Suffering from a disease is taxing by itself. And it is even more so when supplemented by excess emotional baggage like social stigmatization and discrimination. Feeling extra terrible at an already terrible time is something you wouldnt wish even on your greatest enemy. Anyhow, this is an experience common to HIV Jewish community NYC.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the viral strain that leads to AIDS in its final stages. This can be transmitted through contact with the body fluids of an infected person. There is also a perinatal or congenital transmission passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Stigmatization has always been a given thing with AIDS. This taboo is as old as the disease itself. On its first significant outbreak, it was referred to by a popular media outlet as a new kind of cancer. The term caught on and before long, a considerable portion of the masses was calling it gay cancer. Thats only the discrimination suffered by infected persons in the general sense. Now, lets take it up a notch and talk about the stigmatization theyre accorded by religion.
The usual misconception with AIDS is that it is something that it is something in the domain of homosexuals. Its pretty much evident that the LGBTQ minority is yet another group thats in a tight spot with religions. The common religious perception is that this disease is a fitting punishment for sinful actions, like engaging in homosexual activities or taking drugs. Needless to say, that doesnt sit well with the agenda of doing away with all the stigma.
That drags the normalization of the situation a long way back. In New York, it is reported that there are dentists who refuse to treat persons infected with the virus. Similarly, there are hospitals that single out HIV positive patients by putting biohazard stickers on their bedsteads. Thats on the same groove with stigmatization, no matter how you look at it.
The Torah, Judaisms holy book, teaches that the person is created in the image of their God and is inherently worth of dignity just by that criterion. Conversely, however, people who are living with this disease experience a loss of self worth and esteem because of this tenet. There is no central authority on HIV groups or awareness in Jewish communities that is accepted the majority of Jews. Consequently, discrimination abounds.
Certain individuals took up the mantle by themselves and formed the first gay synagogues where they are free to address the issues that are unique to their group. Now, there is a New York City based group that holds leadership training and seminars on HIV awareness. The program discusses the risks and prevention of AIDS, and the stigma undergone by its sufferers.
A certain creed in Judaism winds on about the virtue of protecting the vulnerable and defenseless in society. Groups that answer this calling spreads consciousness on the true facts about HIV. There are even religious groups that went out on a limb and integrated into their prayer books themes related to AIDS, imploring healing and faith for its sufferers and love and strength to those who care for them.
A fitting rallying cry is one introduced by yet another Jewish group. It states that silence equates to death and action equates to life. This pretty much sums up how being aware, informed, and proactive can consequently save a life.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the viral strain that leads to AIDS in its final stages. This can be transmitted through contact with the body fluids of an infected person. There is also a perinatal or congenital transmission passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Stigmatization has always been a given thing with AIDS. This taboo is as old as the disease itself. On its first significant outbreak, it was referred to by a popular media outlet as a new kind of cancer. The term caught on and before long, a considerable portion of the masses was calling it gay cancer. Thats only the discrimination suffered by infected persons in the general sense. Now, lets take it up a notch and talk about the stigmatization theyre accorded by religion.
The usual misconception with AIDS is that it is something that it is something in the domain of homosexuals. Its pretty much evident that the LGBTQ minority is yet another group thats in a tight spot with religions. The common religious perception is that this disease is a fitting punishment for sinful actions, like engaging in homosexual activities or taking drugs. Needless to say, that doesnt sit well with the agenda of doing away with all the stigma.
That drags the normalization of the situation a long way back. In New York, it is reported that there are dentists who refuse to treat persons infected with the virus. Similarly, there are hospitals that single out HIV positive patients by putting biohazard stickers on their bedsteads. Thats on the same groove with stigmatization, no matter how you look at it.
The Torah, Judaisms holy book, teaches that the person is created in the image of their God and is inherently worth of dignity just by that criterion. Conversely, however, people who are living with this disease experience a loss of self worth and esteem because of this tenet. There is no central authority on HIV groups or awareness in Jewish communities that is accepted the majority of Jews. Consequently, discrimination abounds.
Certain individuals took up the mantle by themselves and formed the first gay synagogues where they are free to address the issues that are unique to their group. Now, there is a New York City based group that holds leadership training and seminars on HIV awareness. The program discusses the risks and prevention of AIDS, and the stigma undergone by its sufferers.
A certain creed in Judaism winds on about the virtue of protecting the vulnerable and defenseless in society. Groups that answer this calling spreads consciousness on the true facts about HIV. There are even religious groups that went out on a limb and integrated into their prayer books themes related to AIDS, imploring healing and faith for its sufferers and love and strength to those who care for them.
A fitting rallying cry is one introduced by yet another Jewish group. It states that silence equates to death and action equates to life. This pretty much sums up how being aware, informed, and proactive can consequently save a life.
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When you are looking for information about the HIV Jewish community NYC residents can come to our web pages today. More details about us are available at http://www.talktomeabouthiv.org now.
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