This new protection comes just months after the state passed three bills giving trans residents of Jersey more rights.
LGBTI advocates are celebrating New Jersey’s recent guidance. They say it’s putting the state among national leaders for protecting trans students from unaccepting families.
Still, some parent and family groups argue that schools shouldn’t be keeping such significant secrets from families.
‘We always have believed that any discussion that affects our students should be an all-inclusive discussion,’ Rose Acerra, president of the New Jersey PTA, told NJ.com. ‘[We] could never fully support anything that leaves the parent voice out.’
While parent involvement in a child’s gender identity is ideal, it’s not always a reasonable option, according to Aaron Potenza of LGBTI advocacy organization Garden State Equality.
‘If a student tells you, “If my parents hear this they are going to throw me out,” then we don’t want school districts notifying parents,’ Potenza said.
David Rubin, longtime school board attorney for New Jersey districts, is among a group of lawyers advising school districts in this instance. According to them, parents don’t necessarily need to be told their child’s transgender identity. Further, educators don’t need parental permission to embrace a student’s gender (such as using preferred pronouns) in school.
However, this new guidance is not legally binding. Rather, it’s the Education Department’s interpretation of a 2017 state law reinforcing transgender students’ rights. This means, though not legally binding, it will likely be respected.
‘It is something you can point to as at least some source of authority,’ Rubin said. ‘It provides guidance and cover for school districts who may have angry parents confronting them.’
Transgender children often face unaccepting families and hostile living situations. Discovery of one’s trans identity could lead to them being kicked out of their homes or even physically abused.
‘The sad reality is that too many transgender and gender nonconforming youth may be placed in further danger by schools forcefully outing them to unsupportive family,’ said Brenda Barron, director of public policy for LGBTI advocacy organization GLSEN.
Since the United States Department of Education began a rollback of protections for trans students, many school districts have been looking to their respective states for guidance.
‘School districts have been asking for this guidance for some time,’ said Department of Education spokesperson Mike Yaple.
New Jersey’s new guidance was drafted with the help of the recently recognized Transgender Task Force. It puts the state up with the dozen others who have sent school’s instructions for dealing with trans students.
‘I would put this up there with the best of the best,’ Potenza said of New Jersey’s guidance.
Facebook has blocked ads containing LGBTI material for being ‘political’.
Adverts for everything from a gay fairy tale cabaret in Las Vegas to a Spanish-language social group for Latino men were deemed political by the social media site’s monitors. This is despite none of them containing any form of advocacy or political views, according to The Washington Post.
This comes as Facebook tries to regulate the use of its site for political means after Russian-state actors were accused of using adverts to sway the 2016 US election and the UK Brexit vote. The site uses both automated and human monitors to filter out content.
Facebook’s new policy requires people using ads for political purposes register with the company. For this, the user would need to divulge a lot of personal information. This includes a driver’s license or passport, a personal home address, and the last four digits of a Social Security number.
However, their public database found that these innocuous LGBTI adverts were deemed ‘political’. This means they’d have to register with the company in order to post them. Many told The Post they didn’t know this option existed.
Facebook told the paper that the majority of these were made in error.
A shaky history with LGBTI people
Yet the company has taken steps recently that seem out of line with this desire to curb the use of politics on their site.
Once the news became public, the company took down the ad, blaming it on a mistake in the ‘micro-targeting algorithm’. However, it’s unclear how these ads were not considered political, as gay conversion therapy is illegal in many places around the world.
‘We are against Pinkdot in Singapore’, a group of people who oppose Singapore’s annual pride event, Pink Dot, were removed for violating the community standards.
However, the group was put back up. A Facebook spokesperson claimed that the page should not have been removed entirely, only some of its posts.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signs the bill into law surrounded by members of the LGBTI community (Photo: Twitter)
10 October 2018
New York City residents will be able to opt for the gender-neutral marker ‘X’ on birth certificates from 2019. They can also change gender without a doctor’s affidavit.
Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the bill into a law on Tuesday (9 October) accompanied by transgender and non-binary New Yorkers.
The city becomes the fifth place in the US to offer such birth certificates. California, Oregon, Washington state and New Jersey previously introduced bills.
Significantly, residents can now change their gender to male, female or ‘x’ with a personal affidavit. The legislation removed the need for a doctor’s note.
