The Wright State Guardian – The Wright State Guardian
Peer Movement Project Flyer | Photo by Christian Peters | The Wright State Guardian
On Aug. 30, WSU held a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing event. The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic continues to affect people every day, and universities like Wright State University (WSU) offer resources for students.
HIV testing on campus
On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Peer Movement Project (PMP) held an HIV Testing event in Millett Hall. According to the WSU calendar, this event will be held on the last Wednesday of every month.
Quatez Scott, the Intercultural Specialist of the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources, partners with the PMP to hold confidential HIV testing for Black-identifying WSU students.
Scott explains that having these resources is important for WSU students because it helps students use safe-sex practices.
“This means routinely being tested for HIV and other potential sexually transmitted diseases (STI’s). The goal is always student safety,” Scott said. “This includes providing students with educational resources in the center as well as free resources such as condoms to promote safe and consensual sex.”
Scott encourages students with an HIV-positive test to follow the PMP staff’s recommendation and to speak with their physician.
Minority groups affected disproportionately
Statistically, HIV affects the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community and the Black community disproportionately.
Emily Yantis-Houser, Director of the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, explains why the LGBTQ community is affected more than other groups.
“LGBTQ students and or people are still disproportionately affected, especially men who have sex with men, because of the risk of behaviors that are involved, so it has nothing to do being gay,” Yantis said.
Should You Get Tested?
Yantis recommends that all students get tested as HIV cases for younger people are rising.
“We see more increases in younger folks in college, especially college-age folks so that includes everyone,” Yantis said. “And it’s just another level of being responsible with your body, health and with your sexual health.”
Kevin Huang, leader of the Asian and Native American Center (ANA), says that it is important to get tested even if you are not in a disproportionate group. He also says that it is harder for many Asian people to get tested.
“There’s a reputation in the community where you don’t want your family to be seen in a negative way,” Huang said.
Huang urges all students to get tested for HIV to save lives.
Equitas has HIV support for LGBTQ students. The PMP has resources for Black students. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is also a resource for HIV-positive students.