As a performer in the adult industry, we are met with different issues on a regular basis. With changes in society and science, it is important that we stay informed regarding the potential health risks we take. Through research and meetings with medical staff, we have learned that our current testing protocols for HIV are inadequate. While the test we currently use gives the fastest detection of NEW HIV infection, it does not and will not register as positive if someone is HIV + and using antiretroviral medication. With this revelation, the Adult Performers Actors Guild is speaking out for performers to demand that an additional test be added to the testing panel.
While some organizations have pushed their agenda based on stigma, we believe in true consent and disclosure. We believe every performer has the right to know if the performer they are having sex with is infected with the HIV virus, at any stage of infection. To not disclose your status, simply because you can pass our HIV tests, is negligent and illegal. While those organizations claim that HIV performers are not in our PASS system, we would like to remind all performers that being a part of PASS is NOT a requirement for performing. There are numerous performers, including producers who perform, who refuse to share their personal information with the PASS system. It is important for organizations to give all the facts to performers, not just the facts that support their agenda.
As the Union, it is our job to speak on behalf of the performers interests. We are not affiliated with ANY outside organization, including those driven by producers in the adult industry. As the Union, it is our duty to inform performers of the true risks involved with their choice of employment. Because our focus is performers, we need your support and your opinions. Please take a moment to complete the poll listed below. This poll will guarantee that the true voice of performers are being heard.
Informational links-
https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hiv-antibody/tab/test/
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html
“Antigen/antibody tests look for both HIV antibodies and antigens. … If you’re infected with HIV, an antigencalled p24 is produced even before antibodies develop. Tests that detect both antigen and antibodies are recommended for testing done in labs and are now common in the United States.Sep 21, 2017″
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
“An antigen/antibody test performed by a laboratory on blood from a vein can usually detect HIV infection 18 to 45 days after an exposure. Antigen/ antibody tests done with blood from a finger prick can take longer to detect HIV (18 to 90 days after an exposure). When the goal is to tell for sure that a person does not have HIV, an antigen/antibody test performed by a laboratory on blood from a vein is preferred.”
