Auckland's gay community support networks are hearing from many concerned people following reports that a predatory HIV positive man is allegedly deliberately infecting younger male sexual contacts. Worried people are being urged to access HIV testing and counselling providers. Body Positive CEO Bruce Kilmister tells GayNZ.com that the HIV+ people's support network has received a number of calls on the situation. "Our advice to anyone concerned over this issue relating to their personal health is to come in and take an HIV rapid test. We are happy to assist with support and information." Rapid HIV tests are available from Body Positive sites in central Auckland, including the drop-in Clinic on K' Road. The NZ AIDS Foundation also offer a rapid HIV test, from their Burnett Centre in College Hill. Phone counselling service OUTLine NZ encourages people to call if they would like to discuss any issues or thoughts people have regarding the matter. General Manager of OUTLine NZ Lesley Belcham says "the issue brings up lots of feelings and thoughts. OUTLine provides a safe confidential space for people to unload and have their thoughts heard. "We offer our support to all affected. We recognise the stress and mix of emotions this has brought up for many HIV positive people. We recognise the terror this news will bring to people who are HIV-phobic or the frustration of seeing this negative image of our community portrayed by the mainstream media. We are here to support you. You are not alone," Belcham says to those harbouring fears. Support networks Body Positive and OUTLine NZ can be contacted via the links below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 15th May 2009 - 11:14am