With many HIV negative gay men using "disease free, UB2" as their only foolish prevention tool, and most poz guys staying mum about their status due to stifling stigma, we are in desperate need of ways to talk about HIV prevention. Here's one approach that's worth trying, although like many efforts at HIV prevention, it might end up only preaching to the converted. In other words, will young gay men who want to keep HIV out of mind watch these and discuss them?
As recently posted in the Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report:
Los Angeles Times Examines Online Soap Opera That Aims To Raise HIV Awareness Among MSM[Jul 11, 2008]
The Los Angeles Times on Friday examined an online soap opera that aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote safer-sex practices among men who have sex with men. According to the Times, the show is part of a "wave of new programs" that aims to "reinvigorate" HIV/AIDS outreach in the MSM community.
The show, called "In the Moment," is a "racy, unvarnished portrait" of MSM in Los Angeles, but "at its core" is about HIV/AIDS, the Times reports. The first episode was released in January and introduced the multicultural cast, including two characters named Mike and Steve who have unprotected sex. In the second episode, released in March, another character named Shawn "scores a date," while Steve discovers Mike cheated on him and moves out, the Times reports. According to the Times, advocates are "pushing" the show as a way to promote discussions about safer sex and relationships.
The show has drawn more than 80,000 viewers in the last few months, and most production costs were funded by the city of West Hollywood, the Times reports. Most of the people working on the show are volunteers, including the actors. The short "webisodes" have a "high-quality" appearance, which are "propped up" by support from various companies and individuals, the Times reports. The first two episodes cost about $17,000 to produce, and West Hollywood is expected to fund new episodes soon. The show has "struggled to land more government money," mostly because the federal government is "squeamish about funding images deemed 'explicit,'" according to the Times.
Susan Cohen -- director of health education and prevention at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, which produces the show -- said that in terms of reaching MSM to raise awareness about the disease, the center "needed to be where the guys are," which is on the Internet. James Key, chief public affairs officer at the center, said that "we've had to find new ways to engage" MSM about HIV/AIDS. "Times have changed," Key said, adding, "And we've had to change with them" (Gold, Los Angeles Times, 7/11).
Check out both episodes here, then comment below...
Episode One
Find more videos like this on In The Moment
Episode Two
I watched Part 1 and was underwhelmed by the message. Unless I am missing something, the story seemed to lack dialogue.
It is very Gay of Our Lives. The production values are good and it kept my attention better than most edutainment. Will it help gay men think about safe sex and HIV? I don't know. I think it is a good effort.
Peter.
I'm unable to watch it (dial-up here). But it's a good idea. I'm assuming they have good production values. If they include some soft porn, (like naked guys coming out of the shower, full frontal shot, etc) (something to get the boys to watch it), some characters who are just naturally funny and others far too full of themselves and all the types in-between, they might be able to pull it off.
robert
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgeB4UnpnmQ
I think this is a better video. It tells a complete story, though it is 10 minutes, and covers a range of issues in a more direct, though dramatic, manner.
I want to give kudos to the creator of this online soap! I think all teens should be aware of these important issues!