1989 Gay Actor Contract Signed Jim J Bullock Aftra Very Rare Autograph

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Seller: memorabilia111 ✉️ (808) 100%, Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 176277810442 1989 GAY ACTOR CONTRACT SIGNED JIM J BULLOCK AFTRA VERY RARE AUTOGRAPH. A VERY RARE AFTRA LATE WAIVER  CONTRACT SIGNED BY JIM J BULLOCK FROM 1989 ON 8.5X11 PAPER James Jackson Bullock (born February 9, 1955) is an American actor and comedian of stage, television, and motion pictures. In 1985, while Too Close For Comfort was being retooled as The Ted Knight Show, Bullock learned that he was HIV positive. He made his diagnosis public 11 years later. In 1996, Bullock's partner of six years, John Casey, died from AIDS-related complications. Bullock is a longtime survivor of the virus and, as of 2021, was still healthy due in part to antiretroviral drugs.  On February 17, 1999, Bullock was arrested outside a bar in West Hollywood, California, for possession of crystal meth, and was sentenced to probation.


As Monroe Ficus, Bullock was cast as veteran funnyman Ted Knight's foil on the ABC sitcom, “Too Close for Comfort.” While just about everyone watching suspected that Monroe and JM J. Bullock (as he was billed at the time, “I had a vowel movement in 1990 and put the ‘i' back in my name!”) were gay, “It was never defined on the show,” he said. He was the 1980s version of Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reilly on “Hollywood Squares” with host John Davidson. He was a mid-1980s TV success, and when he got the test results, Bullock ignored what was then considered a death sentence. “I shut down,” he said recently from his Los Angeles area home. “I didn't think about or do anything about it for almost a year. I was celibate; that's how I dealt with it.” And he spent the next 10 years hoping no one else would find out. “It would have ruined me,” he said. Raised in strict Southern Baptist home, for Bullock, his HIV status was proof that being gay had cursed his life. “Some part of me actually thought I deserved it,” he said. Flash forward 25 years, and as Bullock approaches 56 (his birthday is Feb. 9), the entertainer is in a much better place, both spiritually and emotionally. He's been ‘out' for years and everyone knows about his health. And he's working. Bullock is bringing his one-man cabaret act, “Different: One Man's Musical Journey” to the Arthur Newman Theatre at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert for one show at 7 p.m. today. It's part of a cabaret series produced locally by Les Michaels. “I just love that little theater,” Bullock said of the space at Joslyn Center. “I came down and saw a show there and thought, ‘I'd love to play my show there.'” The cabaret act isn't the story of his life, he said of the show's theme. “I didn't want to get up and talk about me.” Jim J. Bullock reflects on AIDS anniversary By Mike Falcon, Spotlight Health With medical adviser Stephen A. Shoop, M.D. Jim J. Bullock Jim J. Bullock, best known for his role as the offbeat Monroe in Too Close for Comfort, finds Tuesday's 20th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS an occasion for hope as well as a time to remind ourselves that the war against AIDS is far from over. "I'm encouraged by advances in treatment and the success of educational awareness programs," says Bullock, who was diagnosed HIV-positive in 1985. "The stigma is a lot less in most places than what it was." It was 11 years before Bullock, now 46, went public with his illness. "And a lot of it was spent in what only can be described as knifepoint fear, both for my life and for the ability to continue to earn a living." What Bullock now finds "too close for comfort" is that the message of the tragic struggles during the "Dark Ages" of AIDS is being forgotten. New findings released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week show AIDS is again on the rise among gays. "But the big difference is that we really didn't know what we were dealing with back then," says Bullock. "Now that we do it's a little disheartening to see people disregarding those painfully learned lessons." "It is still a disease and there is no cure. We all have to remember that before we do things we'll regret," adds the former co-host of the Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show. History lesson Help on the Web • The HIV/AIDS Resource Center • AIDS.org • The National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention AIDS began quietly. On June 5, 1981, an account of five young men who died in Los Angeles from pneumocyctis carinii pneuomina appeared in the Centers for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Fourteen months later, following similar cases in San Francisco and New York, the disease was officially named Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and "AIDS" entered the American lexicon. In the ensuing years it became a plague. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 440,000 people in the USA have died from AIDS as of May 2000. Worldwide, 13.9 million have died — leaving behind approximately 33.4 million who currently have HIV/AIDS. Although the advent of protease inhibitor cocktails in 1995 is credited with a 47% decrease in the AIDS death rate from 1996 to 1997, grim new statistics from the CDC illustrate the seriousness of the Bullock's concerns. The average annual HIV incidence for gay and bisexual men is approximately 4%, comparable to the mid-'80s AIDS epidemic. But nearly 15% of gay and bisexual African-American men age 23-29 become infected — or four times the rate among Latinos and five times that of whites. And HIV continues to increase in the rest of society. Women infected with the virus jumped from 12.5% of cases from 1988-1992 to 22.6% in 1996-2000, bringing the USA closer to international infection trends. Worldwide, 43% of HIV/AIDS cases are women, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. But contrary to what many believe, this trend is not due primarily to the use of contaminated needles by drug addicts — 75% of all cases are transmitted through heterosexual intercourse. False sense of security For Bullock, these numbers are particularly painful. "It's almost as if the advances in treatment and the conception that AIDS is a gay disease have provided a false sense of security," says Bullock. "You get the virus, you take some pills, and that's it — or so they figure. But AIDS is a disease of opportunity, and it waits patiently to be transmitted, take hold, and spread — no matter who you are." Bullock worries that young men and women might even look at him as a poorly chosen example. "They see that I've had the virus for over a decade and a half, and that I'm in good health, work regularly, and that I'm reasonably successful, " says the former regular on Hollywood Squares. "But I don't want them to draw conclusions from my experience to the effect that life with the virus is just a breeze," says Bullock. "I'm a good example of what can go right after things go wrong, but what's missing are the men and women with the really compelling stories who simply didn't make it this far." Bullock cautions that nobody knows how well protease inhibitor "cocktails" will work over extended periods of time. "We're less than half a decade into them, and they've been remarkable. We still have to remember that their long-term efficacy is untested. We make history as we go on." Last month the Arizona Star reported that Tucson-area doctors are concerned that the rising number of local AIDS deaths may be due to protease inhibitor cocktail failure. "These are the first patients since 1995 who represent the failure of therapy," said Dr. Kevin Carmichael, an AIDS treatment specialist. Only seven of Carmichael's approximately 1,000 patients died last year. Through May of this year, the figure is already 18. Experts caution, however, that this is too small and isolated a sample from which to draw conclusions. Bullock's safety program Although he's reluctant to give advice because "it always seems to be from people you're obviously not going to listen to," Bullock does have some: • Practice safer sex — "If there's anybody who's not using a condom, we might think of putting one over their entire body." • Get tested — Better and more effective treatment is tied to earlier detection. But Bullock insists that "it's also critical just for some piece of mind and some certainty in your life." • Ask — "Never assume that just because someone will sleep with you and you think they've been tested, everything is OK. Ask specifics." • Take your medicine — "The medicines are only as good as your taking them exactly as prescribed." • Live your life — No matter what your health status, "it helps our health when we do what we love and thrive on." Bullock shares his own story freely, but he does not consider himself a role model or an AIDS expert. "I've never felt comfortable being labeled an activist or champion," he says. "All I've done is try and honestly and openly share what my life has been like in a very matter-of-fact way. I'm gay, I'm HIV-positive, and I won't duck questions." "But I also don't speak at conferences or things like that," he adds. "I'm just an example of how a life goes on when you have the virus and things go well." Towards that end, Bullock begins shooting for the second season of I've Got A Secret and is in negotiations to re-sign for the Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show. HIV-Positive Actor and Comedian Jim J. Bullock Takes a Shot at the Stage "It's a phase! It's a phase! It's a phase!" yells Jim J. Bullock excitedly as he reminisces about growing up as a Texas teenager, denying his attraction to guys, yet secretly cruising underwear-clad men as he anxiously thumbed through pages of the Sears catalogue.  He ripples with laughter as we sit in his tastefully decorated West Hollywood leased corner condo—a home both tidy and comfy-cozy. Bullock, forty-four, was raised Southern Baptist and believed that all homosexuals had been killed in Sodom and Gomorrah.  "I really didn't know that any existed.  I just knew I could really relate well to people like Dr. Smith from Lost in Space, although he's apparently not [gay].  But I related to his effeminiate side, as I did with Paul Lynde."  Not surprisingly, Bullock has been called "the Paul Lynde of the nineties."  He's even sat in effervescent Lynde's old spot: the center square on TV's Hollywood Squares.  How does he feel about this comparison?  "I take it as a compliment.  I liked Lynde's comedic ability.  I never had the chance to meet him, but watched him from the catwalks one time.  He was tortured because he wanted the opportunity to show the other side of Paul Lynde, and never got to. Jim J BullockAs he smokes a cigarette and sips a Diet Coke, Bullock is much like his television persona—fresh, bright, and straightforward.  He is tanned, wth short-cropped hair, wearing glasses.  His black jeans and knit shirt frame a solid build.  He admits to working out not for health reasons, but for vanity.  And Bullock has been HIV-positive since 1985. Back then, being positive was a virtual death sentence.  Curiously, Bullock never thought about dying, at least not right away.  When he received his test results, he asked the doctor, "Positive?  That's a good thing, right?"  He fully didn't comprehend the diagnosis until it was explained to him.  Nine months later, when the reality of his situation set in, he went through a two week "I'm-going-to-die" depression.  But he realized that yes, like everyone else in the world, he was going to die, maybe from AIDS, maybe from a car accident, or whatever.  "I think part of the blessing of my life, and of being who I am, is that I never sit still long enough to really let anything soak in.  There's resilience to that.  There's also a downside because you keep making the same mistakes over and over.  You don't allow yourself to learn from them the first time.  And I think attitude does have a great deal to do with one's mental and physical health and their whole outlook on life.  People say I have lived with such courage over the past fifteen years.  I don't think of it as courage." Bullock has never taken AIDS meds.  In five percent of the population who contract the AIDS virus, it lies there dormant.  Bullock apparently falls into this category.  His T-cells are above average, his viral load is undetectable, and he has never had an opportunisitc infection.  He comments on being interviewed about AIDS.  "I feel like a rich person talking about how sad it is to be poor.  I feel so rich with health.  I can't relate to what it's like to take seventy-two pills a day.  I've seen it.  I've lived with it.  But I don't know what it's like for every pill you put in your mouth to act as a reinforcement of death." For many years, Bullock was in the closet, hiding his sexuality and his HIV status.  He disclosed his sexuality to his parents in 1990, even though his mother had questioned him in the past.  "It's kind of baffling to me that I had to tell them—Hel-lo?"  Then in 1994, he told them he was HIV-positive.  "For many years I didn't think that it was really any concern of theirs, and what good would it do to tell them.  It's not going to change the situation.  And I'm not sick, and it would have just caused them to worry, and I didn't want that," he says.  What motivated Bullock to share this information was an inner peace he was discovering.  "I came to a place where I wasn't ashamed of it anymore.  I walked around with shame for a long time, feeling that I had done something wrong.  I realized that it was nothing that I did wrong, it wasn't my fault."  He reasoned, "My friend Alaine has cancer.  Is she ashamed?  No.  She didn't do anything to get cancer."  Bullock gets more comfortable and leans back against the high-winged pillow sofa with one leg under the other and continues.  "Then I had this whole thing about what if people find out, I'll never work again, and all that shit." Jim J BullockBullock led a double life, keeping his sexuality quiet—especially during the run of the sitcom Too Close for Comfort where Bullock portrayed Ted Knight's zany, bubbly sidekick Monroe.  Growing weary of the Rock Hudson-ish shuttered lifestyle, Bullock slowly began to pop his head out of the closet during his stint on Hollywood Squares (1987-1989).  Rick Rosner, the executive producer, would often pull Bullock aside saying, "Jim, there's a real fine line, and you're crossing it."  Bullock would ask, "What line are you talking about?  Are you talking about being gay, and people knowing I'm gay?"  "Yea."  "Then, Rick, if I cross that line, I cross that line.  I'm just being who I am."  Rick responded, "Well, I'm just telling you this because it can come back to haunt you later in your career." Unfazed, Bullock forged ahead, and in 1990, on The Joan Rivers Show, he admitted he was gay.  "It was not planned.  I just vomited it," he says, motioning toward his mouth as if he is about to gag.  "Everyone knew I was a big queen from the very beginning, so what difference did it make?  All that [secrecy] for nothing." Bullock's lover of six years, John, died of AIDS.  It was the first time he had ever experienced a death so close to his heart.  "After John died, I was lost.  I really was lost.  I've never known loss like that.  I had become blank.  I didn't know what I was doing, or where I was going—it was really an awful period."  It was like waking up from a deep sleep hoping that it was all a dream—but it wasn't.  And the timing was brutal.  The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show had just begun its treacherous six-month run in syndication.  The show was abruptly cancelled and it never aired in markets like Los Angeles or New York. The chemistry between Bullock and Bakker was magnetic, but it fell into the wrong hands.  "This very conservative company didn't have the balls to allow it to be what it was," he says.  The producers tried to restrain Bullock to protect their investment, assuring him that once the show sold, he could be himself.  "They kept saying, 'Tammy, pull back, be more like Kathie Lee,' or 'Bullock, stop that, be more like Mike Burger.'  It was a very frustrating experience for both Tammy and I, and we both really gave one hundred percent for nothing.  I'm glad I had it.  I learned a lot.  It really made me realize that most of the people in this business who are in the position of making decisions with the money, don't know shit!  And that's why I have this great admiration for people like Roseanne who knows who she is.  She knows herself, and she tells those people to go fck themselves: 'This is who I am, this is what I bring to the table.  Do you want it?  If you don't, then let's find something else.'  I didn't have that confidence at the time.  Of course it also helps to have the bankability so that you can walk away."  At Bullock's entrance-way, there are a striking pair of wall-size Warhol-ish paintings of him and Tammy Faye hanging on the wall. Bullock became enraptured with performing when he was a church soloist in his youth.  Although he set out to be an evangelistic singer and received a scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University, he had a change of heart when he was cast in the musical Godspell.  After moving to Los Angeles in 1977, he performed stand up at the local comedy clubs.  "Every time I did it, I just walked off the stage going, 'I really hate this, but stick to it, stick to it.'  And I did stick to it because I just had this innate sense that something was going to come from this."  Bullock was fortunate to have a caring agent, as well as Mitzi Shore, owner of the The Comedy Store, nurture his talent. Jim J BullockCurrently, Bullock lives with a cat, Ethel, has a boyfriend, Randy, and is soaring in a brand new show, Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly, a silly, cute, very gay musical at the historic Coronet Theatre in West Hollywood.  Any future plans?  After a moment's silence, Bullock clears his throat, looks dead-on with a wide-eyed expression, shakes his head and spits out, "Nothing!" as he tears into laughter.  "I am not going to bullshit," he says as he dons an upper-crust British accent with a hurried speech, "Oh, well, you know.  I've got to get going to Spa-go because I've got to meet a producer!"  He turns off the accent and immediately states in a serious tone, "I'm not good at that.  I don't have anything in the works.  I don't know what's next.  I really don't." After John's death and the cancellation of The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show, Bullock pulled out of his career and took time off.  "I went through this kind of Agnes-Gooch-myself-through-life and live!  I wanted to experience all the things that I didn't growing up, and I did.  The nineties have been a lot harder for me than the eighties.  The eighties were like this blessed decade," he says reflecting.  "But in the nineties, I have lived, and grown, and experienced life.  I'm coming out of a party phase in my life, which I went through and enjoyed immensley.  I got in trouble with some drug stuff during that time [he was arrested].  But you know what?  I don't regret any of it.  I had a ball.  And there were some awful times too.  But I've survived it.  And When Pigs Fly is an opportunity for me to come back to work and say, 'I'm not dead, I don't have AIDS.  I'm not a drug addict, I can work, I'm here—and it's not a phase!'" The LGBT blog Queerty recently interviewed 1980s TV star Jim J. Bullock, a.k.a. Monroe from the sitcom Too Close for Comfort. The bulk of the interview sets up the premise that Bullock set the stage for openly gay TV characters in the 1990s. However, the interview also explores some HIV/AIDS themes. Bullock is now open about being both gay and HIV positive. That wasn’t always true. He came out as gay on The Joan Rivers Show in 1990, but he inadvertently was “half-outed” about his HIV status. Here’s an excerpt from the interview: "Even years after the show ended, Evangelicals criticized Tammy for co-hosting The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show with a gay man -- especially when Jim came out as HIV-positive. His status was half-outed, really. In preparation for the 1997 AIDS ride, Jim sent a sponsorship letter to possible donors. He mentioned that in addition to riding in memory of his deceased partner, he was riding for his friends living with HIV/AIDS and that he, too, was living with the disease. A few days later Jim was awakened by knocking at his door. It was a tabloid reporter inquiring about his HIV status." I remember as a teenager watching Bullock on Too Close for Comfort. I realized that he (or at least his character) was gay. It was heartening for me to see a gay man on TV back then. We owe Bullock some amount of thanks for that. Unabashed Gay Icon: Jim J. Bullock On coming out Long before he officially came out of the closet on The Joan Rivers Show in 1990, Jim J. Bullock was gay on television. With an encyclopedia of exaggerated gestures and contorted faces, he charmed his way from a one-time guest spot as naïve, overgrown, sexless man-child Monroe Ficus into a co-starring role on ABC’s fluff family sitcom Too Close For Comfort for six years in the 80s. Though sparring internally with the Anita Bryants and Billy Grahams of his Southern Baptist childhood, Jim’s audiences never knew it. If you caught his stand-up act at the Comedy Store in the late seventies, you’d probably ask who that gay guy was — the one with the perm, lip-syncing in foam go-go boots to Nancy Sinatra. “I had energy shooting out of every hole in my body,” Bullock recalls to Queerty. “There were no limits to what I would do on stage.” Except, of course, talk about his sexuality. On his (drag-infused) stand-up act It’s easy to picture the barely legal Jim J., bouncing into Los Angeles from Odessa, Texas, earmarked Bible in his carry-on, unable to shake the Baptismal waters from his head. He was a classic case: the asexual court jester, the people pleaser who cracked the joke before anyone else could make one at his expense. “I didn’t like to rock the boat,” he says. “I didn’t perceive myself as gay, I just thought of myself as funny.” And so did the casting directors who saw Jim’s set and gave the 20 year-old his big break. (But let’s be honest: They probably did perceive him as gay.) toocloseforcomfort In a case of art imitating life, the TV network execs, Too Close For Comfort‘s producers, and Jim simply ignored the visible gayness of his character, Monroe, for as long as they could. During the first two seasons, writers handed Monroe a pair of romantic interests: a transvestite who he believes is a biological female, and an elderly woman who takes his virginity (played by Selma Diamond). And lest we forget the infamous episode where Monroe is tied-up and raped (yes, raped) by two heavyset biker chicks in their van in a mall parking lot. No joke. There’s even a website and short film devoted to the episode. By season three, though, the viewing public grew savvy. Twenty-three year-old Bullock, who appeared on the show from 1980 until its end in 1986, was summoned into a closed-door meeting with producers. “We are receiving letters from viewers,” he was informed gravely. “They want to know if your character is gay. We don’t want him to be gay.” How he was told to “act” on the show, and his character’s girlfriends Jim wasn’t pushing to make his character gay, either. “It was a time,” Jim says, “when people just didn’t talk about that shit; it just was not talked about.” When homosexuality was talked about in the 1980s, it was all hellfire and brimstone. Pat Buchanan, the Reagan White House communications director at the time, declared HIV/AIDS nature’s “awful retribution” on the “poor homosexuals.” A 1986 Supreme Court decision upheld a Georgia law criminalizing oral and anal sex in private between consenting adults. HIV/AIDS was decimating the gay male community and all gays were at the core of the blame game. If there was ever a decade to stay in the closet, the 1980s might have been a good time to rearrange the hangers. I ask if that period was isolating. “It’s just the way it was. I was afraid I would lose everything if I was found out.” If there was ever a decade to stay in the closet, the 1980s might have been a good time to rearrange the hangers. While Jim lived in fear of being outed, he made no effort to play butch on camera. After all, his inherent queerness is what got him the work in the first place. But he did try to control his public image. He and his manager “worked hard” to fabricate stories for the tabloids about Jim’s love life. 3436006483_7dc6751357 “I had several girlfriends who were willing to…play beards for me,” he stammers sheepishly, “and we would do stories—plant stories—in the tabloids.” One such friend, Elaine Hill, agreed to pose as Jim’s girlfriend for a National Enquirer piece. “They took pictures of us doing domestic things,” Jim giggles, “Cooking, petting cats, and snuggling. The caption was something like: ‘We are so in love, so happy that God brought us together.'” When Comfort ended in 1986, Jim was offered a chance to follow in the dainty footsteps of other closeted camp queens like Charles Nelson Reilly and Paul Lynde on TV’s home for out of work entertainers, Hollywood Squares. “I thought this is a place where I can just be me. I’ve been called fag all my life so I decided, okay, if you’re gonna sit there and call me fag, fine, I’m a fag.” And though he was still publicly in the closet, with no quirky character to hide behind, Jim was his most unabashed queer self. But his gayness did not go unnoticed by the powers that be. Whoever thought of pairing Jim J. Bullock and Tammy Faye Bakker in 1996 as co-hosts of a daytime talk show deserves a GLAAD award, a LAMBDA award, and a Kennedy Center Honors. They were absolutely precious, like two Kewpie Dolls with googly eyes and impish dispositions. As their show theme song (which they sang together) described, they were “not what you’d expect…a crazy, goofy duet.” The emotive televangelist and the now-publicly out Bullock both grew up in devoutly religious conservative Christian households. This, in Jim’s opinion, is what bonded them. On working with Tammy Faye “We had such an understanding of each other,” he says. “We were two very similar people with two very different paths but held onto a lot of what we both once had.” And both Tammy and Jim encountered struggles with their faith along the way. Even years after the show ended, Evangelicals criticized Tammy for co-hosting The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show with a gay man — especially when Jim came out as HIV-positive. His status was half-outed, really. In preparation for the 1997 AIDS ride, Jim sent a sponsorship letter to possible donors. He mentioned that in addition to riding in memory of his deceased partner, he was riding for his friends living with HIV/AIDS and that he, too, was living with the disease. A few days later Jim was awakened by knocking at his door. It was a tabloid reporter inquiring about his HIV status. In the 2000 documentary The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Tammy laments about how sad it is that “we as Christians, who are to be the salt of the earth…who are supposed to be able to love everyone, are afraid so badly of an AIDS patient that we will not go up and put our arm around them.” It seems that Tammy was often confronted with the disconnect between her faith and her consummate love of every human being, while Jim, similarly, was torn between his faith and loving himself. tammyjimj The Jim J. & Tammy Faye Show. The rhyming title, alone, is indicative of what is possibly the queerest daytime talk show in the herstory of the world. Even the set was gay: stark white minimalist with colored blocks and repetitive Warhol portraits of Jim and Tammy. The show was at least 10 years ahead of its time and probably would have thrived on a network like LOGO. In syndicated daytime television, however, it only lasted one season. As per usual, the Suits fcked things up. “They kept coming up to us going, ‘Tammy, don’t talk about Jesus, don’t cry.’ ‘Jim, you’re being too gay. Don’t talk about that.’ And it was like, you hired the queen of religious TV and the biggest queen that we know of on TV and now you’re telling them they can’t be what they are?” It was a scene that had played itself out on every other show of Jim’s almost twenty year career. He was crossing the gay line again. His bond with Tammy: Having similar faiths “It’s funny,” Jim says forlornly. “After a decade of fear, covering up, hiding, and coming into the nineties and seeing something like a Will & Grace come along and going, ‘God Dammit, God Dammit.’ I would have loved to have been on a hit sitcom playing gay, being gay. How wonderful is that?” I point out that when it comes down to it, he was gay on TV. Audiences knew he was gay and he had visibility. “I was gay on TV, yes. And I was not afraid to be myself regardless of what battles were going on inside of me.” That is the hallmark of Jim J. Bullock. Jim J. is a humble man. He claims he’s not a flag-waving activist. “I’m not a boat-rocker,” he repeats. He keeps using 1950s civil rights references to describe his position in the 80s: “You just didn’t drink from that water fountain. You had your own water fountain.” And, “You sat where you sat on the bus.” Jim seems to have, at the time, accepted his status as a second-class citizen. jimjtoday “I just didn’t want to hurt my family.” Were they upset?, I ask. “Oh yeah, oh yeah. It’s still not…” He doesn’t finish the thought. “My mother is 91 and has no idea her son is a gay icon. And I don’t throw that gay icon thing around, like, ‘Oh, I’m a gay icon.’ But I do know that when people look back on 80’s television thinking gay, I’m probably one of the top five who pops up in their heads.” Who else comes to mind?, I challenge. He can’t think of anyone other than George Michael and one guy from The Kids in the Hall. I can’t think of anyone, either. mattsiegelpic Gay life ain’t no place for sissies. But it should be. The Unabashed Queer (Government Name: Matt Siegel) serves to affirm the vast array of queer identities. Originally from Atlanta, Siegel realized his independence above the Mason-Dixon Line at Northfield Mount Hermon School and subsequently, Sarah Lawrence College. In a marijuana- induced haze, Siegel came to Los Angeles and has found himself employed in the homes of Adam Carolla, Arianna Huffington, and Jill Clayburgh. How queer is that? Read Matt’s blog here. Too Close for Comfort is an American sitcom television series that aired on ABC from November 11, 1980, to May 5, 1983, and in first-run syndication from April 7, 1984, to February 7, 1987. Its name was changed to The Ted Knight Show when the show was retooled in 1986 for what would turn out to be its final season, due to Ted Knight's death. The original concept of the series was based on the 1980s British sitcom Keep It in the Family.[1][2] Knight plays work-at-home cartoonist Henry Rush, whose two grown children live in the downstairs apartment of his San Francisco townhouse. The family moves to Marin County for the show's final season, where Rush becomes a co-owner of the local weekly newspaper.[1] Contents 1 Synopsis 1.1 Developments in seasons two and three 1.2 First-run syndication 1.2.1 The Ted Knight Show 2 Cast 3 Notable guest stars 4 Episodes 5 Syndication 6 Home media 7 References 8 External links Synopsis Henry and Muriel Rush are owners of a two-family house in San Francisco, California. Henry is a conservative cartoonist who authors a comic strip called Cosmic Cow with a hand-puppet version of "Cosmic Cow." Muriel is a freelance photographer. They have two grown children, Jackie and Sara. Additional characters include Sara's friend, Monroe Ficus, and Henry's boss, Arthur Wainwright, who was head of Wainwright Publishing. The character of Monroe was originally intended to be used for only a single episode but producers added the character to the series. Developments in seasons two and three The cast of Too Close for Comfort during the show's second season During its second season, the series' principal stories were focused around Muriel's pregnancy. Henry's niece April comes from Delaware to live with the Rush family. The season concluded with Muriel giving birth to a son, Andrew (later played regularly by twins William and Michael Cannon from 1983 to 1984). The character of Henry Rush became famous for wearing sweatshirts from various American colleges and universities. Fans would send in sweatshirts from universities around the country hoping they would be used during taping. In the fall of 1982, ABC moved the series to Thursday nights, which proved to be disastrous and the show saw its ratings fall drastically. The network canceled the series at the conclusion of the season, after falling from #6 for the 1981-82 season, down to #38 for the 1982-83 season. First-run syndication During the early 1980s, TV station owner Metromedia was expanding its portfolio of original syndicated programming through its production subsidiary, Metromedia Producers Corporation. When Too Close for Comfort was canceled by ABC, Metromedia Producers Corporation elected to pick up the series and began producing all-new episodes to run on various stations throughout the country. Starting in April 1984, a total of 23 new episodes were broadcast for the show's fourth season, featuring the same cast as seen on the ABC episodes. The show's ratings improved in syndication and Metromedia ordered an additional 30 episodes, airing through November 1985. When the fifth season began, a single child actor, Joshua Goodwin, took over the role of Andrew Rush. A total of 107 episodes of Too Close for Comfort were produced. The Ted Knight Show The sixth season title screen for first run episodes. Note the title change. The sixth season title screen for reruns. In late 1985, several changes were made before production started. The show's title was changed to The Ted Knight Show (not to be confused with the short-lived 1978 CBS show of the same name), the setting was moved to Marin County, a new theme song was recorded, and a new opening title sequence was shot. Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Lydia Cornell, and Audrey Meadows left the cast. Pat Carroll and Lisa Antille were added to the cast along with returning Nancy Dussault and Jim J. Bullock. First-run episodes of The Ted Knight Show were broadcast starting in April 1986. Twenty-two episodes were produced prior to the summer of 1986 and twelve had aired by mid-July. The revamped show was scheduled to resume production until the death of star Ted Knight, who had been battling colon cancer since 1985. The ten remaining first-run episodes were broadcast from September 1986 to February 1987, after which those episodes were added to the Too Close for Comfort syndicated rerun package and reverted to the original show title. Cast Ted Knight as Henry Rush Nancy Dussault as Muriel Rush Deborah Van Valkenburgh as Jackie Rush (1980-1985) Lydia Cornell as Sara Rush (1980-1985) Jim J. Bullock as Monroe Ficus Hamilton Camp as Arthur Wainwright (1981) Deena Freeman as April Rush (1981-1982) Audrey Meadows as Iris Martin (1982-1983, guest appearances thereafter) William and Michael Cannon as Andrew Rush (1983-1984) Joshua Goodwin as Andrew Rush (1985-1986) Pat Carroll as Hope Stinson (1986) Lisa Antille as Lisa Flores (1986) Notable guest stars Selma Diamond as Mildred Rafkin Jordan Suffin as Officer Brad Turner Elyse Knight (daughter of Ted Knight) as Samantha Bishop ("The Runaway," 1984) Graham Jarvis as Arthur Wainwright (1985) Ernie Wise as Ernie Dockery (1985) Jim Davis (creator of the comic strip Garfield) as himself (1986) Episodes Main article: List of Too Close for Comfort episodes Season Episodes Originally aired Rank Rating First aired Last aired Network 1 19 November 11, 1980 May 12, 1981 ABC 15 20.8 (Tied with Happy Days) 2 22 October 13, 1981 May 11, 1982 6 22.6 (Tied with The Dukes of Hazzard) 3 22 September 30, 1982 May 5, 1983 38[3] N/A 4 23 April 7, 1984 December 8, 1984 Syndication N/A N/A 5 21 February 5, 1985 November 23, 1985 N/A N/A 6 22 April 5, 1986 February 7, 1987 N/A N/A Syndication The show entered daily broadcast syndication in the fall of 1986, which continued until 2003.[4] The syndication rights for Too Close for Comfort are held by DLT Entertainment, a production and distribution company owned by show producer D.L. Taffner. As of 2021, the full series is available through the on-demand section of ViacomCBS's streaming service Pluto TV. Home media Rhino Entertainment Company (under its Rhino Retrovision classic TV entertainment brand) released the first two seasons of Too Close for Comfort on DVD in Region 1 in 2004/2005.[5][6] However, Rhino did not obtain the original, uncut versions of the episodes for the Season 1 release and instead used the versions edited for syndication (like those seen on Nickelodeon's sister networks, Nick at Nite and TV Land), which are missing several minutes of footage, including the final scene of each episode before the closing credits. (The episodes are also dubbed to replace references to Oakland with "Oldtown", mostly in a running gag where Henry reacts to the city's name with horror; the joke was perceived as a slur, as Oakland had a much larger Black population than San Francisco.) There are no future plans for additional releases. DVD Name Ep # Release Date The Complete First Season 19 November 2, 2004 The Complete Second Season 22 June 7, 2005 Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),[9][10][11] a retrovirus.[12] Following initial infection a person may not notice any symptoms, or may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness.[4] Typically, this is followed by a prolonged period with no symptoms.[5] If the infection progresses, it interferes more with the immune system, increasing the risk of developing common infections such as tuberculosis, as well as other opportunistic infections, and tumors which are otherwise rare in people who have normal immune function.[4] These late symptoms of infection are referred to as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).[5] This stage is often also associated with unintended weight loss.[5] HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sex (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.[13] Some bodily fluids, such as saliva, sweat and tears, do not transmit the virus.[14] Methods of prevention include safe sex, needle exchange programs, treating those who are infected, as well as both pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis.[4] Disease in a baby can often be prevented by giving both the mother and child antiretroviral medication.[4] There is no cure or vaccine; however, antiretroviral treatment can slow the course of the disease and may lead to a near-normal life expectancy.[5][6] Treatment is recommended as soon as the diagnosis is made.[15] Without treatment, the average survival time after infection is 11 years.[7] In 2020, about 37 million people worldwide were living with HIV and 680,000 deaths had occurred in that year.[8] An estimated 20.6 million of these live in eastern and southern Africa.[16] Between the time that AIDS was identified (in the early 1980s) and 2020, the disease has caused an estimated 36 million deaths worldwide.[17] HIV/AIDS is considered a pandemic—a disease outbreak which is present over a large area and is actively spreading.[18] HIV made the jump from other primates to humans in west-central Africa in the early-to-mid 20th century.[19] AIDS was first recognized by the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1981 and its cause—HIV infection—was identified in the early part of the decade.[20] HIV/AIDS has had a large impact on society, both as an illness and as a source of discrimination.[21] The disease also has large economic impacts.[21] There are many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, such as the belief that it can be transmitted by casual non-sexual contact.[22] The disease has become subject to many controversies involving religion, including the Catholic Church's position not to support condom use as prevention.[23] It has attracted international medical and political attention as well as large-scale funding since it was identified in the 1980s.[24] File:En.Wikipedia-VideoWiki-HIV-AIDS.webm Video summary (script) Contents 1 Signs and symptoms 1.1 Acute infection 1.2 Clinical latency 1.3 Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome 2 Transmission 2.1 Sexual 2.2 Body fluids 2.3 Mother-to-child 3 Virology 4 Pathophysiology 5 Diagnosis 5.1 HIV testing 5.2 Classifications 6 Prevention 6.1 Sexual contact 6.2 Pre-exposure 6.3 Post-exposure 6.4 Mother-to-child 6.5 Vaccination 7 Treatment 7.1 Antiviral therapy 7.2 Opportunistic infections 7.3 Diet 7.4 Alternative medicine 8 Prognosis 9 Epidemiology 10 History 10.1 Discovery 10.2 Origins 11 Society and culture 11.1 Stigma 11.2 Economic impact 11.3 Religion and AIDS 11.4 Media portrayal 11.5 Criminal transmission 11.6 Misconceptions 12 Research 13 References 14 External links Signs and symptoms Main article: Signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS There are three main stages of HIV infection: acute infection, clinical latency, and AIDS.[1][25] Acute infection A diagram of a human torso labeled with the most common symptoms of an acute HIV infection Main symptoms of acute HIV infection The initial period following the contraction of HIV is called acute HIV, primary HIV or acute retroviral syndrome.[25][26] Many individuals develop an influenza-like illness or a mononucleosis-like illness 2–4 weeks after exposure while others have no significant symptoms.[27][28] Symptoms occur in 40–90% of cases and most commonly include fever, large tender lymph nodes, throat inflammation, a rash, headache, tiredness, and/or sores of the mouth and genitals.