De Blasio said the bill allowed New Yorkers to ‘tell the government who they are and not the other way around’.
‘You be you. Live your truth. And know that New York City will have your back’ he told those gathered at the ceremony.
New York City council speaker Corey Johnson said ‘not a single person came to testify against the bill’. It was originally introduced under former mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The bill New York City in 2014 allowed residents to change their gender markers on documents without surgery.
‘Monumental’
Some of New York City’s LGBTI leaders were present to mark the historic legislation.
‘This might seem like a small change, but it’s monumental for many of us’ said co-founder of NY Trans Advocacy Group, Tanya A Walker. ‘We won’t longer need a doctor to decide what we know is our identity. We won’t have to be out again and again’.
Non-binary actor Asia Kate Dillon said ‘I’m not a male nor female. I am non-binary’. ‘I was assigned female at birth, but that’s not who I am or identify now’.
As a first-time homebuyer, you may not know what to expect during the buying process. Finding a real estate agent to work with, getting pre-qualified for your first mortgage, what to do and what not to do after getting approved for your mortgage. And then on to finding the perfect home, and learning how an inspection works.
If you’re preparing to buy your first home, here are several tips that will help you move through the process more quickly and avoid unexpected issues.
First – Finding the Right Real Estate Agent
The first step in any new venture is to arm yourself with a list of questions, and have a conversation with a professional – when it comes to buying a home, that’s a real estate agent.
For those who are a part of the LGBTQ community, this may mean finding a gay or lesbian real estate agent in your area. You can do this by visiting GayRealEstate.com, a website dedicated to connecting LGBTQ buyers and sellers with experienced real estate agents.
Second – Get Preapproved
Before you step into a home, you’ll visit a lender to get pre-approved… you need to know how much you can afford, and what amount of cash you’ll need for the down payment and closing costs! Being pre-approved means a lender has run your credit history, considered your income, and has determined that you qualify for a loan of a maximum amount. Being preapproved ensures you’ll not spend time looking at homes you can’t afford. When it comes time to write an offer, your pre-approval letter will show sellers that you are committed and are ready to finalize your financing to buy a house.
As a side note – any lender you approach for a mortgage will run your credit history. They will be able to see your missed or late payments, any loans you have defaulted on, and your total debt. Before you apply for a mortgage, pull your credit history using one of the free services. If you see anything on the report that you know is not your debt, report it. Dispute missed or late payments you know you made on time. You can also note any negative information that is accurate so you will be ready when your lender asks you about those items.
Understand the Expenses You’re Taking on
When you look at your budget to determine how much you can afford to spend on a mortgage, make certain you list all of the monthly expenses you’ll be taking on. Those who have been living in an apartment or renting may have some or even all of their utilities rolled into the rent.
When you buy a home, you will have to cover all of these utilities yourself. This includes water, garbage, electric, gas, phone, and internet services. You may also be required to pay a homeowner’s association fee. Property taxes and insurance are two more costs to add to your list, although they may be included in your mortgage payment.
In addition to these monthly costs, you will also have a number of one-time deposits to make the utility companies. Additionally, you may need to purchase yard care equipment or pay for a yard service, buy furniture, and purchase paint and other household items. You also cannot forget to budget for closing costs unless the contract specifies that the seller will cover this expense. Purchasing a home is much more than simply making a down payment and paying a mortgage.
Add to Your Savings
Many buyers work to improve their savings before buying a house so they have the finances needed to make a down payment, pay closing costs, and purchase items for their home.
Keep in mind if you have retirement savings you may be able to tap into that for your down payment – it may be worth it while interest rates are low. Also, family members can often “gift” you your down payment!
Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com – A free nationwide database of gay, lesbian and gay friendly
Titus Burgess will host the Proud Flight (Virgin Atlantic)
The world’s first known flight fully staffed by LGBT+ people is due for take off from London Heathrow Airport in June 2019.
The LGBT+ pilots and cabin crew will head the one-off ‘Pride Flight’ to New York, which is the first American city to host the World Pride event next year, on June 28—the day marking 50 years since the beginning of the Stonewall riots.
Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays teamed up with NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, to bring the Pride celebrations to 38,000 feet above the ground.
Broadway actor and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess (Virgin Atlantic)
They have enlisted Broadway actor and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess to be the master of ceremonies during the flight, which promises to feature on-board entertainment including an on-board DJ, drag queen bingo, a Judy Garland singalong and inter-seat speed dating.
