Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
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Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Gone public with his diagnosis today. Very brave. Good luck to him.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
What a man!
I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.
I hope this (threat of leaking the info) allows him to live his life again and releases his shackles
Its a travesty that a newspaper has forced him to do this.
I absolutely love his determination and bravery - what an example and role model!
I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.
I hope this (threat of leaking the info) allows him to live his life again and releases his shackles
Its a travesty that a newspaper has forced him to do this.
I absolutely love his determination and bravery - what an example and role model!
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
He's gone public partly because he was being black mailed with it I read somewhere, I think he had the same issue when he revealed his sexuality.
He's also an absolute idiot for getting HIV when there are drugs available to stop that happening.
If you're not playing safe then take the drugs.....
He's also an absolute idiot for getting HIV when there are drugs available to stop that happening.
If you're not playing safe then take the drugs.....
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Next question is when did he get HIV , sort of was he playing at the time which would be the big one .
Fair play to the guy for coming out a long time ago telling everyone that he is gay .
Fair play to the guy for coming out a long time ago telling everyone that he is gay .
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
You don’t know how he caught it?GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:He's gone public partly because he was being black mailed with it I read somewhere, I think he had the same issue when he revealed his sexuality.
He's also an absolute idiot for getting HIV when there are drugs available to stop that happening.
If you're not playing safe then take the drugs.....
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Go on then, tell us.cricketfieldclarets wrote:You don’t know how he caught it?
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Go on then..how did he?cricketfieldclarets wrote:You don’t know how he caught it?
One of 3 ways.
Dirty needle/junkie , via hospital or from sex.
PrEP has been available via online for about 5-6 years now so that will help reduce the number of gay/Bi men getting HIV.
Infected people can also take a drug that suppresses HIV/Aids so it's nearly impossible for them to pass it on.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
So long as he has acted sensibly since the diagnosis I fail to see what this has to do with anyone else.
Why do we persist in behaving to this infection with such opprobrium?
Why do we persist in behaving to this infection with such opprobrium?
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
To be fair, if he hadn't said anything we would be none the wiser and it wouldn't be a topic formdd2 wrote:So long as he has acted sensibly since the diagnosis I fail to see what this has to do with anyone else.
Why do we persist in behaving to this infection with such opprobrium?
discussion on here.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Agreed FD but it seems he feels he has had to reveal all as in his tweet apparently "evil" people were threatening to disclose his illness.Funkydrummer wrote:To be fair, if he hadn't said anything we would be none the wiser and it wouldn't be a topic for
discussion on here.
How on earth are we still in the world of making a man feel afraid and ashamed at keeping his illness secret- when it is everyones right to have their health or ill-health status a matter between themselves and their doctors unless their illness threatens others.
Let's face it many posters sadly too many not posting now would be better off being treated for HIV than cancer, but HIV remains an illness whose victims are often ridiculed primarily because it is assumed that it is because of their sexuality and so their fault.
It is bad enough having a chronic mainly incurable illness without the stigma that is forced upon the poor victims. With this particular illness due to the amazing developments it can be controlled and the vast majority can expect to lead a healthy life-provided "joe public" can leave them alone.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
I’ve no idea.Funkydrummer wrote:Go on then, tell us.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Gareth Edwards was on tv during the week. I think it was a follow up to his programme last year on homophobia in football.
I'm not on Twitter. If I was this would be my message.
Good luck, Gareth. I hope your continue in good health and you can manage whatever health conditions you need to manage.
And, all power to you in getting all football fans comfortable with people with different sexualities.
I'm not on Twitter. If I was this would be my message.
Good luck, Gareth. I hope your continue in good health and you can manage whatever health conditions you need to manage.
And, all power to you in getting all football fans comfortable with people with different sexualities.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Now there's a sobering thought
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
The stigma still surrounding HIV is stupid. I would much rather have a manageable chronic condition like HIV, than many other chronic conditions which are far more likely to take years off your life.
You can get HIV through one episode of unprotected sex. The vast majority of us have done that.
COPD usually caused by years of smoking doesn’t carry the same stigma. It’s weird how people think
You can get HIV through one episode of unprotected sex. The vast majority of us have done that.
COPD usually caused by years of smoking doesn’t carry the same stigma. It’s weird how people think
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Never understood why people need to announce to the world that they're gay or have HIV. It's no longer a stigma to be gay, it's more of a stigma being a white straight male these days.Funkydrummer wrote:To be fair, if he hadn't said anything we would be none the wiser and it wouldn't be a topic for
discussion on here.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Here we go again.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
I think pretty much all people, male and female, tend to be ashamed of sexually transmitted diseases (or at least, tend not to advertise them). It's not just an HIV thing.mdd2 wrote:Agreed FD but it seems he feels he has had to reveal all as in his tweet apparently "evil" people were threatening to disclose his illness.
