Joe's POZ Blog

As a long time AIDS activist, I fear that we are becoming an endangered species. Throughout the last 20 years, voices arose across the globe to ensure access to services, development of treatments and to seek adequate funding for these treatments and services. Yet, within the last couple of years, it seems that activism has decreased dramatically. I then thought of how this group of volunteers could find itself on the brink of extinction. Then it hit me. It strikes me that one of the issues surrounding HIV is the word content. Content is defined as: not desiring something more or different; satisfied; quiet; not complaining. I fear the HIV community has become content regarding HIV treatment and services.

Although great strides in testing, treatment and services, have been made, it seems we no longer cry out and demand further progress. While current treatment options and services may appear to be manna from heaven, I recall the price paid for this manna. It is the direct result of those who were anything but content with the state of HIV treatment. I remember the 80s when AIDS ravaged the gay community and buried too many souls to count. From this carnage, arose a warrior, the AIDS activist.

These activists lead the fight to attain many of the advancements we now have in HIV treatment. They fought long and hard and as they continued to be felled by AIDS, new ones arose. This cycle continued for many years, but then something changed. I don't quite know how, why or even when, but somehow we became content. Content that there were more drugs to treat HIV. Content that drugs were down to 1 or 2 doses per day. Content that less of us were dying. Content, even down right grateful some years, that AIDS funding was maintained, even when levels were sorely inadequate. We have burned out our AIDS activists and their ranks are diminishing. We seem to be content with HIV treatment.

We seem content that someone else would continue the fight to ensure the vibrancy of the HIV community. Content to let someone else do it. But what if that someone, is not there? Who will speak for those that cannot or will not? Who will continue to demand new drugs and treatments for HIV? Who will pressure legislators to maintain and expand the services available to those infected by HIV? Where will the next legion of Aids activists come from?

Or are we all just too content to really care?