[26][28] The rash, which occurs in 20–50% of cases, presents itself on the trunk and is maculopapular, classically.[29] Some people also develop opportunistic infections at this stage.[26] Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea may occur.[28] Neurological symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or Guillain–Barré syndrome also occurs.[28] The duration of the symptoms varies, but is usually one or two weeks.[28] Owing to their nonspecific character, these symptoms are not often recognized as signs of HIV infection. Even cases that do get seen by a family doctor or a hospital are often misdiagnosed as one of the many common infectious diseases with overlapping symptoms. Thus, it is recommended that HIV be considered in people presenting with an unexplained fever who may have risk factors for the infection.[28] Clinical latency The initial symptoms are followed by a stage called clinical latency, asymptomatic HIV, or chronic HIV.[1] Without treatment, this second stage of the natural history of HIV infection can last from about three years[30] to over 20 years[31] (on average, about eight years).[32] While typically there are few or no symptoms at first, near the end of this stage many people experience fever, weight loss, gastrointestinal problems and muscle pains.[1] Between 50% and 70% of people also develop persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, characterized by unexplained, non-painful enlargement of more than one group of lymph nodes (other than in the groin) for over three to six months.[25] Although most HIV-1 infected individuals have a detectable viral load and in the absence of treatment will eventually progress to AIDS, a small proportion (about 5%) retain high levels of CD4+ T cells (T helper cells) without antiretroviral therapy for more than five years.[28][33] These individuals are classified as "HIV controllers" or long-term nonprogressors (LTNP).[33] Another group consists of those who maintain a low or undetectable viral load without anti-retroviral treatment, known as "elite controllers" or "elite suppressors". They represent approximately 1 in 300 infected persons.[34] Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome A diagram of a human torso labeled with the most common symptoms of AIDS Main symptoms of AIDS. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is defined as an HIV infection with either a CD4+ T cell count below 200 cells per µL or the occurrence of specific diseases associated with HIV infection.[28] In the absence of specific treatment, around half of people infected with HIV develop AIDS within ten years.[28] The most common initial conditions that alert to the presence of AIDS are pneumocystis pneumonia (40%), cachexia in the form of HIV wasting syndrome (20%), and esophageal candidiasis.[28] Other common signs include recurrent respiratory tract infections.[28] Opportunistic infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are normally controlled by the immune system.[35] Which infections occur depends partly on what organisms are common in the person's environment.[28] These infections may affect nearly every organ system.[36] People with AIDS have an increased risk of developing various viral-induced cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and cervical cancer.[29] Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common cancer, occurring in 10% to 20% of people with HIV.[37] The second-most common cancer is lymphoma, which is the cause of death of nearly 16% of people with AIDS and is the initial sign of AIDS in 3% to 4%.[37] Both these cancers are associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).[37] Cervical cancer occurs more frequently in those with AIDS because of its association with human papillomavirus (HPV).[37] Conjunctival cancer (of the layer that lines the inner part of eyelids and the white part of the eye) is also more common in those with HIV.[38] Additionally, people with AIDS frequently have systemic symptoms such as prolonged fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen lymph nodes, chills, weakness, and unintended weight loss.[39] Diarrhea is another common symptom, present in about 90% of people with AIDS.[40] They can also be affected by diverse psychiatric and neurological symptoms independent of opportunistic infections and cancers.[41] Transmission Average per act risk of getting HIV by exposure route to an infected source Exposure route Chance of infection Blood transfusion 90%[42] Childbirth (to child) 25%[43][clarification needed] Needle-sharing injection drug use 0.67%[44] Percutaneous needle stick 0.30%[45] Receptive anal intercourse* 0.04–3.0%[46] Insertive anal intercourse* 0.03%[47] Receptive penile-vaginal intercourse* 0.05–0.30%[46][48] Insertive penile-vaginal intercourse* 0.01–0.38%[46][48] Receptive oral intercourse*§ 0–0.04%[46] Insertive oral intercourse*§ 0–0.005%[49] * assuming no condom use § source refers to oral intercourse performed on a man HIV is spread by three main routes: sexual contact, significant exposure to infected body fluids or tissues, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding (known as vertical transmission).[13] There is no risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to feces, nasal secretions, saliva, sputum, sweat, tears, urine, or vomit unless these are contaminated with blood.[50] It is also possible to be co-infected by more than one strain of HIV—a condition known as HIV superinfection.[51] Sexual The most frequent mode of transmission of HIV is through sexual contact with an infected person.[13] However, an HIV-positive person who has an undetectable viral load as a result of long-term treatment has effectively no risk of transmitting HIV sexually.[52][53] The existence of functionally noncontagious HIV-positive people on antiretroviral therapy was controversially publicized in the 2008 Swiss Statement, and has since become accepted as medically sound.[54] Globally, the most common mode of HIV transmission is via sexual contacts between people of the opposite sex;[13] however, the pattern of transmission varies among countries. As of 2017, most HIV transmission in the United States occurred among men who had sex with men (82% of new HIV diagnoses among males aged 13 and older and 70% of total new diagnoses).[55][56] In the US, gay and bisexual men aged 13 to 24 accounted for an estimated 92% of new HIV diagnoses among all men in their age group and 27% of new diagnoses among all gay and bisexual men.[57] With regard to unprotected heterosexual contacts, estimates of the risk of HIV transmission per sexual act appear to be four to ten times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries.[58] In low-income countries, the risk of female-to-male transmission is estimated as 0.38% per act, and of male-to-female transmission as 0.30% per act; the equivalent estimates for high-income countries are 0.04% per act for female-to-male transmission, and 0.08% per act for male-to-female transmission.[58] The risk of transmission from anal intercourse is especially high, estimated as 1.4–1.7% per act in both heterosexual and homosexual contacts.[58][59] While the risk of transmission from oral sex is relatively low, it is still present.[60] The risk from receiving oral sex has been described as "nearly nil";[61] however, a few cases have been reported.[62] The per-act risk is estimated at 0–0.04% for receptive oral intercourse.[63] In settings involving prostitution in low-income countries, risk of female-to-male transmission has been estimated as 2.4% per act, and of male-to-female transmission as 0.05% per act.[58] Risk of transmission increases in the presence of many sexually transmitted infections[64] and genital ulcers.[58] Genital ulcers appear to increase the risk approximately fivefold.[58] Other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis, are associated with somewhat smaller increases in risk of transmission.[63] The viral load of an infected person is an important risk factor in both sexual and mother-to-child transmission.[65] During the first 2.5 months of an HIV infection a person's infectiousness is twelve times higher due to the high viral load associated with acute HIV.[63] If the person is in the late stages of infection, rates of transmission are approximately eightfold greater.[58] Commercial sex workers (including those in pornography) have an increased likelihood of contracting HIV.[66][67] Rough sex can be a factor associated with an increased risk of transmission.[68] Sexual assault is also believed to carry an increased risk of HIV transmission as condoms are rarely worn, physical trauma to the vagina or rectum is likely, and there may be a greater risk of concurrent sexually transmitted infections.[69] Body fluids A black-and-white poster of a young black man with a towel in his left hand with the words "If you are dabbling with drugs you could be dabbling with your life" above him CDC poster from 1989 highlighting the threat of AIDS associated with drug use The second-most frequent mode of HIV transmission is via blood and blood products.[13] Blood-borne transmission can be through needle-sharing during intravenous drug use, needle-stick injury, transfusion of contaminated blood or blood product, or medical injections with unsterilized equipment. The risk from sharing a needle during drug injection is between 0.63% and 2.4% per act, with an average of 0.8%.[70] The risk of acquiring HIV from a needle stick from an HIV-infected person is estimated as 0.3% (about 1 in 333) per act and the risk following mucous membrane exposure to infected blood as 0.09% (about 1 in 1000) per act.[50] This risk may, however, be up to 5% if the introduced blood was from a person with a high viral load and the cut was deep.[71] In the United States intravenous drug users made up 12% of all new cases of HIV in 2009,[72] and in some areas more than 80% of people who inject drugs are HIV-positive.[13] HIV is transmitted in about 90% of blood transfusions using infected blood.[42] In developed countries the risk of acquiring HIV from a blood transfusion is extremely low (less than one in half a million) where improved donor selection and HIV screening is performed;[13] for example, in the UK the risk is reported at one in five million[73] and in the United States it was one in 1.5 million in 2008.[74] In low-income countries, only half of transfusions may be appropriately screened (as of 2008),[75] and it is estimated that up to 15% of HIV infections in these areas come from transfusion of infected blood and blood products, representing between 5% and 10% of global infections.[13][76] It is possible to acquire HIV from organ and tissue transplantation, although this is rare because of screening.[77] Unsafe medical injections play a role in HIV spread in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2007, between 12% and 17% of infections in this region were attributed to medical syringe use.[78] The World Health Organization estimates the risk of transmission as a result of a medical injection in Africa at 1.2%.[78] Risks are also associated with invasive procedures, assisted delivery, and dental care in this area of the world.[78] People giving or receiving tattoos, piercings, and scarification are theoretically at risk of infection but no confirmed cases have been documented.[79] It is not possible for mosquitoes or other insects to transmit HIV.[80] Mother-to-child Main articles: HIV and pregnancy and HIV and breastfeeding HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, during delivery, or through breast milk, resulting in the baby also contracting HIV.[81][13] As of 2008, vertical transmission accounted for about 90% of cases of HIV in children.[82] In the absence of treatment, the risk of transmission before or during birth is around 20%, and in those who also breastfeed 35%.[82] Treatment decreases this risk to less than 5%.[83] Antiretrovirals when taken by either the mother or the baby decrease the risk of transmission in those who do breastfeed.[84] If blood contaminates food during pre-chewing it may pose a risk of transmission.[79] If a woman is untreated, two years of breastfeeding results in an HIV/AIDS risk in her baby of about 17%.[85] Due to the increased risk of death without breastfeeding in many areas in the developing world, the World Health Organization recommends either exclusive breastfeeding or the provision of safe formula.[85] All women known to be HIV-positive should be taking lifelong antiretroviral therapy.[85] Virology Main article: HIV diagram of microscopic viron structure Diagram of a HIV virion structure A large round blue object with a smaller red object attached to it. Multiple small green spots are speckled over both. Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1, colored green, budding from a cultured lymphocyte. HIV is the cause of the spectrum of disease known as HIV/AIDS. HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects components of the human immune system such as CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. It directly and indirectly destroys CD4+ T cells.[86] HIV is a member of the genus Lentivirus,[87] part of the family Retroviridae.[88] Lentiviruses share many morphological and biological characteristics. Many species of mammals are infected by lentiviruses, which are characteristically responsible for long-duration illnesses with a long incubation period.[89] Lentiviruses are transmitted as single-stranded, positive-sense, enveloped RNA viruses. Upon entry into the target cell, the viral RNA genome is converted (reverse transcribed) into double-stranded DNA by a virally encoded reverse transcriptase that is transported along with the viral genome in the virus particle. The resulting viral DNA is then imported into the cell nucleus and integrated into the cellular DNA by a virally encoded integrase and host co-factors.