The AIDS Foundation's Safe Sex Poster Boys say the recently resolved ordeal of unsafe sex allegations made against one of their number has strengthened their commitment to the campaign. An NZAF investigation yesterday revealed the primary source of the rumours to be a Wellington youth who had recently broken up with a Poster Boy and who says he made his untrue allegation against a poster boy who has not been publicly named, out of spite. As the controversy spread speculation enveloped all six Poster Boys, as neither the accuser nor the accused poster boy could be named for various professional, legal and ethical reasons. All six Poster Boys have expressed their distaste regarding the spread of the allegation, but “there’s no question about quitting,” says 'Bear/Leatherman' Poster Boy Roger Moore. “We’re carrying on.” Fellow Poster Boy Liam Moir says the whole affair has made him even more determined to see the campaign through. Businessman Poster Boy Scott McDonald says the rumours and allegations are symptomatic of a nasty aspect of the gay community. “The gay world that we live in, it can be a nasty little place. Being in the public eye, you’re bound to get some criticism. It’s our job to get out there and push the message harder.” The NZAF says it stands behind the Safe Sex Poster Boy campaign and all those who were involved in its production, which it describes as “an innovative campaign, which has been recognised internationally for its contribution in preventing the spread of HIV." The Safe Sex Poster Boys will spend this weekend at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and will march in the Mardi Gras parade. The flight to Sydney plus two nights accommodation were part of the prize package for the six winners in the nationwide Safe Sex Poster Boy competition. The Poster Boys' full comments can be read in GayNZ.com's Health and HIV feature section, accessed from our front page or through the link below.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 26th February 2008 - 10:55pm