“At a time when we’re seeing the rights of minority groups under threat, it is more important than ever we stand up and make our voices heard,” Burgess said.
“The LGBT+ community has made enormous strides over the last 50 years, and I’m so proud to partner with Virgin Holidays and Virgin Atlantic to mark this occasion in style and celebrate the hard-won freedoms from those who came before us,” he said.
Fred Dixon, president and chief executive of NYC & Company, said the World Pride event is expected to attract more than three million visitors to the Big Apple in 2019, and promises to be “one of the largest LGBTQ events in history.”
“As a City founded on diversity, inclusivity and a welcoming spirit, we’re extremely pleased to host World Pride 2019—the first time the big event will be held in the United States, while at the same time marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising,” he added.
On-board entertainment will include on board DJ, Drag-Queen Bingo, Judy Garland singalong and inter-seat speed dating. (Virgin Atlantic)
Ticket prices start at £380 for the flight-only Economy Light experience, but holiday packages including accommodation at a New York hotel start at £699 per person.
Virgin will donate a portion of ticket sales to The Attitude Magazine Foundation to promote community initiatives in the UK, as well as arrange fundraising and raffle activities on board.
“We take our commitments to diversity and inclusion seriously, but you can rest assured we have a lot of fun along the way,” said Mark Anderson, global LGBT lead for Virgin Group and executive vice president at Virgin Atlantic, promising “a show-stopping, ground- breaking, one-of-a-kind experience.”
Virgin is the latest company announcing special initiatives for the half-century anniversary of the 1969 riots that gave birth to the gay rights movement.
In September, American baseball team the New York Yankees revealed plans to spend $50,000 on scholarships, which will act “as a springboard for young LGBTQ student community members,” to mark the occasion.
San Francisco is making strides in reducing the number of new HIV infections that happen every year. But recent data released by the San Francisco Department of Public Health show that homelessness is a factor for HIV risk and in how people living with HIV receive treatment.
Homelessness and HIV are tightly linked. People who are homeless experience higher rates of HIV infection, have a more difficult time staying in HIV care and adhering to HIV medications, and experience worse health outcomes as a result of HIV infection. With nearly 7,500 homeless people in San Francisco, and 3,840 people who are unsheltered, the impact of HIV on our city’s homeless population is evident year after year.
“We’ve been saying it for years: housing is health care,” said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “For many people living with HIV and experiencing homelessness, it can be difficult to access systems of care because of barriers like identification, insurance, or previous trauma. You might not be able to keep possession of medications because are forced to move or flee, or maybe you have to prioritize food over medication.”
“The HIV rate among homeless people is incredibly high,” said Julie Lifshay, MPH, PhD, of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “And, homeless folks who are becoming infected with HIV are from more marginalized communities compared to people being diagnosed overall—they are more likely to be trans women, African American, people who use injection drugs, or men who have sex with men who use injection drugs. The good news is that people who are homeless are being linked to care at about the same rate as those who are housed and the percent who are virally suppressed within a year seems to be increasing.”
A large percentage of new HIV infections in San Francisco are among people who are homeless. A total of 31 people diagnosed with HIV (14%) were experiencing homelessness in 2017.
In 2017, 14% of all HIV diagnoses in San Francisco were among people experiencing homelessness.
Viral suppression not only improves the health of the person living with HIV, but prevents onward transmission. Only 32% of people who are homeless are virally suppressed, while 75% of people who are housed are virally suppressed.
Only 32% of people who are homeless and living with HIV are virally suppressed.
People who are homeless have higher viral loads on average than people with housing. And, the likelihood of being virally suppressed and viral load is related to the degree of housing stability.
In an analyses of people attending Ward 86 at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, percentage of people in each category of housing (renting/owning, in rehabilitation centers, in single resident occupancy hotels, couch surfing, in shelters or on the streets/outdoors) who were virally suppressed declined according to the level of housing stability each housing option offered.
Viral load declines as people are housed more securely.
The average viral loads of people in each category also increased with housing instability. People living on the street or outdoors had average viral loads over 85,000 compared to people in SROs (17,000) or those who were renting/owning (7,000).
It takes longer for people who are homeless to become virally suppressed. The average time to viral suppression for homeless people is 71 days, while it is 57 days for people who are housed.
