One of the most tragic aspects of AIDS is that it thrives on ignorance, bigotry and fear. In fact, I have no doubt that homophobia has worsened and prolonged the AIDS crisis. It is particularly sad to me when I hear black people, including some in leadership positions, making homophobic comments and attacking the human rights of gay and lesbian people. African Americans have suffered for too long because of prejudice and bigotry to be parroting the rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups who bash people because of their sexual orientation. We ought to extend to gay and lesbian people the same respect and dignity we claim for ourselves.
Every person is a child of god and every human being is entitled to full human rights.
The gay bashers and homophobic people are the best allies AIDS could have. By preaching hatred and fear of gay people, they are creating a climate that discourages openness and education about AIDS which can help prevent its spread. They spread shame and guilt where their should be compassion and healing. Yet in a way, the silence of good people has been even more harmful than the destructive statements of the homophobic bigots. There is a very human tendency to direct one's attention elsewhere when confronted with the stark reality of deadly disease.