How on earth are we still in the world of making a man feel afraid and ashamed at keeping his illness secret- when it is everyones right to have their health or ill-health status a matter between themselves and their doctors unless their illness threatens others.
Let's face it many posters sadly too many not posting now would be better off being treated for HIV than cancer, but HIV remains an illness whose victims are often ridiculed primarily because it is assumed that it is because of their sexuality and so their fault.
It is bad enough having a chronic mainly incurable illness without the stigma that is forced upon the poor victims. With this particular illness due to the amazing developments it can be controlled and the vast majority can expect to lead a healthy life-provided "joe public" can leave them alone.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
It's a stigma to be a white straight male? Go on then, elaborate.Firthy wrote:Never understood why people need to announce to the world that they're gay or have HIV. It's no longer a stigma to be gay, it's more of a stigma being a white straight male these days.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Is it the good or bad version?
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https://youtu.be/f3xUjw2BCYE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
No it isn’t.Firthy wrote:Never understood why people need to announce to the world that they're gay or have HIV. It's no longer a stigma to be gay, it's more of a stigma being a white straight male these days.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
No it isn't more of a stigma being a straight white male.Firthy wrote:Never understood why people need to announce to the world that they're gay or have HIV. It's no longer a stigma to be gay, it's more of a stigma being a white straight male these days.
As for announcing if they're gay, it helps those out there who're struggling with it and if they would be able to tell their loved ones without being disowned or are afraid of being bullied by others.
It makes it more normal when someone like Thomas tells the world he's gay when he's still a professional rugby player.
In regards to the HIV, he was being blackmailed / threatened with it so he took pretty much the only step he could to stop that...
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Is this from a blood transfusion or unprotected anal sex ? Some innocent people get caught up in the former and the latter is a recipe for catching illnesses.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Is it any more different than unprotected sex with a female?Blackrod wrote:Is this from a blood transfusion or unprotected anal sex ? Some innocent people get caught up in the former and the latter is a recipe for catching illnesses.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Unless it's many years ago, blood donors are now automatically tested for HIV and other blood disorders as a matter of routine. If the blood that they have donated is found to be infected it will be incinerated so it certainly won't be from a blood transfusion.Blackrod wrote:Is this from a blood transfusion or unprotected anal sex ? Some innocent people get caught up in the former and the latter is a recipe for catching illnesses.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Women think they'll never catch it, or any other STD/STI, regardless of how promiscuous they are.ClaretAndJew wrote:Is it any more different than unprotected sex with a female?
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
HIV is/was a heterosexual illness in Africa and black white gay straight, people get this infection-some innocently others by playing sexual Russian roulette but if you get chlamydia from Russian roulette there is no hue and cry-but however one might contract HIV then the mob at the moment are out in force.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Do they?GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:Women think they'll never catch it, or any other STD/STI, regardless of how promiscuous they are.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
You don't have to be promiscuous but just have a promiscuous partner.GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:Women think they'll never catch it, or any other STD/STI, regardless of how promiscuous they are.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
I know plenty who don't worry about the consequences of unprotected sex and aren't shy putting it about.Rileybobs wrote:Do they?
Just for balance I know plenty of lads who behave the same.
Last edited by GodIsADeeJay81 on Mon Sep 16, 2019 11:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
That's true enough but one lad I know who caught Gonorrhoea from a woman on her hen domdd2 wrote:You don't have to be promiscuous but just have a promiscuous partner.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
One of you just needs to stray once, there doesn’t need to be any promiscuity.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
A bit of a sweeping statement saying that women think they’ll never catch an STI. Bizarre.GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:I know plenty who don't worry about the consequences of unprotected sex and aren't shy putting it about.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
There are plenty of women who don't think they will and/or don't worry about the consequences of unprotected sexRileybobs wrote:A bit of a sweeping statement saying that women think they’ll never catch an STI. Bizarre.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
There are drugs that prevent HIV? You sure you're not thinking of AIDS?GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:He's gone public partly because he was being black mailed with it I read somewhere, I think he had the same issue when he revealed his sexuality.
He's also an absolute idiot for getting HIV when there are drugs available to stop that happening.
If you're not playing safe then take the drugs.....
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
PrEP stops you getting HIV/AIDS, that's what I said.Imploding Turtle wrote:There are drugs that prevent HIV? You sure you're not thinking of AIDS?