[90] Once integrated, the virus may become latent, allowing the virus and its host cell to avoid detection by the immune system.[91] Alternatively, the virus may be transcribed, producing new RNA genomes and viral proteins that are packaged and released from the cell as new virus particles that begin the replication cycle anew.[92] HIV is now known to spread between CD4+ T cells by two parallel routes: cell-free spread and cell-to-cell spread, i.e. it employs hybrid spreading mechanisms.[93] In the cell-free spread, virus particles bud from an infected T cell, enter the blood/extracellular fluid and then infect another T cell following a chance encounter.[93] HIV can also disseminate by direct transmission from one cell to another by a process of cell-to-cell spread.[94][95] The hybrid spreading mechanisms of HIV contribute to the virus's ongoing replication against antiretroviral therapies.[93][96] Two types of HIV have been characterized: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the virus that was originally discovered (and initially referred to also as LAV or HTLV-III). It is more virulent, more infective,[97] and is the cause of the majority of HIV infections globally. The lower infectivity of HIV-2 as compared with HIV-1 implies that fewer people exposed to HIV-2 will be infected per exposure. Because of its relatively poor capacity for transmission, HIV-2 is largely confined to West Africa.[98] Pathophysiology Main article: Pathophysiology of HIV/AIDS File:HIV and AIDS explained in a simple way.webm HIV/AIDS explained in a simple way HIV replication cycle After the virus enters the body there is a period of rapid viral replication, leading to an abundance of virus in the peripheral blood. During primary infection, the level of HIV may reach several million virus particles per milliliter of blood.[99] This response is accompanied by a marked drop in the number of circulating CD4+ T cells. The acute viremia is almost invariably associated with activation of CD8+ T cells, which kill HIV-infected cells, and subsequently with antibody production, or seroconversion. The CD8+ T cell response is thought to be important in controlling virus levels, which peak and then decline, as the CD4+ T cell counts recover. A good CD8+ T cell response has been linked to slower disease progression and a better prognosis, though it does not eliminate the virus.[100] Ultimately, HIV causes AIDS by depleting CD4+ T cells. This weakens the immune system and allows opportunistic infections. T cells are essential to the immune response and without them, the body cannot fight infections or kill cancerous cells. The mechanism of CD4+ T cell depletion differs in the acute and chronic phases.[101] During the acute phase, HIV-induced cell lysis and killing of infected cells by CD8+ T cells accounts for CD4+ T cell depletion, although apoptosis may also be a factor. During the chronic phase, the consequences of generalized immune activation coupled with the gradual loss of the ability of the immune system to generate new T cells appear to account for the slow decline in CD4+ T cell numbers.[102] Although the symptoms of immune deficiency characteristic of AIDS do not appear for years after a person is infected, the bulk of CD4+ T cell loss occurs during the first weeks of infection, especially in the intestinal mucosa, which harbors the majority of the lymphocytes found in the body.[103] The reason for the preferential loss of mucosal CD4+ T cells is that the majority of mucosal CD4+ T cells express the CCR5 protein which HIV uses as a co-receptor to gain access to the cells, whereas only a small fraction of CD4+ T cells in the bloodstream do so.[104] A specific genetic change that alters the CCR5 protein when present in both chromosomes very effectively prevents HIV-1 infection.[105] HIV seeks out and destroys CCR5 expressing CD4+ T cells during acute infection.[106] A vigorous immune response eventually controls the infection and initiates the clinically latent phase. CD4+ T cells in mucosal tissues remain particularly affected.[106] Continuous HIV replication causes a state of generalized immune activation persisting throughout the chronic phase.[107] Immune activation, which is reflected by the increased activation state of immune cells and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, results from the activity of several HIV gene products and the immune response to ongoing HIV replication. It is also linked to the breakdown of the immune surveillance system of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier caused by the depletion of mucosal CD4+ T cells during the acute phase of disease.[108] Diagnosis Main article: Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS A graph with two lines. One in blue moves from high on the right to low on the left with a brief rise in the middle. The second line in red moves from zero to very high then drops to low and gradually rises to high again A generalized graph of the relationship between HIV copies (viral load) and CD4+ T cell counts over the average course of untreated HIV infection.   CD4+ T Lymphocyte count (cells/mm³)   HIV RNA copies per mL of plasma Days after exposure needed for the test to be accurate[109] Blood test Days Antibody test (rapid test, ELISA 3rd gen) 23–90 Antibody and p24 antigen test (ELISA 4th gen) 18–45 PCR 10–33 HIV/AIDS is diagnosed via laboratory testing and then staged based on the presence of certain signs or symptoms.[26] HIV screening is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force for all people 15 years to 65 years of age, including all pregnant women.[110] Additionally, testing is recommended for those at high risk, which includes anyone diagnosed with a sexually transmitted illness.[29][110] In many areas of the world, a third of HIV carriers only discover they are infected at an advanced stage of the disease when AIDS or severe immunodeficiency has become apparent.[29] HIV testing HIV Rapid Test being administered Oraquick Most people infected with HIV develop specific antibodies (i.e. seroconvert) within three to twelve weeks after the initial infection.[28] Diagnosis of primary HIV before seroconversion is done by measuring HIV-RNA or p24 antigen.[28] Positive results obtained by antibody or PCR testing are confirmed either by a different antibody or by PCR.[26] Antibody tests in children younger than 18 months are typically inaccurate, due to the continued presence of maternal antibodies.[111] Thus HIV infection can only be diagnosed by PCR testing for HIV RNA or DNA, or via testing for the p24 antigen.[26] Much of the world lacks access to reliable PCR testing, and people in many places simply wait until either symptoms develop or the child is old enough for accurate antibody testing.[111] In sub-Saharan Africa between 2007 and 2009, between 30% and 70% of the population were aware of their HIV status.[112] In 2009, between 3.6% and 42% of men and women in sub-Saharan countries were tested;[112] this represented a significant increase compared to previous years.[112] Classifications Two main clinical staging systems are used to classify HIV and HIV-related disease for surveillance purposes: the WHO disease staging system for HIV infection and disease,[26] and the CDC classification system for HIV infection.[113] The CDC's classification system is more frequently adopted in developed countries. Since the WHO's staging system does not require laboratory tests, it is suited to the resource-restricted conditions encountered in developing countries, where it can also be used to help guide clinical management. Despite their differences, the two systems allow a comparison for statistical purposes.[25][26][113] The World Health Organization first proposed a definition for AIDS in 1986.[26] Since then, the WHO classification has been updated and expanded several times, with the most recent version being published in 2007.[26] The WHO system uses the following categories: Primary HIV infection: May be either asymptomatic or associated with acute retroviral syndrome[26] Stage I: HIV infection is asymptomatic with a CD4+ T cell count (also known as CD4 count) greater than 500 per microlitre (µl or cubic mm) of blood.[26] May include generalized lymph node enlargement.[26] Stage II: Mild symptoms, which may include minor mucocutaneous manifestations and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. A CD4 count of less than 500/µl[26] Stage III: Advanced symptoms, which may include unexplained chronic diarrhea for longer than a month, severe bacterial infections including tuberculosis of the lung, and a CD4 count of less than 350/µl[26] Stage IV or AIDS: severe symptoms, which include toxoplasmosis of the brain, candidiasis of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, or lungs, and Kaposi's sarcoma. A CD4 count of less than 200/µl[26] The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention also created a classification system for HIV, and updated it in 2008 and 2014.[113][114] This system classifies HIV infections based on CD4 count and clinical symptoms, and describes the infection in five groups.[114] In those greater than six years of age it is:[114] Stage 0: the time between a negative or indeterminate HIV test followed less than 180 days by a positive test. Stage 1: CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/µl and no AIDS-defining conditions. Stage 2: CD4 count 200 to 500 cells/µl and no AIDS-defining conditions. Stage 3: CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/µl or AIDS-defining conditions. Unknown: if insufficient information is available to make any of the above classifications. For surveillance purposes, the AIDS diagnosis still stands even if, after treatment, the CD4+ T cell count rises to above 200 per µL of blood or other AIDS-defining illnesses are cured.[25] Prevention Main article: Prevention of HIV/AIDS A run down a two-story building with several signs related to AIDS prevention AIDS Clinic, McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, India, 2010 Sexual contact People wearing AIDS awareness signs. on the left: "Facing AIDS a condom and a pill at a time"; on the right: "I am Facing AIDS because people I ♥ are infected." Consistent condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80% over the long term.[115] When condoms are used consistently by a couple in which one person is infected, the rate of HIV infection is less than 1% per year.[116] There is some evidence to suggest that female condoms may provide an equivalent level of protection.[117] Application of a vaginal gel containing tenofovir (a reverse transcriptase inhibitor) immediately before sex seems to reduce infection rates by approximately 40% among African women.[118] By contrast, use of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of transmission due to its tendency to cause vaginal and rectal irritation.[119] Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa "reduces the acquisition of HIV by heterosexual men by between 38% and 66% over 24 months".[120] Owing to these studies, both the World Health Organization and UNAIDS recommended male circumcision in 2007 as a method of preventing female-to-male HIV transmission in areas with high rates of HIV.[121] However, whether it protects against male-to-female transmission is disputed,[122][123] and whether it is of benefit in developed countries and among men who have sex with men is undetermined.[124][125][126] Programs encouraging sexual abstinence do not appear to affect subsequent HIV risk.[127] Evidence of any benefit from peer education is equally poor.[128] Comprehensive sexual education provided at school may decrease high-risk behavior.[129][130] A substantial minority of young people continues to engage in high-risk practices despite knowing about HIV/AIDS, underestimating their own risk of becoming infected with HIV.[131] Voluntary counseling and testing people for HIV does not affect risky behavior in those who test negative but does increase condom use in those who test positive.[132] Enhanced family planning services appear to increase the likelihood of women with HIV using contraception, compared to basic services.[133] It is not known whether treating other sexually transmitted infections is effective in preventing HIV.[64] Pre-exposure Antiretroviral treatment among people with HIV whose CD4 count ≤ 550 cells/µL is a very effective way to prevent HIV infection of their partner (a strategy known as treatment as prevention, or TASP).[134] TASP is associated with a 10- to 20-fold reduction in transmission risk.[134][135] Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with a daily dose of the medications tenofovir, with or without emtricitabine, is effective in people at high risk including men who have sex with men, couples where one is HIV-positive, and young heterosexuals in Africa.[118][136] It may also be effective in intravenous drug users, with a study finding a decrease in risk of 0.7 to 0.4 per 100 person years.[137] The USPSTF, in 2019, recommended PrEP in those who are at high risk.[138] Universal precautions within the health care environment are believed to be effective in decreasing the risk of HIV.[139] Intravenous drug use is an important risk factor, and harm reduction strategies such as needle-exchange programs and opioid substitution therapy appear effective in decreasing this risk.[140][141] Post-exposure A course of antiretrovirals administered within 48 to 72 hours after exposure to HIV-positive blood or genital secretions is referred to as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).[142] The use of the single agent zidovudine reduces the risk of a HIV infection five-fold following a needle-stick injury.[142] As of 2013, the prevention regimen recommended in the United States consists of three medications—tenofovir, emtricitabine and raltegravir—as this may reduce the risk further.[143] PEP treatment is recommended after a sexual assault when the perpetrator is known to be HIV-positive, but is controversial when their HIV status is unknown.