HIV Focus

Posted by: admin | Posted on: July 24th, 2009 | 0 Comments

 People living with HIV still refused entry to USA

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is warning that gay men living with HIV remain banned from travelling to the USA unless they have specifically applied for a hard-to-get visa. Despite a HIV entry ban no longer being law, and the recent introduction of a general online visa waiver system (ESTA), people with HIV still need to attend an interview at the American Embassy in London before they can – even then, still only is highly exceptional circumstances – travel legally. People living with HIV who seek more info on their right to travel internationally can contact THT direct on 0845 1221 200 from 10am to 10pm weekdays and from 12pm to 6pm weekends; or email info@tht.org.

Equality Bill “Ignores discrimination faced by job-seekers with ‘invisible’ conditions like HIV”.

A coalition of charities, including Terrence Higgins Trust and NAT, is calling for an amendment to the Equality Bill to reduce “Unacceptable under-the-counter discrimination” faced by job-seekers with “invisible” conditions such as a mental illness or HIV – by introducing a ban on health-related questions, not directly linked to a candidate’s ability to perform a role, until after a job offer has been made.

Safer sex Play Zone scheme to roll out nationally

After a successful pilot in London and Brighton, Terrence Higgins Trust is working with a range of regional HIV and sexual health organisations to launch Play Zone – a training programme and code of good practice which aims to create a safer environment in venues where sex between men might occur – across England and Wales. Venues that meet the standards set out in the code will receive Play Zone branding and certificates to display to punters. Venues seeking more information should call 020 7812 1600 or visit www.tht.org.uk/playzone.

THT seeks gay men with HIV to share experiences online.

Terrence Higgins Trust is looking for gay men living with HIV to share their experiences online, ideally via a monthly 500-word diary, also carrying their photo, on its “What next?” website (www.tht.org.uk/whatnext) which provides information and support specifically for newly-diagnosed gay men. THT is particularly looking for Latin American men and men from black and minority ethnic communities. Those interested should contact Stephen Adair on 020 7812 1783 or email stephen.adair@tht.org.uk.

Sourced from Fyne Times – June Edition