People who are housed reach viral suppression more quickly.
Homelessness is a significant contributing factor leading to death in people with HIV who died in the last few years. Out of 50 people with HIV who died in the last few years, 30% were determined to have issues related to homelessness contribute to their death.
In one analysis, 30% of HIV death cases were determined to have issues related to homelessness contribute to cause of death.
“We know that homelessness is a main driver of new transmission,” said Susan Buchbinder, MD, director of Bridge HIV. “To get to zero new HIV infections and zero AIDS related deaths, we need to reach the homeless population.”
To reduce the impact of HIV on people in San Francisco experiencing homelessness, Tracy Packer, MPH, from the San Francisco Department of Public Health said that a new $2 million (yearly), 4-year grant from the CDC will allow the health department to scale up access to HIV, hepatitis C and STI testing and treatment plus PrEP for people who are homeless.
“San Francisco is doing an amazing job, and we have seen such change in recent years, but there are really important populations that we’re not reaching,” said Packer. “It’s not just about outreach. It’s about thinking through how we can change the system that we currently have to make it more accessible. Lower barriers to treatment, care, and to appointments.”
“One thing San Francisco AIDS Foundation has been able to do through our work at the 6th Street Harm Reduction Center is help people store their meds,” said Hollendoner. “Our outreach teams are also working to get people linked to care programs if they’re living with HIV but not receiving care. Our linkage and retention teams are also helping people living with HIV get into housing, and keep their housing. But these programs—while successful—are not enough. More housing is what we need to end the homelessness crisis, to build and maintain community health and wellness.”
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San Francisco AIDS Foundation has joined the Coalition on Homelessness to support Our City, Our Home, Proposition C, on the San Francisco ballot this November. If passed, Proposition C would fund permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention, additional shelter beds and mental health and substance use services in San Francisco.
The number of HIV infections happening in San Francisco continues to decline, with a record low number of HIV infections occurring in 2017 than ever before. The rate of decline, however, is slowing. As new data from the 2017 HIV Epidemiology Annual Report reveals, homeless people, people of color, trans women and people who use injection drugs are particularly affected.
“San Francisco has made incredible progress over the last decade reducing the number of new HIV infections. More people know their HIV status than ever before, and a greater share of people living with HIV are virally suppressed,” said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “But we have much more work to do as disparities continue especially among African Americans, Latinx individuals, and people experiencing homelessness. Our vision of achieving the goals of getting to zero is closer than ever but in order to end AIDS we must continue to innovate upon HIV prevention and care services to ensure that no community gets left behind.”
5% decline in new HIV infections
In 2017, a total of 221 people were diagnosed with HIV in San Francisco. This represents a 5% decrease in the number of new HIV infections since the previous year, when 233 people were diagnosed. In previous years the percent reduction in HIV diagnoses was closer to 14% to 16%.
Susan Scheer, PhD, MPH, from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, noted that there were six populations that showed no declines in new HIV infections in recent years: African Americans, Asians, women, people who use injection drugs, men who have sex with men with a history of injection drug use and people who are homeless.
“San Francisco is doing an amazing job, and we have seen such change in recent years, but there are really important populations that we’re not reaching,” said Tracy Packer, MPH, from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
HIV infection rates—which show HIV infections relative to population size—reveal disparities among communities of color. African American men (116 infections per 100,000) and African American women (43 infections per 100,000) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. (The infection rates in 2017 for white men and white women were 39 per 100,000 and 10 per 100,000, comparatively.)
HIV rates among African American women have increased since 2014 (from 5 per 100,000 in 2014 to 43 per 100,000 in 2017). The rate among African American men has increased over the past year, from 98 per 100,000 in 2016 to 116 per 100,000 in 2017.
Since 2006, HIV infections have declined the most among people who are white and also men who have sex with men—mirroring data on PrEP uptake.
The city now estimates that between 16,000 and 20,000 men who have sex with men are using PrEP in San Francisco (up from an estimated 12,600 in 2016; 10,000 in 2015; and 4,400 in 2014). Among San Francisco City Clinic PrEP clients, African Americans had the lowest proportion of PrEP use (34%) compared to clients who were white (50%), Latino (48%) and Asian (49%).
Among PrEP clients at community-based organizations including San Francisco Community Health Center, LYRIC, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Instituto de la Raza and Alliance Health Project, Latino men who have sex with men were the most likely to start PrEP after being screened (58%). Trans women (25%) and African American men who have sex with men (44%) were the least likely to choose to begin PrEP.