[144] The duration of treatment is usually four weeks[145] and is frequently associated with adverse effects—where zidovudine is used, about 70% of cases result in adverse effects such as nausea (24%), fatigue (22%), emotional distress (13%) and headaches (9%).[50] Mother-to-child Main article: HIV and pregnancy Programs to prevent the vertical transmission of HIV (from mothers to children) can reduce rates of transmission by 92–99%.[82][140] This primarily involves the use of a combination of antiviral medications during pregnancy and after birth in the infant, and potentially includes bottle feeding rather than breastfeeding.[82][146] If replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, mothers should avoid breastfeeding their infants; however, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first months of life if this is not the case.[147] If exclusive breastfeeding is carried out, the provision of extended antiretroviral prophylaxis to the infant decreases the risk of transmission.[148] In 2015, Cuba became the first country in the world to eradicate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.[149] Vaccination Main article: HIV vaccine Currently there is no licensed vaccine for HIV or AIDS.[6] The most effective vaccine trial to date, RV 144, was published in 2009; it found a partial reduction in the risk of transmission of roughly 30%, stimulating some hope in the research community of developing a truly effective vaccine.[150] Further trials of the RV 144 vaccine are ongoing.[151][152] Treatment Main article: Management of HIV/AIDS There is currently no cure, nor an effective HIV vaccine. Treatment consists of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) which slows progression of the disease.[153] As of 2010 more than 6.6 million people were receiving this in low- and middle-income countries.[154] Treatment also includes preventive and active treatment of opportunistic infections. As of March 2020, two people have been successfully cleared of HIV.[155] Rapid initiation of anti-retroviral therapy within one week of diagnosis appear to improve treatment outcomes in low and medium-income settings.[156] Antiviral therapy A white prescription bottle with the label Stribild. Next to it are ten green oblong pills with the marking 1 on one side and GSI on the other. Stribild – a common once-daily ART regime consisting of elvitegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir and the booster cobicistat Current HAART options are combinations (or "cocktails") consisting of at least three medications belonging to at least two types, or "classes", of antiretroviral agents.[157] Initially, treatment is typically a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) plus two nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).[158] Typical NRTIs include: zidovudine (AZT) or tenofovir (TDF) and lamivudine (3TC) or emtricitabine (FTC).[158] As of 2019, dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir is listed by the World Health Organization as the first-line treatment for adults, with tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz as an alternative.[159] Combinations of agents that include protease inhibitors (PI) are used if the above regimen loses effectiveness.[157] The World Health Organization and the United States recommend antiretrovirals in people of all ages (including pregnant women) as soon as the diagnosis is made, regardless of CD4 count.[15][160][161] Once treatment is begun, it is recommended that it is continued without breaks or "holidays".[29] Many people are diagnosed only after treatment ideally should have begun.[29] The desired outcome of treatment is a long-term plasma HIV-RNA count below 50 copies/mL.[29] Levels to determine if treatment is effective are initially recommended after four weeks and once levels fall below 50 copies/mL checks every three to six months are typically adequate.[29] Inadequate control is deemed to be greater than 400 copies/mL.[29] Based on these criteria treatment is effective in more than 95% of people during the first year.[29] Benefits of treatment include a decreased risk of progression to AIDS and a decreased risk of death.[162] In the developing world, treatment also improves physical and mental health.[163] With treatment, there is a 70% reduced risk of acquiring tuberculosis.[157] Additional benefits include a decreased risk of transmission of the disease to sexual partners and a decrease in mother-to-child transmission.[157][164] The effectiveness of treatment depends to a large part on compliance.[29] Reasons for non-adherence to treatment include poor access to medical care,[165] inadequate social supports, mental illness and drug abuse.[166] The complexity of treatment regimens (due to pill numbers and dosing frequency) and adverse effects may reduce adherence.[167] Even though cost is an important issue with some medications,[168] 47% of those who needed them were taking them in low- and middle-income countries as of 2010,[154] and the rate of adherence is similar in low-income and high-income countries.[169] Specific adverse events are related to the antiretroviral agent taken.[170] Some relatively common adverse events include: lipodystrophy syndrome, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, especially with protease inhibitors.[25] Other common symptoms include diarrhea,[170][171] and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[172] Newer recommended treatments are associated with fewer adverse effects.[29] Certain medications may be associated with birth defects and therefore may be unsuitable for women hoping to have children.[29] Treatment recommendations for children are somewhat different from those for adults. The World Health Organization recommends treating all children less than five years of age; children above five are treated like adults.[173] The United States guidelines recommend treating all children less than 12 months of age and all those with HIV RNA counts greater than 100,000 copies/mL between one year and five years of age.[174] The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the granting of marketing authorizations for two new antiretroviral (ARV) medicines, rilpivirine (Rekambys) and cabotegravir (Vocabria), to be used together for the treatment of people with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection.[175] The two medicines are the first ARVs that come in a long-acting injectable formulation.[175] This means that instead of daily pills, people receive intramuscular injections monthly or every two months.[175] The combination of Rekambys and Vocabria injection is intended for maintenance treatment of adults who have undetectable HIV levels in the blood (viral load less than 50 copies/ml) with their current ARV treatment, and when the virus has not developed resistance to a certain class of anti-HIV medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INIs).[175] Cabotegravir combined with rilpivirine (Cabenuva) is a complete regimen for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults to replace a current antiretroviral regimen in those who are virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of treatment failure and with no known or suspected resistance to either cabotegravir or rilpivirine.[176][177] Opportunistic infections Main article: Opportunistic infection § Opportunistic Infection and HIV/AIDS Measures to prevent opportunistic infections are effective in many people with HIV/AIDS. In addition to improving current disease, treatment with antiretrovirals reduces the risk of developing additional opportunistic infections.[170] Adults and adolescents who are living with HIV (even on anti-retroviral therapy) with no evidence of active tuberculosis in settings with high tuberculosis burden should receive isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT); the tuberculin skin test can be used to help decide if IPT is needed.[178] Children with HIV may benefit from screening for tuberculosis.[179] Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is advised for all people at risk of HIV before they become infected; however, it may also be given after infection.[180] Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis between four and six weeks of age, and ceasing breastfeeding of infants born to HIV-positive mothers, is recommended in resource-limited settings.[181] It is also recommended to prevent PCP when a person's CD4 count is below 200 cells/uL and in those who have or have previously had PCP.[182] People with substantial immunosuppression are also advised to receive prophylactic therapy for toxoplasmosis and MAC.[183] Appropriate preventive measures reduced the rate of these infections by 50% between 1992 and 1997.[184] Influenza vaccination and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine are often recommended in people with HIV/AIDS with some evidence of benefit.[185][186] Diet Main article: Nutrition and HIV/AIDS The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued recommendations regarding nutrient requirements in HIV/AIDS.[187] A generally healthy diet is promoted. Dietary intake of micronutrients at RDA levels by HIV-infected adults is recommended by the WHO; higher intake of vitamin A, zinc, and iron can produce adverse effects in HIV-positive adults, and is not recommended unless there is documented deficiency.[187][188][189][190] Dietary supplementation for people who are infected with HIV and who have inadequate nutrition or dietary deficiencies may strengthen their immune systems or help them recover from infections; however, evidence indicating an overall benefit in morbidity or reduction in mortality is not consistent.[191] Evidence for supplementation with selenium is mixed with some tentative evidence of benefit.[192] For pregnant and lactating women with HIV, multivitamin supplement improves outcomes for both mothers and children.[193] If the pregnant or lactating mother has been advised to take anti-retroviral medication to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, multivitamin supplements should not replace these treatments.[193] There is some evidence that vitamin A supplementation in children with an HIV infection reduces mortality and improves growth.[194] Alternative medicine In the US, approximately 60% of people with HIV use various forms of complementary or alternative medicine,[195] whose effectiveness has not been established.[196] There is not enough evidence to support the use of herbal medicines.[197] There is insufficient evidence to recommend or support the use of medical cannabis to try to increase appetite or weight gain.[198] Prognosis Deaths due to HIV/AIDS per million persons in 2012   0   1–4   5–12   13–34   35–61   62–134   135–215   216–458   459–1,402   1,403–5,828 HIV/AIDS has become a chronic rather than an acutely fatal disease in many areas of the world.[199] Prognosis varies between people, and both the CD4 count and viral load are useful for predicted outcomes.[28] Without treatment, average survival time after infection with HIV is estimated to be 9 to 11 years, depending on the HIV subtype.[7] After the diagnosis of AIDS, if treatment is not available, survival ranges between 6 and 19 months.[200][201] HAART and appropriate prevention of opportunistic infections reduces the death rate by 80%, and raises the life expectancy for a newly diagnosed young adult to 20–50 years.[199][202][203] This is between two thirds[202] and nearly that of the general population.[29][204] If treatment is started late in the infection, prognosis is not as good:[29] for example, if treatment is begun following the diagnosis of AIDS, life expectancy is ~10–40 years.[29][199] Half of infants born with HIV die before two years of age without treatment.[181] A map of the world where much of it is colored yellow or orange except for sub Saharan Africa which is colored red or dark red Disability-adjusted life year for HIV and AIDS per 100,000 inhabitants as of 2004.   no data   ≤ 10   10–25   25–50   50–100   100–500   500–1000   1,000–2,500   2,500–5,000   5,000–7500   7,500–10,000   10,000–50,000   ≥ 50,000 The primary causes of death from HIV/AIDS are opportunistic infections and cancer, both of which are frequently the result of the progressive failure of the immune system.[184][205] Risk of cancer appears to increase once the CD4 count is below 500/μL.[29] The rate of clinical disease progression varies widely between individuals and has been shown to be affected by a number of factors such as a person's susceptibility and immune function;[206] their access to health care, the presence of co-infections;[200][207] and the particular strain (or strains) of the virus involved.[208][209] Tuberculosis co-infection is one of the leading causes of sickness and death in those with HIV/AIDS being present in a third of all HIV-infected people and causing 25% of HIV-related deaths.[210] HIV is also one of the most important risk factors for tuberculosis.[211] Hepatitis C is another very common co-infection where each disease increases the progression of the other.[212] The two most common cancers associated with HIV/AIDS are Kaposi's sarcoma and AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.[205] Other cancers that are more frequent include anal cancer, Burkitt's lymphoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and cervical cancer.[29][213] Even with anti-retroviral treatment, over the long term HIV-infected people may experience neurocognitive disorders,[214] osteoporosis,[215] neuropathy,[216] cancers,[217][218] nephropathy,[219] and cardiovascular disease.[171] Some conditions, such as lipodystrophy, may be caused both by HIV and its treatment.[171] Epidemiology Main article: Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS  See or edit source data. Percentage of people with HIV/AIDS.[220] Trends in new cases and deaths per year from HIV/AIDS[220] Some authors consider HIV/AIDS a global pandemic.