HIV Positive Porn Star Halts Filming

A Californian porn star has tested positive for HIV and two production companies have put all filming on hold while they search for other people who might have been exposed.

Using condoms, although it really should be standard in this day and age, often isn’t done.

Big names, like Larry Flynt, have spoken out against condoms. They claim that “viewers find them a turnoff.”

I would argue that that’s only because they are an anomaly. If condoms were used in every and all porn movie viewers wouldn’t notice them. It would be like the painting on the wall you haven’t looked at for 10 years simply because it’s become part of the background. Not to mention it would make condoms sexy and make more people think of using them in normal situations.

Also, regular testing is required “within 30 days of going to work on a film.” The problem with this, of course, is window periods. Yes, there is a test for HIV that can be done 28 days after potential infection. But it’s less accurate than the 12 week test and to use that as a guide would also assume that these people have not had any new risks within that 28 day period (which obviously some of them would have).

“State workplace safety officials are considering strengthening rules to specify the use of condoms in the adult entertainment industry.”

No kidding?! Of course they should tighten rules and require condoms!

This is the ninth HIV outbreak since 2004 and that’s only at one clinic in a place where testing is required. Imagine all the other people in other areas of the industry and other film companies and other countries in the world where testing doesn’t happen.

This seems like a no-brainer to me. I wish the industry valued the health of its actors as much as it values making a quick buck.