HIV/AIDS in the United States

HIV definition: Either of two retroviruses (species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 of the genus Lentivirus) that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system and that when left untreated cause AIDS. AIDS definition: A disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T-Cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions and to some that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV, commonly transmitted in infected blood, especially illicit intravenous drug use, and by bodily secretions during sexual intercourse.

During the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, queer people, among others, were treated unfairly and discriminated against. People (typically the heterosexual and white community) would refuse to do even as little as touch a queer person. Even while it was scientifically proven to not be transmittable through: pee; poop; spit; throw-up; sweat; coughing or sneezing; holding hands; sharing utensils and drinking glasses. HIV only spreads through infected blood or bodily fluids like semen or vaginal fluids. This also happened in other places such as in the UK where HIV was recognized as GRID (gay-related-immune-deficiency) and other discriminatory terms. The name HIV was recognized in the UK in 1983 as stated in United Queerdom by Dan Glass, 2020. During this time, Doug Nelson, Executive Director of the Milwaukee AIDS project (MAP) stated that legislators were “not listening to scientists, to healthcare professionals or to people living with AIDS. They are only responding to the worst instincts of fear and prejudice” and that AIDS legislation was controlled by “politicians who are homophobic”.

With the Trump administration now in power, lots of progress to help treat HIV is in danger of (and already has) backpedaling. As reported by the Washington Post, “Tens of thousands of people most vulnerable are forced to pay for medication to prevent the virus, despite federal requirements guaranteeing free access to treatment that is critical to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States”. The Washington Post also states that “the CDC in 2014 recommended PrEP for groups at elevated risk, primarily men that have sex with other men… offers an additional layer of protection and peace of mind to the gay men who live under the specter of a disease that disproportionately tears through their community”.

Without the funding of the federal government many, and mainly gay men’s, lives will be lost. The queer community needs support, not backlash and discrimination. It is not just queer people, but also babies, who are also impacted by Trump’s actions. It was estimated by Amfar that more than 135,000 infants may be born with HIV if the order Trump sent out was to last its full 90 days. In babies, HIV left untreated can quickly turn into AIDS.

Not only is Trump’s actions alarming but so are his appointments to positions of power. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that “the fight against AIDS was based on flimsy science and motivated by profit for pharmaceutical companies” in a 2021 book. Trump picked Kennedy for secretary of health and human services, a role that helped to implement PEPFAR. With the assistance of medicines, people with HIV/AIDS can live healthy and long lives. By allowing and supporting the withdrawal of HIV/AIDS treatment, President Donald J. Trump is killing his citizens.