There's another drug that suppresses it if you've got it and massively reduces the chances of you passing it on.
PrEP isn't currently approved by the NHS/GMC last I heard, but it's easy enough to purchase and it works.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
very strange and generalising comment.GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:Women think they'll never catch it, or any other STD/STI, regardless of how promiscuous they are.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Not really, ask women you know if they've ever considered the possibility they could get HIV/Aids and you'll see that they don't think about it.cricketfieldclarets wrote:very strange and generalising comment.
Men are equally as bad though, including with STD/STI's.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
I've mentioned on this forum previously about my Colitis, it's a chronic incurable illness that requires me to have life "normalising" drugs for the rest of my life. My treatment is not too dissimilar to the treatment for HIV in regards to the impact on life. HIV no longer carries the death sentence that diagnosis used to bring.Inchy wrote:The stigma still surrounding HIV is stupid. I would much rather have a manageable chronic condition like HIV, than many other chronic conditions which are far more likely to take years off your life.
You can get HIV through one episode of unprotected sex. The vast majority of us have done that.
COPD usually caused by years of smoking doesn’t carry the same stigma. It’s weird how people think
I don't actually think it matters how he contracted the disease - it's none of my business nor any of yours. I do think he is very courageous for publicly discussing his issues though and it is a shame that he had to because of the press.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Condoms are a lot less effective at preventing STIs than they are pregnancy as well.GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:There are plenty of women who don't think they will and/or don't worry about the consequences of unprotected sex
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Rick_Muller wrote:I've mentioned on this forum previously about my Colitis, it's a chronic incurable illness that requires me to have life "normalising" drugs for the rest of my life. My treatment is not too dissimilar to the treatment for HIV in regards to the impact on life. HIV no longer carries the death sentence that diagnosis used to bring.
I don't actually think it matters how he contracted the disease - it's none of my business nor any of yours. I do think he is very courageous for publicly discussing his issues though and it is a shame that he had to because of the press.
No medical condition should have a stigma, and I include addiction illnesses in that as well.
As I say is weird how the public think. Many still think HIV is a death sentences when in developed countries it generally isn’t. Colitis almost has the opposite issues. Some people don’t understand and therefore don’t understand the debilitating effects it can have. I used to be a charge nurse on a gastro ward and have seen first hand how utterly energy sapping, as well as painful, it can be.
I have had more than one patient with bowel illnesses tell me they have received an earful off members of the public when seen using a disabled toilet. One of the chaps that was telling me this literally took off his stoma bag and handed it to said member of the public and said “If I’m not disabled I mustn’t need this “
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
After today's "news" about Stokes, it make you wonder which newspaper was threatening to publish this
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Again. Strange comment.GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:Not really, ask women you know if they've ever considered the possibility they could get HIV/Aids and you'll see that they don't think about it.
Men are equally as bad though, including with STD/STI's.
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Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
The wise neutral at it again, not just women, men as well.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Thought the programme on BBC last night was brilliant and very moving.
What he’s doing to increase public awareness is brilliant - got nothing but respect for him.
What that toilet paper of a tabloid have done to him and Ben Stokes is a disgrace. Heard Nicky Morgan the culture secretary asked a question about it last night on Peston. She gave a pathetic politicians answer about the importance of the freedom of the press and it wasn’t up to the government to interfere...
....except of course she probably would interfere if they attacked her or her family - but that’s different of course.
Anyway back to Gareth Thomas - truly inspirational stuff and hope this picks up more momentum as he is definitely a man on a mission to make a difference.
What he’s doing to increase public awareness is brilliant - got nothing but respect for him.
What that toilet paper of a tabloid have done to him and Ben Stokes is a disgrace. Heard Nicky Morgan the culture secretary asked a question about it last night on Peston. She gave a pathetic politicians answer about the importance of the freedom of the press and it wasn’t up to the government to interfere...
....except of course she probably would interfere if they attacked her or her family - but that’s different of course.
Anyway back to Gareth Thomas - truly inspirational stuff and hope this picks up more momentum as he is definitely a man on a mission to make a difference.
Re: Gareth Thomas' HIV diagnosis
Tbf, the broad sheets are also utterly ruthless when it comes to character assassinations. Just wait till a general election is called.TVC15 wrote:What that toilet paper of a tabloid have done to him and Ben Stokes is a disgrace. Heard Nicky Morgan the culture secretary asked a question about it last night on Peston. She gave a pathetic politicians answer about the importance of the freedom of the press and it wasn’t up to the government to interfere...