HIV In The Porn Industry
It has been a rough few weeks for the adult industry. Porn star Cameron Bay was tested positive for HIV last month, the first new diagnosis in the adult industry in years. A moratorium was called on all porn production when Bay was first diagnosed, and her performance partners were required to undergo additional testing.
The moratorium was lifted briefly, until it was discovered that her boyfriend, fellow porn star Rod Daily, had also tested positive.
Since then, two additional performers have tested positive. The multi-billion dollar industry is currently at a standstill while other porn stars are being tested.
The news has reignited a nationwide debate over safety in the adult industry.
A number of health organizations, including the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, have called for mandatory condom usage on porn sets. In 2012, voters in Los Angeles passed Measure B, the “Safer Sex In The Adult Film Industry Act”, which requires condom usage.
The Free Speech Coalition has come out in opposition against the act, arguing that there are already strict HIV testing protocols in place in the adult industry (performers are tested every 28 days).
The matter is currently tied up in the court system.
The one piece of good news in this mess is that an HIV diagnosis these days isn’t the automatic death sentence that it once was. Treatment protocols and medications have greatly improved, and the prognosis for those diagnosed early is particularly good.
A recent study in the UK found that young adults diagnosed with HIV now can expect to live well into their 70s.
Rod Daily himself seems to be incredibly optimistic, tweeting, “When something like this happens you just have to accept it. I’m not down I’m not out… Had to pinch myself a few times no doubt. But the sun still shines on my face and its warm. Can’t take my heart ever. I love life, blessed.”