HIV-positive Porn Performer Didn't Know the Risks

Looking back, Derrick Burts said he wishes he had known more about the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases in the porn industry. “Making $10,000 or $15,000 for porn isn’t worth your life,” he said. “Performers need to be educated.” (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times / December 7, 2010)

Derrick Burts, a former porn star contracted HIV and says that he didn't know the risks of contracting HIV, while shooting porn.

How do you not know the risks? If anything, I would think the risk would be higher, if what you're doing for a living is having sex.

I hate to kick a man while he's down but, are people really this stupid? We've had over 20 years of preaching the dangers of unprotected sex, sharing needles, ect., when talking about the risk of AIDS and this guy says he didn't know the risks?

Burts has performed in both gay and straight porn and does not have any confirmation on who it was he contracted AIDS from but, the clinic said they traced it back to someone who was a known positive.

Burts girlfriend has tested negative. He is now calling for all porn to require the use of condoms.

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HIV in US Linked to Poverty

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The recent report indicates that poverty is a link between those infected with HIV. Of course the article doesn't go into the behavior factors of those who are poor but, doesn't this make sense? If a person is poor, it is usually for a reason. They lack the skills of focusing on obtaining their goals and surround themselves with distractions and develop behaviors that are risky.

Over the past 20 years, you would have to be a fool not to notice the focus of sex in our culture. We are bombarded with sexual images from Hollywood, we are constantly pushed to talk about homosexuality, even though they do not make up the majority of people, and the value of sexual relationships have been degraded.

It seems as though no one "saves themselves" for marriage anymore and, if you dare suggest children do so, someone is always there to tell you how you are being unrealistic. The people that always suffer from these messages are the poor. Poor people statistically come from broken homes and, have behaviors that indicate an inability to control their emotions and, even their actions. So, of course a poor persons views of sex will be more promiscuous. A lack of understanding the consequences of one's own actions is a major difference between those who are poor and those who are highly successful.

In the article, there was a quote that I found quite interesting:

"You talk about 'Can we decrease the HIV burden in the United States?' I would say, 'What can we do to decrease poverty in the United States?'" del Rio said.

I remember reading somewhere, in a book, I think it was "Think and Grow Rich" by  Napoleon Hill. He said, the best thing you can do for the poor is to become rich! How true. If you can show others you can be a success, you can offer hope, and at the very least, you can provide jobs. The best way to lead is through example. We have to teach people that they are not victims, and that it is their thoughts and actions that ultimately determine how their lives will be.

Obama Wants to Take on AIDS and HIV

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Now, Obama is going to take on AIDS. Oh, boy. So, here again, he wants us to take care of anyone that has HIV or AIDS and, he wants to work on prevention. I know ONE way you could prevent AIDS and the spread of HIV, "Hey, morons! Stop having sex with just anyone! Quit sticking dirty needles up your arm!" 

Unless this country is going to start making REAL efforts by quarantining people, I don't want hear it. These folks need to be separated from society all together. That is how you eradicate a disease. Oh, and guess what? When word gets out that if you have HIV or AIDS and you'll be quarantined, I can guarantee you that casual sex and, the use of dirty needles will go down 10 fold. 

Passing out pamphlets and ensuring better care is only going to make things worse. This president is a fool. 

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Another thing I would like to see is homeopathy and, natural type cures to be taken more seriously in this country. By quarantining people, we could test various methods, and see if the claims of homeopathy, concerning AIDS/HIV are real.