Things to Think About Before Being Tested for HIV

[NajhaeT]

DONT THINK! DONT WAIT! GET TESTED!

[chuonmy2xists]

This guys is a dick! Think about what affect it will have on your life if you get tested? I wish I were smart enough and brave enough to be tested early. The affects of waiting did more damage than early testing. Here's a few things to think about if you don't get tested early: AIDS, AIDS related illnesses, gee, I don't know, maybe DEATH. I was told if I would have waited any longer, I would have passed away within 3-6 weeks. I think those are far worse than maybe a stigma you may face.

[ignominni]

He said things to consider before getting tested; he didn't say not to get tested. If the concerns he mentions make you feel afraid enough not to get tested, maybe thinking about them and constructing a plan will encourage you more than not. I think that's the point of the video.

[Jibjub80]

Geez, I hope that things aren't like this in the US (difficult to get employment or a mortgage should someone become +). I don't think it is.  That is just wrong. It will discourage people from knowing their statuses, and then, + people may unwittingly spread the virus to partners.

[jugbir]

Damn he's been living with it for 24+ years

[Holebis]

thanks for this testimony,

Added to my HIV/AIDS-prevention playlist.

Gaygreetings from Holebis

[findagent19]

cant you go online and do an anonymous test through an online company and use FedeX to ship. especially if you will face that kind of discrimination. If what you are saying is true Id hate to be in the Uk . You are right people can be really mean.

[ahnowlin]

What an asshole, "I don't see that its my role to encourage people to have the test." Why wouldn't you get the test when the well being of everyone your close to is at risk, not to mention society in as a whole. Precautions should be made if you suspect you could have HIV. Mr. West, your a dick.

[AIDSvideos]

No name calling please. Personally, I encourage everyone to get tested without exception, as does the U.S. CDC. I think Danny's point is that in countries like the UK where there aren't robust antidiscrimination laws like the U.S. ADA (and even in the U.S.), people can experience problems once they've been diagnosed HIV+, therefore he doesn't consider "get tested" to be the no-brainer that most people do. We should work to eliminate discrimination so people are comfortable getting tested.