HIV, AIDS and a new generation

Last week, Out There reported on an online soap opera called “In the Moment,” about gay West Hollywood -- and HIV and AIDS. The show’s creators say they are trying to combat a perception among some young gay men that HIV is no longer a problem. Reader response from latimes.com/outthere:

“I think this is a wonderful thing they’re doing. If it can prevent just one person from contracting HIV/AIDS, it will be worth it.” -- PB

“I’m straight, but I’ve noticed it in my gay guy friends . . . there seems to be a lot less fear of HIV these days. That worries me a lot.” -- Kelly

“Abstinence isn’t suggested, because it’s not happening. Not having sex is the best cure, but you’re not going to stop people from having sex. So why not try to be realistic and ask them to at least be responsible?”

-- John

“I’ve had quite enough of men giving me ridiculous excuses about why they’re not interested in learning about protecting themselves or even thinking about protecting themselves. . . . We have tried the reasonable carrot-and-stick approach for coming up on 20 years, and this disease, which is almost entirely preventable, is still with us.”

-- JD