Ban stereotypes

I would like to voice my concern about the photograph of two drag queens accom panying your article, Gay Pacific Island Men too shy for their own good. . The article is about AIDS/HIV and the problem with getting Pacific Island Men to acknowledge their sexuality and to be test ed. The article is not about the Mardi Gras or the Hero Parade; two events that are splendid showcases for drag queens.

A very valid point made by the NZ Aids foundation Pacific Islands Education Officer in the article is that "everyone needs to be educated - it's not just a gay man's disease anymore”. As a regional magazine you should take some responsi bility in this education process, not set it back by publishing an insensitive and mis leading photograph. I am disappointed that PIM is encouraging the stereotypical

notion that AIDS/HIV is an issue related to a specific ’group’ in society. If I was a gay Pacific Island man, I too would feel shy about acknowledging my sexuality or being tested if I thought this is how society has type cast me.

May I remind PIM that AIDS does not respect tradition, culture or religion.

Tamsin Vuetilovoni,

Suva, Fiji