A Lifelong Crusade for AIDS Education

HIV/AIDS awareness is everyone's responsibility, says Adam Tenner, executive director of Metro TeenAIDS. (By J. Carrier For The Washington Post)

What does that mean for students?

Tenner: Well, if you're in a good school, or if you're in a school with a teacher who really cares, or the health educator in your school feels it's important, you might get good HIV education. I think we're still a long way from D.C. public schools really doing everything they can do to teach students. But additionally, it's not only their responsibility, right? It's also the responsibility of parents, religious leaders and community-based organizations.

What kind of HIV education are you getting at McKinley Tech?

Lofton: Last year, at my health class, I did a presentation on HIV 101. But as far as the school providing the information, I really didn't witness any. Well, besides me coming in and giving the HIV 101 presentation. And I needed to get permission to give that.

Are you worried that some of your friends aren't really as aware as they should be? Like, not knowing that you can get HIV through oral sex?

Lofton: Some people think they're protecting themselves when they're really not. For example, I heard somebody say that he used two condoms for protection. Which means that there is more friction on the two condoms. Which means that it's easier for them to break. And the whole time this guy was thinking he was being safe.

What would you like to see the city do in terms of educating teens about HIV?

Lofton: Start from a young age. That's when they learn the most. We're all very curious children. I was. So start in elementary schools, but it might be hard because of the parents and how they feel about that. But we have to start at schools. And as early as possible.

Tenner: I agree. The truth is, in general, we're so afraid to talk to young people about HIV because we think talking about HIV means talking about sex, which means that somehow by talking to young people about HIV, it will make them more sexually active.

Here at Metro TeenAIDS, what we believe is, if a young person knows the risks, if a young person has the information, if a young person has a reason not to get HIV, then that young person will protect himself or herself.