God, AIDS, Africa & HOPE

Reflections / Gedanken

Young, gay, religious and the thread of HIV.. a deadly mix?

In one of the newsletters relating to HIV issues I found this email. I am touched because once again I am reminded how difficult it is for a young person from a religious background and family to be gay and when HIV is added as a concern – faith becomes a deadly threat. There is so much still to do to get it right and to bring faith to be the liberating factor, not the killing factor… The burden to carry seems for this young man, having life still in front of him, too heavy. The RC youth day in Madrid where so many young people gather now for prayers and to meet the pope – wouldn’t that not be a great opportunity to bring out this powerful message that God loves unconditional – no “but” added. Just love and acceptance.

 Young, depressed and confused – Aug 14, 2011

I am 16 year old gay teenager. My 20 year old boyfriend recently found out he may be HIV positive. The doctor told him his viral load is very low and that the virus is almost detectable in his blood and that he needs to revisit in 6 months again to do another hiv test to see if he is really positive. I am confused. We had unprotected sex before his results. I topped him but did not ejaculate inside of him. I am not circumcised and I am really worried about my chances of infection. I got a test done privately with my boyfriend by his doctor but it came back negative. It’s been eight weeks since that incident and I have noticed slight pains under my arms pits, on my legs near my groin areas and even under my chin, but the area is not swollen. I am very depressed because I was being very young and stupid.  My parents will surely kill me if they knew I have contracted this disease. There is the possibility of me being thrown out of the house because my father is a pastor. I have not been sleeping nor eating much and it’s really affecting my grades in school. I hate myself of being gay and wonder why this has happened to me. At the same time the pressure of all this is really overwhelming and I don’t want to make the wrong decision in killing myself. Nobody understands besides my boyfriend but this lifestyle is looked down upon from the church and many people in our society. Please sir, I need your advice. Thanks.

Source: http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Mental/Q216792.html?ic=700101

Filed under: HIV and AIDS, Society and living environment, , , , , , , , , ,

HIV, Development and HOPE – thoughts of a Catholic priest

Being a Roman - Catholic priest and working in the fields of HIV and social development in Africa has its challenges. You will find stories and reflections about my work, about the church, South Africa and Africa, about politics and whatever triggers my interest. You are most welcome to leave a comment or to get in touch with me. Blogging means to initiate thoughts and discussions and for the writer to formulate what is loosely running around in the heart and mind in need of being sorted and spoken out.

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