HIV testing, care and viral suppression
San Francisco continues to make gains in the number of people that quickly get diagnosed, linked to HIV care and virally suppressed (which is best for individual health and also HIV prevention).
An estimated 94% of people living with HIV are diagnosed and aware of their status, which Scheer described as “very high” compared to the national average of 86%.
Among people newly diagnosed in 2016, 83% were linked to care within one month of their diagnosis, 71% were retained in care for three to nine months after diagnosis and 85% were virally suppressed within one year.
Among all people living with HIV known to reside in San Francisco, a number of populations had rates of viral suppression lower than the 74% average: women, trans women, African Americans, Latinos, people under age 50, people who use injection drugs, men who have sex with men who use injection drugs, and people who are homeless. The rate of viral suppression among people who are homeless was particularly low, at 32%.
“People experiencing homelessness have the lowest viral suppression rates of any population – less than half the average rate of San Franciscans living with HIV,” said Hollendoner. “Until there is more permanent supportive housing in San Francisco, we will continue to see this disparity. Housing is an effective strategy in ending the HIV epidemic as it has not only proven to improve viral suppression rates, it also prevents new infections from occurring. Bottom line: housing is health care.”
The annual Honolulu Pride™ Parade + Festival will commence on the third Saturday of October, and you don’t want to miss it!
Held in honor of Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ community and their allies, this two-week extravaganza is witnessed by over 30,000 spectators and participants with over 25 events. And it gets BIGGER and more festive every year! So, ‘Get OUT THERE!’ and celebrate Hawaii’s largest LGBT event and enjoy fabulous live music, talented drag /burlesque performers, amazing DJs, delicious cuisine, guest speakers, community booths, and MORE!
In honor of our special partnership, Advantage Rent A Car—GayTravel.com’s first Let’s get OUT there! partner—is offering 20% off ALL rentals to our fabulous LGBT friends! So, if you find yourself in need of a way to get around once in Hawaii, take “Advantage” of this sweet deal and experience some major savings! Thanks, Advantage Rent A Car!
Surrender to the laid-back atmosphere of this amazing Waikiki’ hotel! Be inspired by the easy-going mood and artistic vibes set against a vibrant backdrop of tantalizing tropical views. From spirited interiors to mouthwatering cuisine, it’s time to experience life at the Shore! Discover more about this Hawaiian delight and make your reservation today. View property >>
Unveiled in December 2017 as Hawaii’s newest urban resort destination, Alohilani Resort offers a modern and tranquil oasis in the heart of Waikiki that pays homage to Queen Lili‛uokalani and Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage giving definition to the term “aloha chic.” Book your stay now and bask in the glory of this Hawaiian dream tomorrow! View property >>
Experience the splendor of this charming boutique hotel! Located on Waikiki’s Upper West Side, where you will discover an abundance of gourmet restaurants and out-of-this-world shopping, this beach-side paradise is just a quick stroll to the sandy shores of Oahu and the most gorgeous sunset views.
Indulge your senses and awaken your inner adventurer at this spectacular LGBT-friendly hotel, where you will relish the divine relaxation of one-of-a-kind spa treatments and perhaps even take a surfing lesson or two! Reward yourself with a Hawaiian experience as unique as you are, and book your stay today!
Experience some of Oahu’s most popular attractions with GayTravel.com’s second Let’s get OUT there! partner, Aloha Hawaii Tours! Embark on an intimate journey with Aloha Hawaii’s knowledgeable, charismatic tour guides and revel in the unique beauty, culture, and history of Hawaii! Make your reservation today and receive 20% off ALL tours!Learn more >>
Wander Waikiki like never before on your very own two-wheel wonder! Explore fantastic destinations like Magic Island Beach Park, Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park, and of course Waikiki! Truly, the Waikiki Segway is the ultimate in-town adventure. And now—as if it could get any better—save 20% off ALL exciting Segway experiences!
All are welcome to the Diamond Head Lūʻau where they focus on interactive, cultural activities like hula lessons, lei making, weaving, ukulele lessons, tattoo, and more! Conveniently located at the historic Waikiki Aquarium, Diamond Head Lūʻau is just a short walk from most major destinations and hotels on the Waikiki strip. As an added bonus, every ticket includes exclusive access to the aquarium during lūʻau hours!
