AIDS IS NOT FUNNY

Undergoing HIV/AIDS testing because your partner has not been truthful is emotionally draining. If Steve had been honest and talked to me about this situation, some unpleasant things would not have happened. Seeing detail profiles about the man you cared about on gay men's sites gave me a feeling of helplessness and uncertainty. I have suffered anxiety attacks, which I have never had during my life. Those that are supposedly protecting Mr. Krantz seem to think this is a funny situation and I should just "disappear or go away" somewhere. His sister, the lawyer, and his long time mistress have been taking jabs at me as if I am not part of Society and Steve does not have to answer to me. I am somebody's daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, loving friend, professional colleague, etc. I wonder if any of these people, including his wife have questioned him about his profiles on the gay men's sites.

I have first hand experience of what happens when a woman unknowingly contracts HIV/AIDS. My friend Tina (Aurora, IL) died about 1 1/2 years ago. She had just turned 60 years old and we were all devastated. We learned that she had been raped five years before and the rapist had given it to her. Here was a hard working, professional Black woman, who had completed her Masters degree and was starting a new career in the financial world. Her life cut short because of someone’s recklessness.

Of course, I was not raped, but Steve did not attempt to inform me about his sexual history after I discovered his profiles on the gay sites. My doctor, therapists, friends, and family do not think there is anything humorous about individuals being inconsiderate in their sexual behavior. Again, I thank all who have supported me during this crisis.
March 2008