Free Speech Coalition was made aware of the possible HIV exposure of a performer on Saturday. In order to err on the side of caution and to eliminate any possible risk to performers, FSC called for an industry-wide moratorium Sunday night. This moratorium should remain in place until primary reports of any exposure are confirmed. In the event of the necessity for first and second generational testing, a list of any individuals that may have been exposed will be compiled and the moratorium will then be evaluated by our medical and legal advisers, as well as industry stakeholders. At this point, there is nothing to suggest that any individuals that may have been affected have performed in California.
At this point, FSC does not have an authorized information confirming that a performer or any performers have tested HIV-positive.
The incident occurred outside of California; however, the Los Angeles production community has voluntarily submitted to the moratorium as an appropriate response to the current situation. At this point there is nothing to suggest that the occurrence has affected the Los Angeles-based industry, but producers, agents and performers are cooperating in order to uphold health & safety protocols.
Due to the closure of the AIM clinic in May, FSC developed the Adult Production Health & Safety Services program – which was launched on August 1 – to fill the gap left for performer testing. Because of the newness of the APHSS.org program, FSC was in the process of signing up performers, producers and agents to the program, when the possible exposure occurred. The APHSS.org program implements industry-appropriate standards for exposure protocol and other health & safety guidelines.
The industry has had a successful system of health & safety self-regulation since 1998, despite any misinformation being spread by our opponents. It is an unfortunate fact that the closure of AIM was, in large part, due to relentless litigation against the clinic (as well as many other industry businesses) by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
In fact, AHF has done more harm than good by their efforts to force regulations, with no interest in the well-being of adult industry performers. FSC and industry stakeholders have worked to ensure the well-being of any individuals that may have been affected by this latest possible occurrence, and will continue to do so into the future.
Updated 08-31-11
(Graphic: Courtesy of Tokyoship)
