Ignorance Isn't Bliss

Sen. James Forrester, the lead sponsor of the anti-LGBT amendment that will go before North Carolina voters this fall, can't seem to let go of his wrong-headed notions about gay people and HIV.

So it's good to see this interview of Forrester by radio show host Michael Signorile circulating widely today. At least some people are hearing that gay people don't actually die an average of 20 years sooner than heterosexuals because of AIDS, as Sen. Forrester has repeatedly claimed.

And yet, there's a larger issue at the root of all this that's not getting quite as much attention as it deserves: the interconnections between HIV-related stigma, discrimination and homophobia.

You can bet this won't be the last time we hear supporters of the anti-LGBT amendment cite AIDS as part of the problem they're trying to 'solve' through their hurtful campaign.

And you can bet this political rhetoric will bleed over into social spaces like churches and sports leagues, making it more difficult for people living with HIV/AIDS to find supportive environments.

We're developing programs to help push back the wave of HIV-related stigma we're expecting between now and May 2012, when the anti-LGBT amendment will go before voters.

And we'll be working in coalition with Equality North Carolina to ensure a victory that day--not just because the language of the amendment jeopardizes the access that hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS have to health insurance through domestic partner benefits, but also because these attacks on LGBT people are attacks on the HIV/AIDS community, too.

Right now, we have two great ways for you to help:

If you're in the Triangle region, we're asking you to join us in supporting Equality North Carolina's efforts to defeat the constitutional amendment next Tuesday and/or Wednesday night, when we'll be sending volunteers to help ENC at their office in downtown Raleigh. To volunteer, simply contact sam@equalitync.org -- and let her know that NCAAN sent you!

And wherever you are, please take a moment to sign Equality North Carolina's pledge to vote NO on Amendment One. Just click here and take the pledge.

Please join us -- because ignorance isn't bliss, but winning a fight against HIV-related stigma, discrimination and homophobia really is.