A.I.D.S. (Press, 22 October 1985)

In a letter to the editor published on 22 October 1985, Varian J. Wilson expresses strong criticism of a recent advertisement by the A.I.D.S. Foundation, which was funded by taxpayer money. Wilson claims that the advertisement, while containing factual information about A.I.D.S., also spread misleading propaganda that aimed to protect what he refers to as "perversion." He argues against the notion that A.I.D.S. is solely a gay disease, acknowledging that at least 70 per cent of A.I.D.S. cases involve gay men. However, he also notes that in New Zealand, the disease has been particularly deadly for male homosexuals. Wilson defends his position by drawing a controversial comparison between people blaming gay men for A.I.D.S. and the historical actions of Adolf Hitler, who sought to scapegoat minority groups for societal problems. He insists that equating A.I.D.S. with homosexuality in a negative light is unjust and harmful. Furthermore, he recounts a prior conversation with the Minister of Health, where his suggestion to quarantine known homosexual A.I.D.S. sufferers was angrily dismissed. In closing, Wilson contrasts the government's response to A.I.D.S. with its proactive measures against foot and mouth disease, suggesting that financial interests in the sheep industry are valued more highly than addressing human health concerns. Through his letter, Wilson calls attention to the perceived inadequacies in the response to the A.I.D.S. crisis and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the disease.

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