An Irish drag queen wore a tiara and wig dipped in HIV+ blood to protest HIV/AIDS dating stigma at a local Gay Pride celebration.
Electra La Cnt wore a tiara dipped in blood taken from a consenting HIV+ man.
Huffington Post notes that "a qualified doctor" drew the man's blood.
The blood was poured onto a tiara and wig and allowed to dry before Electra wore the items to the Gay Pride festivities.
Electra told the Huffington Post that he wanted to bring attention to the stigma and hatred endured by his HIV+ friends on gay dating apps.
“I’ve witnessed abuse that HIV+ friends of mine have received on online dating apps and the stigma is definitely still here,” he told The Huffington Post. He added that "confusion over how HIV is transmitted," leads to "assumptions, and hatred in the gay community".
Electra said people have "misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted," and he suggested that they educate themselves so his HIV+ friends can find dates on dating apps.
“I want people to start talking about HIV transmission,” Electra said. “Know the facts... We have to do our part for our community and everyone involved. So get talking, get discussing, get educated: that’s what it’s all about.”
Men who have sex with men (MSM) lead the category in new HIV transmission cases in the U.S.
The CDC reports 1 in 6 men will contract HIV in their lifetime. And 1 in 2 (50%) black men will contract HIV in their lifetime.
Photos: Brad McClenaghan
