Tue 12 May 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
4PM: The behavior of an Auckland man at the centre of police enquiries into allegations that he has been seeking out unprotected sex and infecting young gay men with HIV is not typical of HIV positive men, according to HIV organisations. Gay community-based HIV support and prevention organisations have this afternoon been responding to the allegations leveled at the man, who cannot be named but is an attractive, personable and well presented pakeha in his early to mid-thirties with fair complexion and dark hair. He lives in inner-city Auckland but may have shifted north from Wellington last year. The country's largest HIV positive people's peer support organisation, Body Positive Auckland, says that due to professional and privacy requirements it cannot comment on whether it is in contact with the alleged 'predator'. It has advised that "we are unable to comment on things that are currently in process, but are very concerned that as this case becomes more widely known, the HIV positive community may be further held in disrespect by the glbt and wider communities, due to the actions of one irresponsible HIV positive man." Spokesperson Bruce Kilmister says that regardless of the man's actions "we are still keen to provide support and assistance to him to help him adopt behavioral change." The New Zealand AIDS Foundation, which operates both support and prevention activities, says it is aware of rare cases of alleged wilful transmission of HIV that have arisen over the 26 years of the HIV epidemic being present in New Zealand. "Allegations and rumour can, and do, result in discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV as a group, says the Foundation's Executive Director, Rachael LeMesurier. "Therefore it is important to note that these cases are not the norm. NZAF research has found that the majority of people living with HIV are very responsible when it comes to using condoms and lube for anal sex." The Foundation has expressed concern for "people caught up in these situations, particularly those who may have acquired HIV, who experience a great deal of distress and anxiety." GayNZ.com readers who have concerns or think that they may have been at risk of contracting HIV are advised by the Foundation to contact its Burnett Centre "which offers fast, free, painless and totally confidential testing and counselling services. The Centre staff are qualified professionals and will be able to help." On record as rigorously protecting the confidentiality of its support work with HIV positive individuals or people seeking HIV tests, the Foundation has not addressed whether it was aware of the situation being alleged or what action it might have taken in response. The Foundation is reiterating its oft-promoted advice to all sexually active gay, bisexual and non-identifying men: "Assume nothing. Protect your own sexual health and wellbeing by using condoms and lube every time you have sex." Meanwhile, Auckland's Cartier Trust, which has traditionally provided back-up financial assistance relating to the deaths of people with HIV, has offered financial assistance for counseling or other services which may be required by the alleged victims. It will liaise through support organisations to assess needs on an individual basis. Contacts: NZ Police: Detective Sergeant Andy King, (09) 302 6611 Body Positive: 0800 HIV LINE or (09) 309 3989 NZ AIDS Foundation Burnett Centre: (09) 309 5560
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 12th May 2009 - 3:58pm