Join the ‘ohana (family) at Oahu’s only east-side lū’au as you will be taken on a voyage through Polynesia for an unforgettable evening of traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Located at iconic Sea Life Park Hawaii, our lū’au features not only an award-winning production and show but the chance to experience first hand some of the most beloved traditions of the islands through interactive cultural activities including lei making, hula lessons, coconut-headband weaving, ukulele lessons and more! Learn more>>
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in the United States has taken a stance against performing unnecessary surgery on intersex children.
The organization, which was founded in 1947, issued the new guidelines earlier this year.
Intersex people are those born with variations in their sex characteristics. This can include chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals.
Most of the time, these variations are benign and non-threatening, meaning intersex surgery is largely cosmetic. Doctors regularly began performing surgery on intersex infants and children in the 1960s.
Rationale for this action stemmed from surgery prior to adult memory would be less traumatic, as well as a single gender identity being preferable (especially with ‘clear’ genitalia). Parents also sometimes wanted to ‘fix’ their children.
Vocal criticism gained steam in the 1990s, especially with the founding of the Intersex Society of North America in 1993.
Some studies have found negative consequences of these invasive surgeries, including scarring, incontinence, sterilization, and psychological trauma.
Unnecessary and harmful
‘Many intersex children are subjected to genitalia-altering surgeries in infancy and early childhood without their consent or assent,’ the AAFP wrote in their statement.
‘The surgery can lead to decreased sexual function and increased substance use disorders and suicide. Scientific evidence does not support the notion that variant genitalia confer a greater risk of psychosocial problems.’
Several other medical and non-medical organizations have also condemned the practice.
They include the World Health Organization, three former US surgeons-general, Physicians for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and more.
Britain’s High Court today ruled to overturn pharmaceutical company Gilead Science’s patent extension on Truvada. The HIV medication is also used for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). When taken as advised, this stops HIV negative people acquiring HIV.
PrEP is not yet available on the NHS in England and Wales. The NHS is currently conducting a trial to test its cost efficiency. It is still in the process of recruiting around 10,000 high-risk participants for the ongoing trial.
Opponents of the NHS supplying Truvda say the medication is expensive. They point to the fact branded Truvada could cost the NHS up to £350 per month per person.
Supporters of PrEP say this is a price worth paying given its effectiveness. They argue the NHS has to pay more to provide a lifetime of HIV treatment to someone with HIV.
Currently, the NHS is only allowed to supply branded Truvada from Gilead.
Truvada was due to come off patent in July 2017, but Gilead extended its exclusivity until 2020 by a supplementary protection certificate (SPC). This prohibited smaller pharma companies from selling generic versions of the drug in the UK.
Generic versions could cost from around 80-90% cheaper, depending on the manufacturer. The NHS is often able to negotiate cheap deals because it buys in bulk.
The High Court today ruled against Gilead Sciences. The court’s decision follows a similar ruling in Ireland last year. There, those with HIV and or seeking Post-Exposure Prophylaxis treatment can use Truvada. Ireland does not yet offer Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
‘This represents a huge cost saving’
Many HIV and sexual health advocates welcomed today’s decision.
Deborah Gold, chief executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust) said: ‘We welcome this court decision, which overturns the patent extension for Truvada.
‘The decision will mean that unbranded versions of the drug can be legally prescribed. This represents a huge cost saving to buying a drug that would save public money, even at full price.
‘We continue to urge the NHS in England to commission PrEP by April 2019, as the current trial is not reaching everyone at risk. Indeed some have acquired HIV after being turned away from clinics whose trial places are full.
‘With the generic, unbranded version of the drug available at a fraction of the cost, the pressure increases on NHS England to begin routine commissioning, and make PrEP available to all who need it, urgently.’
‘I would urge NHS England to seize this moment’
Matthew Hodson, Chief Executive of HIV information organization NAM, also welcomed the judgement.
‘PrEP was already cost effective for people at high risk of HIV at Gilead’s price. This ruling should mean that much cheaper generic versions can be purchased by the NHS, ultimately saving even more money.
‘I would urge NHS England to seize this moment and swiftly rollout PrEP to all those who need it. This can be done in parallel to the existing trial.
‘PrEP has contributed to the significant declines that we have recently seen in HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men.’
