DAPUPDATE
STAYING ON TOP OF SEXUAL HEALTH AND COVID-19 BY JACK BUNTING
There hasn’t been a lot of time to point to many trends during this health crisis, but two that were established before the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t stopped, and they’re threatening to complicate life even more if they continue to be ignored. All humans are hard-wired to seek comfort in the company of others, especially during times of stress and trauma. We are all fatigued from socially isolating, and this need is enough of a pull for people that many are deciding to take chances by hooking up.
28 THESTANDARDPS.COM
This is causing shame and secrecy in people who are already nervous about coming indoors for testing and medical visits. LGBTQ clients are not keeping up on essential STI and HIV testing and treatment. This is troubling, because the LGBTQ community suffers more from these health issues than the general population, and accessing services is also tougher for them. HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia in the Coachella Valley are showing why community health experts have reason to worry.