Since the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 1981, many people have viewed HIV/AIDS as a gay issue. This, of course, is not accurate, as HIV/AIDS can be found around the globe in both straight and gay people alike.

It is important for you to remember that being an ally and a friend to someone who is gay will not give you HIV/AIDS. Risky sexual practices and drug abuse can lead to contracting HIV/AIDS, no matter if you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. AIDS does not discriminate. The more you educate yourself about this virus, the less you will fear.

Being an ally and a friend will not give you HIV/AIDS.

If someone you care about is HIV-positive or has AIDS, they need your love and support more than ever. There are many local and national organizations specifically designed to help friends and family of people living with HIV/AIDS.

For a list of national HIV/AIDS hotlines and resources, visit The Body.

Find out testing information and test locations at HIVtest.org.

To get involved in local HIV/AIDS related efforts and youth programs visit Know HIV/AIDS and the National Association of People with AIDS.

Other helpful organizations include:

Campaign to End AIDS
http://c2ea.org/

Latino Commission on AIDS
http://latinoaids.org/index.asp

Black AIDS Institute
http://blackaids.org/

Bienestar Human Services
http://bienestar.org/

Please help us continue to make our culture changing work possible with a tax-deductible, online gift today. GLAAD is a non-profit organization and we depend on the generous support of friends like you to continue our work changing hearts and minds. Thank you.