Physical illnesses are terrible to have and experience by themselves. All the more, though, when compounded by ostracism and social stigma at the time when one needs a solid support system the most. This is a common experience among HIV Jewish community NYC.
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the viral strain that causes AIDS, which is the advanced stage of the infection. This is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids. There is also a so called perinatal transmission of a virus, passed from mother to child during her pregnancy.
Stigmatization has always been a given thing with AIDS. This taboo is as old as the disease itself. On its first significant outbreak, it was referred to by a popular media outlet as a new kind of cancer. The term caught on and before long, a considerable portion of the masses was calling it gay cancer. Thats only the discrimination suffered by infected persons in the general sense. Now, lets take it up a notch and talk about the stigmatization theyre accorded by religion.
The usual misconception with AIDS is that it is something that it is something in the domain of homosexuals. Its pretty much evident that the LGBTQ minority is yet another group thats in a tight spot with religions. The common religious perception is that this disease is a fitting punishment for sinful actions, like engaging in homosexual activities or taking drugs. Needless to say, that doesnt sit well with the agenda of doing away with all the stigma.
That drags the normalization of the situation a long way back. In New York, it is reported that there are dentists who refuse to treat persons infected with the virus. Similarly, there are hospitals that single out HIV positive patients by putting biohazard stickers on their bedsteads. Thats on the same groove with stigmatization, no matter how you look at it.
The Torah, Judaisms holy book, teaches that the person is created in the image of their God and is inherently worth of dignity just by that criterion. Conversely, however, people who are living with this disease experience a loss of self worth and esteem because of this tenet. There is no central authority on HIV groups or awareness in Jewish communities that is accepted the majority of Jews. Consequently, discrimination abounds.
To fill the gaping hole left by their religion, certain individuals formed the first gay synagogues in the 1970s, where they can address the problems unique to their community. Since they have a history of terrible losses to the disease, they therefore have a substantial interest in ending the epidemic. An NYC based synagogue even recently completed a leadership training about HIV prevention and safety. The program raises awareness about the risk, prevention, treatment, and stigma of AIDS.
One of the tenets of Judaism speaks of the value of protecting the vulnerable in their society. Some individuals and groups live by this. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, for instance, calls upon its congregations to reach out to individuals infected by HIV.
A fitting rallying cry is one introduced by yet another Jewish group. It states that silence equates to death and action equates to life. This pretty much sums up how being aware, informed, and proactive can consequently save a life.
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the viral strain that causes AIDS, which is the advanced stage of the infection. This is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids. There is also a so called perinatal transmission of a virus, passed from mother to child during her pregnancy.
Stigmatization has always been a given thing with AIDS. This taboo is as old as the disease itself. On its first significant outbreak, it was referred to by a popular media outlet as a new kind of cancer. The term caught on and before long, a considerable portion of the masses was calling it gay cancer. Thats only the discrimination suffered by infected persons in the general sense. Now, lets take it up a notch and talk about the stigmatization theyre accorded by religion.
The usual misconception with AIDS is that it is something that it is something in the domain of homosexuals. Its pretty much evident that the LGBTQ minority is yet another group thats in a tight spot with religions. The common religious perception is that this disease is a fitting punishment for sinful actions, like engaging in homosexual activities or taking drugs. Needless to say, that doesnt sit well with the agenda of doing away with all the stigma.
That drags the normalization of the situation a long way back. In New York, it is reported that there are dentists who refuse to treat persons infected with the virus. Similarly, there are hospitals that single out HIV positive patients by putting biohazard stickers on their bedsteads. Thats on the same groove with stigmatization, no matter how you look at it.
The Torah, Judaisms holy book, teaches that the person is created in the image of their God and is inherently worth of dignity just by that criterion. Conversely, however, people who are living with this disease experience a loss of self worth and esteem because of this tenet. There is no central authority on HIV groups or awareness in Jewish communities that is accepted the majority of Jews. Consequently, discrimination abounds.
To fill the gaping hole left by their religion, certain individuals formed the first gay synagogues in the 1970s, where they can address the problems unique to their community. Since they have a history of terrible losses to the disease, they therefore have a substantial interest in ending the epidemic. An NYC based synagogue even recently completed a leadership training about HIV prevention and safety. The program raises awareness about the risk, prevention, treatment, and stigma of AIDS.
One of the tenets of Judaism speaks of the value of protecting the vulnerable in their society. Some individuals and groups live by this. The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, for instance, calls upon its congregations to reach out to individuals infected by HIV.
A fitting rallying cry is one introduced by yet another Jewish group. It states that silence equates to death and action equates to life. This pretty much sums up how being aware, informed, and proactive can consequently save a life.
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