But some gay activists express frustration at what they believe is a reluctance by policymakers and public health officials to speak directly to gay men with messages about the risks of infection and what they see as the need to limit some sexual activity. “Sometimes you have to send a health message that maybe the target audience … will be unhappy to hear,” Dan Savage, author of the sex advice column Savage Love, told CBC News in a phone interview. “But people are so afraid of the weaponization of social media, of accusations of bigotry, of homophobia, of letting gay people contract an incredibly painful sexually transmitted infection that they might not have contracted had they been warned.” There are more than 1,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox across Canada, concentrated in Ontario and Quebec. The US has declared monkeypox a public health emergency, with more than 10,000 cases reported, according to the latest figures released by the CDC. Anyone can become infected with monkeypox through multiple forms of close contact, including skin-to-skin contact such as touching or sex, respiratory droplets in a conversation, or even exposure to contaminated clothing or bedding. Some gay activists say policymakers and public health officials are reluctant to target gay men with messages about the risks of infection and the need to limit some sexual activity (CBC/Radio-Canada) But in Canada, the US and around the world, the current outbreak has overwhelmingly affected men who have sex with men. Director General of Public Health Dr. Theresa Tam said more than 99 per cent of MPXV cases in Canada are men and the median age of those infected is 35.
Concerns about stigmatization
The emergence of the virus, and messages about risk factors, have raised concerns about the stigmatization of members of the gay community for their sexual activity and behavior, which became a major issue in the 1980s and 1990s during the crisis. of HIV. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said messages about monkeypox should emphasize that anyone can become infected. “Focusing on cases among gay and bisexual men may inadvertently stigmatize this population and create a false sense of security among non-gay and bisexual men,” the CDC said. WATCHES | What it’s like to recover from monkey pox:
What it’s like to recover from monkey pox
A Toronto resident shares his experience recovering from monkeypox, while officials and advocates say more support is needed for patients during the long weeks of isolation. But Savage said he believes the type of messaging means gay and bisexual men may not be motivated to temporarily make some changes in their sex lives or get vaccinated. Savage advises his audience through his column and podcast that they should limit sexual partners and avoid sex parties and anonymous sex meetings. He said there had been too much “twisting” by public health officials about what they could possibly say without sparking outrage. “What’s more homophobic? The assumption that gay men can’t hear the bad news? Or protecting gay men from the bad news and then letting gay men get sick,” said Savage, who is gay. Benjamin Ryan, a freelance journalist and member of the gay community who has covered infectious diseases and LGBTQ health for two decades, said he believes agencies like the CDC are downplaying the central role that sex between men plays in the transmission of smallpox. monkeys.
“Protects gay men”
In an interview with CBC News, Ryan said he believes some health officials seem more interested in keeping the general public on high alert than educating the communities that are suffering the most. “I find it very offensive. My community is suffering right now. Why [health officials] do I spend so much energy worrying about what might happen to other people?’ WATCHES | Questions from the LGBT community about monkey pox, answered:
Answers to questions from the LGBT community about monkey pox
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Kevin Woodward answers questions from the LGBT community about monkeypox and the vaccine. Ryan, however, praised Dr. Theresa Tam, who last month urged gay and bisexual men to practice safe sex and limit their number of sexual partners. “I think what he said is great. It’s evidence-based, sound advice. And it’s not judgmental. It’s giving gay people information that’s clear and direct and that they can take into account as they make decisions that will affect their health and the health of their people around them,” Ryan said. There are, however, questions about whether urging changes in sexual behavior or support for reducing sexual partners is effective.
“Tough Love Message”
Dr. Carlton Thomas, a San Diego-based physician and gay activist who has been active on social media urging people to get the monkeypox vaccine, said no one is telling people to stop having sex. “We tell them to make changes in their sex life,” he said. “That’s just common sense right now.” WATCHES | US to expand supply of monkeypox vaccine with smaller doses:
US to expand supply of monkeypox vaccine with smaller doses
Americans will receive one-fifth the standard dose of the monkeypox vaccine as US health officials look for a way to immunize more people at risk with a limited supply of doses. CBC’s Natasha Fatah reports. Thomas, who recently appeared on Savage’s podcast, said he’s faced some backlash in the community about that message. “People get really offended and say, ‘Whoa, whoa, you’re stepping on toes here. You know, you’re going to create a stigma,’” he said. He said there is a message of “tough love” to be delivered, but the cancellation culture has created a reluctance to tell people the honest truth. “And that’s not what we should be doing as public health officials. We should be telling people the honest truth,” Thomas said. “They can take it or leave it. But right now, the vast majority of infections happen in our community, and it’s irresponsible not to warn people in our community.”
