Porn sets across L.A. were quiet today, after an anonymous porn star’s positive HIV test prompted adult film studios to temporarily halt production. The companies should be back to cranking out the smut Americans crave later this week, but the news has reignited the debate over the best way to prevent the spread of HIV and other STDs within the industry.
The group (rightly) hasn’t released information on the performer’s name, age, or gender. Diane Duke, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, says that the person tested positive at an out-of-state facility “that does not appear to have protocols or procedures in place for medical follow-up (including generational testing).” It’s unclear exactly what procedure the group is following, but Duke says, “retesting and confirmation is underway as is the process of identifying and testing first- and second- generation partners.”
Just last month, the Free Speech Coalition launched a new porn performer STD database, which includes results from actors’ monthly tests. Last year, the old database run by AIM Medical Associates was sued by two performers who say their privacy was violated when their HIV status was released. The new system only tells agents and producers whether the performer is available to work, but it won’t be up and running for another month.
AIM officials were attacked for insisting that the database could protect performers from HIV, so condoms were unnecessary. Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said this latest incident proves that condoms must be used, and those who say the database is enough show, “outrageous disregard for the health and safety of performers and the community at large.”
Soon adult film companies may not have a choice in the matter. After he was diagnosed with HIV at AIM last year, Derrick Burts (pictured above) began advocating for mandatory condom use. He’s now working with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to put a proposal on Los Angeles’ June 2012 ballot. If passed, it would require any production seeking a city film permit to make sure actors use condoms on set.
Porn Filmmaking Shut Down After Performer Tests HIV Positive [LAT]
Earlier: The Porn Performer STD Database Is Back
