The following announcement was made by IML officials to all their Leather Market participants:
Dear Vendors,
On behalf of International Mr. Leather, Inc., I would like to thank you for your past support and in particular for your participation as a vendor in our annual Leather Market. We are writing you today to inform you of a policy change affecting next year (2010) and all future markets.
Though we are now three decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, no cure has been found. The CDC and local health officials inform us that new infections are on the rise. And, while we have had some success developing medications that might make infection more manageable, that accomplishment comes at a price. Not having experienced the deaths - the loss of loved ones -- which preceded these medications, we have an entire generation who may not fully appreciate or comprehend the severity of the situation.
Too many in our community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it is our duty to inform and educate. Several years ago when “Meth” was the scourge of our community, IML drew a line in the sand and raised awareness and used all our influence to try and stop this addictive madness. As is the case with HIV/AIDS, we believe it is our further obligation to do everything in our power to prevent future infections.
To that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities.
This policy takes effect immediately.
Sincerely,
Chuck Renslow, President
International Mr. Leather
One can debate whether or not "banning" something makes it more desirable or not, but so say HIV infection is "manageable" is outrageous, and blaming "other" generations is useless and close- minded.
To say someone's illness is "manageable" does not take into effect their, social or economical state, let alone any other health or physical factors. There are all kinds of studies on the damaging effects of long term HIV meds on one's systems, and others never respond well to start with, or develop serious reactions against the drugs. That's not even mentioning the limited studies of side effect on women and children.
The comments seem simply based in ignorance, and right now you might find that ignorance is bliss, but as MLK said "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."
What's really better?
Posted by: santos | July 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM
But HIV infection IS manageable. When is the older generation going to get through their traumatization of the past thirty years and accept that fact? And not selling videotapes is the most ridiculous strategy possible - it only contributes to making barebacking even more tempting and sinful. Everyone knows barebacking is better.
Posted by: olen | July 19, 2009 at 01:09 AM