"Don't
Ask, Don't Tell"?
One
of the centers of our mobilization effort is to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Campaign". With it we are trying to reduce the harm that the new testing
guidelines cause our community. We encourage both test takers and counselors
to participate in challenging the state's efforts to undermine anonymous
testing.
Aren't
you talking about gays in the military?
No…
Don’t ask what?
If
you are an HIV test counselor or street outreach worker we ask that you
protect your client's anonymity by refusing to ask for demographic
information that might compromise your client’s anonymity.
Don’t tell what?
If
you are getting tested at an anonymous test site we encourage you to refuse
to answer any questions that might compromise your anonymity, especially
your date of birth and your initials.
What else can
I do?
When
you refuse to tell your counselor the information s/he asks it is important
that you tell him/her why. Ask them to include your refusal in the “counselor
comments” on your test form. That way the State Office of AIDS will see
your objection.
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We support
confidential HIV testing in addition to anonymous testing.
“In
contrast to anonymous testing, confidential testing links the subject's
identity to the test result.” (Office of AIDS). The confidential testing
link is made in the open and all parties give informed consent. We support
each person's right to choose to be tested confidentially. Anonymous testing
has no such safeguards because it supposedly doesn't need them.
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