[221] As of 2016 approximately 36.7 million people worldwide have HIV, the number of new infections that year being about 1.8 million.[222] This is down from 3.1 million new infections in 2001.[223] Slightly over half the infected population are women and 2.1 million are children.[222] It resulted in about 1 million deaths in 2016, down from a peak of 1.9 million in 2005.[222] Sub-Saharan Africa is the region most affected. In 2010, an estimated 68% (22.9 million) of all HIV cases and 66% of all deaths (1.2 million) occurred in this region.[224] This means that about 5% of the adult population is infected[225] and it is believed to be the cause of 10% of all deaths in children.[226] Here, in contrast to other regions, women comprise nearly 60% of cases.[224] South Africa has the largest population of people with HIV of any country in the world at 5.9 million.[224] Life expectancy has fallen in the worst-affected countries due to HIV/AIDS; for example, in 2006 it was estimated that it had dropped from 65 to 35 years in Botswana.[18] Mother-to-child transmission in Botswana and South Africa, as of 2013, has decreased to less than 5%, with improvement in many other African nations due to improved access to antiretroviral therapy.[227] South & South East Asia is the second most affected; in 2010 this region contained an estimated 4 million cases or 12% of all people living with HIV resulting in approximately 250,000 deaths.[225] Approximately 2.4 million of these cases are in India.[224] During 2008 in the United States approximately 1.2 million people were living with HIV, resulting in about 17,500 deaths. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in that year, 20% of infected Americans were unaware of their infection.[228] As of 2016 about 675,000 people have died of HIV/AIDS in the US since the beginning of the HIV epidemic.[229] In the United Kingdom as of 2015, there were approximately 101,200 cases which resulted in 594 deaths.[230] In Canada as of 2008, there were about 65,000 cases causing 53 deaths.[231] Between the first recognition of AIDS (in 1981) and 2009, it has led to nearly 30 million deaths.[232] Rates of HIV are lowest in North Africa and the Middle East (0.1% or less), East Asia (0.1%), and Western and Central Europe (0.2%).[225] The worst-affected European countries, in 2009 and 2012 estimates, are Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Moldova, Portugal and Belarus, in decreasing order of prevalence.[233] History Main article: History of HIV/AIDS Further information: Category:HIV/AIDS by country Discovery text of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report newsletter The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reported in 1981 on what was later to be called "AIDS". The first news story on the disease appeared May 18, 1981 in the gay newspaper New York Native.[234][235] AIDS was first clinically reported on June 5, 1981, with five cases in the United States.[37][236] The initial cases were a cluster of injecting drug users and gay men with no known cause of impaired immunity who showed symptoms of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a rare opportunistic infection that was known to occur in people with very compromised immune systems.[237] Soon thereafter, an unexpected number of homosexual men developed a previously rare skin cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma (KS).[238][239] Many more cases of PCP and KS emerged, alerting U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a CDC task force was formed to monitor the outbreak.[240] In the early days, the CDC did not have an official name for the disease, often referring to it by way of diseases associated with it, such as lymphadenopathy, the disease after which the discoverers of HIV originally named the virus.[241][242] They also used Kaposi's sarcoma and opportunistic infections, the name by which a task force had been set up in 1981.[243] At one point the CDC referred to it as the "4H disease", as the syndrome seemed to affect heroin users, homosexuals, hemophiliacs, and Haitians.[244][245] The term GRID, which stood for gay-related immune deficiency, had also been coined.[246] However, after determining that AIDS was not isolated to the gay community,[243] it was realized that the term GRID was misleading, and the term AIDS was introduced at a meeting in July 1982.[247] By September 1982 the CDC started referring to the disease as AIDS.[248] In 1983, two separate research groups led by Robert Gallo and Luc Montagnier declared that a novel retrovirus may have been infecting people with AIDS, and published their findings in the same issue of the journal Science.[249][250] Gallo claimed a virus which his group had isolated from a person with AIDS was strikingly similar in shape to other human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs) that his group had been the first to isolate. Gallo's group called their newly isolated virus HTLV-III. At the same time, Montagnier's group isolated a virus from a person presenting with swelling of the lymph nodes of the neck and physical weakness, two characteristic symptoms of AIDS. Contradicting the report from Gallo's group, Montagnier and his colleagues showed that core proteins of this virus were immunologically different from those of HTLV-I. Montagnier's group named their isolated virus lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV).[240] As these two viruses turned out to be the same, in 1986, LAV and HTLV-III were renamed HIV.[251] Origins three primates possible sources of HIV Left to right: the African green monkey source of SIV, the sooty mangabey source of HIV-2, and the chimpanzee source of HIV-1 The origin of HIV / AIDS and the circumstances that led to its emergence remain unsolved.[252] Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 are believed to have originated in non-human primates in West-central Africa and were transferred to humans in the early 20th century.[19] HIV-1 appears to have originated in southern Cameroon through the evolution of SIV(cpz), a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that infects wild chimpanzees (HIV-1 descends from the SIVcpz endemic in the chimpanzee subspecies Pan troglodytes troglodytes).[253][254] The closest relative of HIV-2 is SIV (smm), a virus of the sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys atys), an Old World monkey living in coastal West Africa (from southern Senegal to western Ivory Coast).[98] New World monkeys such as the owl monkey are resistant to HIV-1 infection, possibly because of a genomic fusion of two viral resistance genes.[255] HIV-1 is thought to have jumped the species barrier on at least three separate occasions, giving rise to the three groups of the virus, M, N, and O.[256] There is evidence that humans who participate in bushmeat activities, either as hunters or as bushmeat vendors, commonly acquire SIV.[257] However, SIV is a weak virus which is typically suppressed by the human immune system within weeks of infection. It is thought that several transmissions of the virus from individual to individual in quick succession are necessary to allow it enough time to mutate into HIV.[258] Furthermore, due to its relatively low person-to-person transmission rate, SIV can only spread throughout the population in the presence of one or more high-risk transmission channels, which are thought to have been absent in Africa before the 20th century. Specific proposed high-risk transmission channels, allowing the virus to adapt to humans and spread throughout the society, depend on the proposed timing of the animal-to-human crossing. Genetic studies of the virus suggest that the most recent common ancestor of the HIV-1 M group dates back to c. 1910.[259] Proponents of this dating link the HIV epidemic with the emergence of colonialism and growth of large colonial African cities, leading to social changes, including a higher degree of sexual promiscuity, the spread of prostitution, and the accompanying high frequency of genital ulcer diseases (such as syphilis) in nascent colonial cities.[260] While transmission rates of HIV during vaginal intercourse are low under regular circumstances, they are increased manyfold if one of the partners suffers from a sexually transmitted infection causing genital ulcers. Early 1900s colonial cities were notable for their high prevalence of prostitution and genital ulcers, to the degree that, as of 1928, as many as 45% of female residents of eastern Kinshasa were thought to have been prostitutes, and, as of 1933, around 15% of all residents of the same city had syphilis.[260] An alternative view holds that unsafe medical practices in Africa after World War II, such as unsterile reuse of single-use syringes during mass vaccination, antibiotic and anti-malaria treatment campaigns, were the initial vector that allowed the virus to adapt to humans and spread.[258][261][262] The earliest well-documented case of HIV in a human dates back to 1959 in the Congo.[263] The virus may have been present in the United States as early as the mid-to-late 1950s, as a sixteen-year-old male named Robert Rayford presented with symptoms in 1966 and died in 1969. In the 1970s, men were getting parasites and becoming sick with what was called “gay bowel disease,” but what is now suspected to have been AIDS.[264] The earliest retrospectively described case of AIDS is believed to have been in Norway beginning in 1966.[265] In July 1960, in the wake of Congo's independence, the United Nations recruited Francophone experts and technicians from all over the world to assist in filling administrative gaps left by Belgium, who did not leave behind an African elite to run the country. By 1962, Haitians made up the second-largest group of well-educated experts (out of the 48 national groups recruited), that totaled around 4500 in the country.[266][267] Dr. Jacques Pépin, a Quebecer author of The Origins of AIDS, stipulates that Haiti was one of HIV's entry points to the United States and that one of them may have carried HIV back across the Atlantic in the 1960s.[267] Although there is known at least one case of AIDS in the United States from 1966,[268] the vast majority of infections occurring outside sub-Saharan Africa (including the U.S.) can be traced back to a single unknown individual who became infected with HIV in Haiti and then brought the infection to the United States at some time around 1969.[252] The epidemic then rapidly spread among high-risk groups (initially, sexually promiscuous men who have sex with men). By 1978, the prevalence of HIV-1 among gay male residents of New York City and San Francisco was estimated at 5%, suggesting that several thousand individuals in the country had been infected.[252] Society and culture Stigma Main article: Discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS A teenage male with the hand of another resting on his left shoulder smiling for the camera Ryan White became a poster child for HIV after being expelled from school because he was infected.[269] AIDS stigma exists around the world in a variety of ways, including ostracism, rejection, discrimination and avoidance of HIV-infected people; compulsory HIV testing without prior consent or protection of confidentiality; violence against HIV-infected individuals or people who are perceived to be infected with HIV; and the quarantine of HIV-infected individuals.[21] Stigma-related violence or the fear of violence prevents many people from seeking HIV testing, returning for their results, or securing treatment, possibly turning what could be a manageable chronic illness into a death sentence and perpetuating the spread of HIV.[270] AIDS stigma has been further divided into the following three categories: Instrumental AIDS stigma—a reflection of the fear and apprehension that are likely to be associated with any deadly and transmissible illness.[271] Symbolic AIDS stigma—the use of HIV/AIDS to express attitudes toward the social groups or lifestyles perceived to be associated with the disease.[271] Courtesy AIDS stigma—stigmatization of people connected to the issue of HIV/AIDS or HIV-positive people.[272] Often, AIDS stigma is expressed in conjunction with one or more other stigmas, particularly those associated with homosexuality, bisexuality, promiscuity, prostitution, and intravenous drug use.[273] In many developed countries, there is an association between AIDS and homosexuality or bisexuality, and this association is correlated with higher levels of sexual prejudice, such as anti-homosexual or anti-bisexual attitudes.[274] There is also a perceived association between AIDS and all male-male sexual behavior, including sex between uninfected men.[271] However, the dominant mode of spread worldwide for HIV remains heterosexual transmission.[275] In 2003, as part of an overall reform of marriage and population legislation, it became legal for those diagnosed with AIDS to marry in China.[276] In 2013, the U.S. National Library of Medicine developed a traveling exhibition titled Surviving and Thriving: AIDS, Politics, and Culture;[277] this covered medical research, the U.S. government's response, and personal stories from people with AIDS, caregivers, and activists.[278] Economic impact Main articles: Economic impact of HIV/AIDS and Cost of HIV treatment A graph showing several increasing lines followed by a sharp fall of the lines starting in the mid-1980s to 1990s Changes in life expectancy in some African countries, 1960–2012 HIV/AIDS affects the economics of both individuals and countries.[226] The gross domestic product of the most affected countries has decreased due to the lack of human capital.[226][279] Without proper nutrition, health care and medicine, large numbers of people die from AIDS-related complications. Before death they will not only be unable to work, but will also require significant medical care. It is estimated that as of 2007 there were 12 million AIDS orphans.[226] Many are cared for by elderly grandparents.