of deaths relating to AIDS have declined in the United States, in other countries the AIDS related deaths are steadily increasing because of lack of money and medicine to treat the disease. Even within the United States, most of the people infected are minorities that may not have health insurance to pay for the costly medicines to treat AIDS. New treatments have led some to believe that AIDS is no longer an epidemic or that possibly there is a cure for the disease. It is a misconception. These new treatments do not cure the disease.

This disease was once called an epidemic, but because AIDS is not getting media attention, most have forgotten about the significance of finding a cure. Regardless of other issues, AIDS especially in South Florida, should be receiving more attention from news sources within the area. The media in particular because they have the power to alert people in South Florida that AIDS is still an incurable disease. It is still affecting people around the globe, across the country and especially in South Florida.

In South Florida, there is little or no awareness about the amount of individuals infected with AIDS. Everyone knows about the disease, but people are unaware that South Florida has more people infected with the disease than anywhere else in the country. A community that has so many living with the disease should be represented in the media to alert others that the disease is still alive and that many are plagued to live with the side affects caused by it for the rest of their lives.

South Florida and the media have an opportunity to raise consciousness about the disease, yet it is not being done. The more people are aware of the disease, the more cautious people will be. The media in South Florida has the opportunity to enlighten their readers with knowledge about their community, but they have left out an important characteristic about their community. Newspapers and television stations do not cover AIDS or people who live with the disease. Perhaps the media is too caught up with other stories, but it is their job to inform the community.

It is my understanding that diseases should get media coverage to encourage responsiveness from the community. Why has media coverage relating to the AIDS practically halted?