every night... my prayer for the Gay Community...

[jerseyboys]

http://www.ashasexualhealth.org
Youtube.com/watch?v=y5zT7jK5vcY

( 5 minutes ago i posted something that will make this post lose credibility, but i will continue to post this because( i sincerely believe) this information can value-add to some members of the gay community).

1.  after emailing AFA,
   they informed me there was no support group for gay men suffering from STD or STI
                                           
2. after consulting with a Infectious Disease Physician in Private Practice,
   he informed me any individual diagnosed with STI will (1) find it difficult to last the long journey to recovery because of the stigma Singapore Society has... & it is something everyone looks down on,
                                                 
   also (2) unlike our American counterparts... Doctors at DSC are not equipped with the right counselling skills to educate STD Patients. This Doctor gave me evidence:
   the Youtube URL above is an example of a Roleplay "That should take place btw the DSC Doctor & The Patient" but the high patient load at DSC does not allow for such a long discussion btw Doctor & patient & this ***heavily compromises the safety because ill-informed-STD-patients will go home less educated & potentially aggravate their condition
                                                 
3. i personally saw my best friend die of a STD & thanks to the Singapore healthcare system,
   everytime ur STD flares up, that prob means u have to visit the A&E Department for a one-time-Intervention & at the end of the day... there is very little public healthcare institutions can do to help u get to the "Finishing Line of seeing the total eradication of the STI"... 
                                                  
4. Anyway back to the Title,
   seeing a friend die from a STD infection is a pain that will never go away,
   & that is why every night before i sleep i say a short prayer for anyone in the Gay Community suffering from the physical & emotional & psychosocial pains of living with a STD... that their pain will be short-lived.
                                                                 
   I also pray AFA will setup a STD Support Group.
   Singapore cannot afford "to sweep under the carpet the hidden population of gay men out there suffering from STD" ... it is high time DSC start better caring for patients under their care & stop this production line of "Giving each patient 20 minutes in the Consultation Room".
   
   J
   
   =(

[dynox]

I assume the STIs you are referring to are the more severe ones as compared to the general ones that we usually test for during routine testing.

 

While I don't particularly agree with it, I understand the need for a support system. So you are probably right, this country, as developed as it is (or claims to be), should have something accessible to really help these people deal. That being said, I do believe that there are - just not well known or advertised due to the stigma surrounding having an STI in this country, as you mentioned. [Disclaimer: This is solely based on personal assumption and perception]

 

The issue you are bringing up (about the need for a support group) actually highlights a greater problem, which you also brought up, I believe should be the focus - the stigma surrounding STIs. Setting up support groups and proper counseling for these people would work towards erradicating this judgemental mindset that Singapore has gotten so used to. It's not really just about STIs, it applies across the board. As humans, we are quick to judge - that is our very nature; or at least one that has developed over the centuries. But how we deal with that judgement, now that's where our problem lies. We don't have to impose our judgements, neither do we have to condemn others because of them. Just because we don't agree with the way other people choose to live their life, doesn't mean that we are in any way or form more superior than they are. If your judgement makes you concerned for the person, there are respectful ways of sharing your concerns. You don't have to always resort to anger to deal with things. Anyways, this is a comment for another thread if it ever pops up. It's high time we stop being sanctimonious with this unfounded sense of superiority and just respect one another and provide support regardless.

 

20min of consultation is perfectly acceptable for me as most information can be found the web these days. However, I would think that the added option to contact said counselor or a helpline should patients need to without going through the hassle of making and going for an appointment would be beneficial. They should also check if they require a longer counseling session as some people would definitely need more time to talk through this.

 

It's not an easy thing to shove aside the judgements you feel are coming from other people. You know it's there, sometimes they are and sometimes they aren't. How I handle this is to keep my mind focused on why this shouldn't be any cause for embarrassment. For example, I, like many others, used to be embarrassed to get by routine tests done. I kept telling myself "There is not shame in coming here. I have sex and I'm not ashamed of it, so why should be ashamed that if the stuff that comes with it?". It took awhile to really sink in but it eventually did and now I couldn't care less about what strangers think. To do this, you yourself have to not be judging people for anything like this really. It's not even about reciprocity; which I've noticed Singapore tend to focus on. It's just that you understand how it feels to be judged so instead of being vengeful and being all like 'they do me so why I can't do to them', turn the other way and not be judgemental - respect others just as you want them to respect you. Now, I'm not promising that they will because they probably won't, but that isn't a reason not to do it. Do it because you don't have others to feel the same that you are feeling, sure it may seem you alone aren't doing much, but these things have a way for spreading and touch more hearts.

 

Let's have compassion. Let's have respect. Let's have support. In this dark and unforgiving world, every little bit of kindness goes a long way. Have a great weekend and if you read this whole thing, I thank you:) 

Edited June 24, 2017 by dynox