[280] Returning to work after beginning treatment for HIV/AIDS is difficult, and affected people often work less than the average worker. Unemployment in people with HIV/AIDS also is associated with suicidal ideation, memory problems, and social isolation. Employment increases self-esteem, sense of dignity, confidence, and quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS. Anti-retroviral treatment may help people with HIV/AIDS work more, and may increase the chance that a person with HIV/AIDS will be employed (low-quality evidence).[281] By affecting mainly young adults, AIDS reduces the taxable population, in turn reducing the resources available for public expenditures such as education and health services not related to AIDS, resulting in increasing pressure on the state's finances and slower growth of the economy. This causes a slower growth of the tax base, an effect that is reinforced if there are growing expenditures on treating the sick, training (to replace sick workers), sick pay, and caring for AIDS orphans. This is especially true if the sharp increase in adult mortality shifts the responsibility from the family to the government in caring for these orphans.[280] At the household level, AIDS causes both loss of income and increased spending on healthcare. A study in Côte d'Ivoire showed that households having a person with HIV/AIDS spent twice as much on medical expenses as other households. This additional expenditure also leaves less income to spend on education and other personal or family investment.[282] Religion and AIDS Main article: Religion and HIV/AIDS The topic of religion and AIDS has become highly controversial, primarily because some religious authorities have publicly declared their opposition to the use of condoms.[283][284] The religious approach to prevent the spread of AIDS, according to a report by American health expert Matthew Hanley titled The Catholic Church and the Global AIDS Crisis, argues that cultural changes are needed, including a re-emphasis on fidelity within marriage and sexual abstinence outside of it.[284] Some religious organizations have claimed that prayer can cure HIV/AIDS. In 2011, the BBC reported that some churches in London were claiming that prayer would cure AIDS, and the Hackney-based Centre for the Study of Sexual Health and HIV reported that several people stopped taking their medication, sometimes on the direct advice of their pastor, leading to many deaths.[285] The Synagogue Church Of All Nations advertised an "anointing water" to promote God's healing, although the group denies advising people to stop taking medication.[285] Media portrayal Main article: Media portrayal of HIV/AIDS One of the first high-profile cases of AIDS was the American Rock Hudson, a gay actor who had been married and divorced earlier in life, who died on October 2, 1985, having announced that he was suffering from the virus on July 25 that year. He had been diagnosed during 1984.[286] A notable British casualty of AIDS that year was Nicholas Eden, a gay politician and son of the late prime minister Anthony Eden.[287] On November 24, 1991, the virus claimed the life of British rock star Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the band Queen, who died from an AIDS-related illness having only revealed the diagnosis on the previous day.[288] However, he had been diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1987. Mercury had also begun to show signs of the virus as early as 1982.[289] One of the first high-profile heterosexual cases of the virus was American tennis player Arthur Ashe. He was diagnosed as HIV-positive on August 31, 1988, having contracted the virus from blood transfusions during heart surgery earlier in the 1980s. Further tests within 24 hours of the initial diagnosis revealed that Ashe had AIDS, but he did not tell the public about his diagnosis until April 1992.[290] He died as a result on February 6, 1993, aged 49.[291] Therese Frare's photograph of gay activist David Kirby, as he lay dying from AIDS while surrounded by family, was taken in April 1990. Life magazine said the photo became the one image "most powerfully identified with the HIV/AIDS epidemic." The photo was displayed in Life, was the winner of the World Press Photo, and acquired worldwide notoriety after being used in a United Colors of Benetton advertising campaign in 1992.[292] Criminal transmission Main article: Criminal transmission of HIV Criminal transmission of HIV is the intentional or reckless infection of a person with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some countries or jurisdictions, including some areas of the United States, have laws that criminalize HIV transmission or exposure.[293] Others may charge the accused under laws enacted before the HIV pandemic. In 1996, Ugandan-born Canadian Johnson Aziga was diagnosed with HIV; he subsequently had unprotected sex with eleven women without disclosing his diagnosis. By 2003, seven had contracted HIV; two died from complications related to AIDS.[294][295] Aziga was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.[296] Misconceptions Main articles: Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and Discredited HIV/AIDS origins theories There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Three of the most common are that AIDS can spread through casual contact, that sexual intercourse with a virgin will cure AIDS,[297][298][299] and that HIV can infect only gay men and drug users. In 2014, some among the British public wrongly thought one could get HIV from kissing (16%), sharing a glass (5%), spitting (16%), a public toilet seat (4%), and coughing or sneezing (5%).[300] Other misconceptions are that any act of anal intercourse between two uninfected gay men can lead to HIV infection, and that open discussion of HIV and homosexuality in schools will lead to increased rates of AIDS.[301][302] A small group of individuals continue to dispute the connection between HIV and AIDS,[303] the existence of HIV itself, or the validity of HIV testing and treatment methods.[304][305] These claims, known as AIDS denialism, have been examined and rejected by the scientific community.[306] However, they have had a significant political impact, particularly in South Africa, where the government's official embrace of AIDS denialism (1999–2005) was responsible for its ineffective response to that country's AIDS epidemic, and has been blamed for hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths and HIV infections.[307][308][309] Several discredited conspiracy theories have held that HIV was created by scientists, either inadvertently or deliberately. Operation INFEKTION was a worldwide Soviet active measures operation to spread the claim that the United States had created HIV/AIDS. Surveys show that a significant number of people believed—and continue to believe—in such claims.[310] Research Main article: HIV/AIDS research HIV/AIDS research includes all medical research which attempts to prevent, treat, or cure HIV/AIDS, along with fundamental research about the nature of HIV as an infectious agent, and about AIDS as the disease caused by HIV. Many governments and research institutions participate in HIV/AIDS research. This research includes behavioral health interventions such as sex education, and drug development, such as research into microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV vaccines, and antiretroviral drugs. Other medical research areas include the topics of pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis, and circumcision and HIV. Public health officials, researchers, and programs can gain a more comprehensive picture of the barriers they face, and the efficacy of current approaches to HIV treatment and prevention, by tracking standard HIV indicators.[311] Use of common indicators is an increasing focus of development organizations and researchers.[312][313] James Jackson Bullock (born February 9, 1955) is an American actor and comedian of stage, television, and motion pictures. Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 3 Personal life 4 Filmography 5 References 6 External links Early life Bullock was born in Casper, Wyoming, and raised in Odessa, Texas (although he is listed as an alumnus of Natrona County High School (Casper, Wyoming)), and was raised in a Southern Baptist home and as a youth, planned to become an evangelical Christian minister.[1] He received a music scholarship to attend Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, but left school without graduating.[2] Career Credited as "Jim J. Bullock" because there was another "Jim Bullock" in the actors union,[3] Bullock became a notable entertainment figure in the 1980s when he co-starred on the sitcom Too Close for Comfort as Monroe Ficus and was a regular guest on John Davidson's updated version of the game show Hollywood Squares; Bullock occasionally substituted for Davidson as host.[4] He also appeared as a semi-regular on Battlestars. He later became a semi-regular on ALF (from 1989 to 1990) as Neal Tanner. He guest-hosted a special episode of Super Sloppy Double Dare in 1989 where host Marc Summers and announcer Harvey played against each other. The game ended with both Summers and Harvey playing the Obstacle Course and winning all eight prizes for their respective civilian teammates. Stage assistants Robin Marrella and Dave Shikiar guest-announced that episode. After ALF went off the air in 1990, Bullock remained active with theatre, television, and film work. He briefly hosted a syndicated talk show with ex-televangelist Tammy Faye Messner. The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show debuted in 1996, but Messner exited the program a few months later following a cancer diagnosis. Bullock continued with new co-host, Ann Abernathy, and the show became The Jim J. and Ann Show until it was canceled. Bullock was the voice of Queer Duck in the animated series of cartoons of the same name which have appeared on both the internet and the cable TV network Showtime. In 2000, Bullock was a regular panelist on the revival of I've Got a Secret. He also performed on the national tour of the Broadway production Hairspray as Wilbur Turnblad, a role he took to the Broadway stage starting September 18, 2007. Some of his other noteworthy roles include the pilled-up narcoleptic Prince Valium in the 1987 Mel Brooks movie Spaceballs, and the "Not-Quite-Out-of-the-Closet" character in the date montage at the beginning of 2001's Kissing Jessica Stein. From 2004 to 2007, he had a recurring role as Mr. Monroe, a teacher at the fictional James K. Polk Middle School on the Nickelodeon live-action sitcom Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide. Personal life In 1985, while Too Close For Comfort was being retooled as The Ted Knight Show, Bullock learned that he was HIV positive. He made his diagnosis public 11 years later.[5] In 1996, Bullock's partner of six years, John Casey, died from AIDS-related complications.[1][2] Bullock is a longtime survivor of the virus and, as of 2021, was still healthy due in part to antiretroviral drugs.[1][6] On February 17, 1999, Bullock was arrested outside a bar in West Hollywood, California, for possession of crystal meth, and was sentenced to probation.[2][7] Filmography Genre Year Title Role Episodes Notes TV series 1980–1987 Too Close for Comfort Monroe Ficus 118 episodes Film 1981 Full Moon High Eddie credited as Jim. Bullock Alternative title: Moon High Film 1987 Spaceballs Prince Valium credited as Jim J. Bullock Film 1988 DeGarmo & Key: Rock Solid...The Rock-u-mentary! News Reporter TV series 1989 Super Sloppy Double Dare Himself/Guest Host TV series 1989–1990 ALF Neal Tanner "He Ain't Heavy, He's Willie's Brother" "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" "Break Up to Make Up" "Happy Together" "Love on the Rocks" 5 episodes Film 1991 Switch The Psychic TV series 1992 Seinfeld Flight Attendant #1 "The Airport" Music Video 1994 Bubba Hyde Bubba Hyde "Diamond Rio song" TV series 1994–1995 Boogies Diner Gerald unknown episodes Animated TV series 1994 Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man "Cellar Beware" voice actor TV series 1996 Roseanne Al "Satan, Darling" Animated TV series 2000-2004 Queer Duck Adam Seymour "Queer Duck" Duckstein voice actor; 20 episodes TV series 2000 E! True Hollywood Story Himself "Jim J. Bullock" documentary Documentary 2000 The Eyes of Tammy Faye Himself Film 2000 Get Your Stuff Tom Film 2001 10 Attitudes Tex Film 2001 Kissing Jessica Stein Not-Yet-Out Gay Guy (Craig) Film 2001 Circuit Mark TV series 2001 Intimate Portrait Himself "Tammy Faye" documentary TV series 2001 Popular Judge "The Brain Game" Short film 2002 Gaydar Maurice's Ex 20 minutes included in the Direct-to-video compilation film Men's Mix 1: Gay Shorts Collection TV series 2004–2007 Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide Mr. Monroe 18 episodes TV series 2005 The Bold and the Beautiful Serge (Wedding Planner) 2 episodes Animated film 2006 Queer Duck: The Movie Adam Seymour "Queer Duck" Duckstein voice actor; Direct-to-video release Film 2008 One, Two, Many Derek Animated TV series 2008 Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World Jacques-Jean/Emerald Joe "Wickeder" voice actor TV series 2009 The Bold and the Beautiful Serge (Wedding Planner) 10 episodes Short film 2009 Cost of Living Bill 15 minutes Film 2009 The Fish Jim-Jay "The Star" Documentary 2010 Frances: A Mother Divine Himself Film 2010 Role/Play Bernie Film 2014 Ron and Laura Take Back America Bob Zackie TV series 2015 Glee Cert "Loser Like Me" 1 episode TV series 2015 Good Job, Thanks! John McWayne "Hacked!" 1 episode
  • Industry: Television
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  • Object Type: paper
  • Original/Reproduction: Original

PicClick Insights - 1989 Gay Actor Contract Signed Jim J Bullock Aftra Very Rare Autograph PicClick Exclusive

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