San Fernando Valley Porn Actor Tests Positive For HIV; AIDS Activists Who Want Mandatory Condoms In Porn Say We Told You So

Steve La

AIDS Healthcare Foundation protested outside Larry Flynt Publications recently.

It doesn't come as a surprise: Several actors in the San Fernando-based biz have tested positive in the last 10 years. What's different about this one, however, is that the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has been on a mission this year to get California's smut trade to use condoms.

This will only be fodder for its crusade. In fact ...

... AHF has a press conference in Los Angeles scheduled for 4 p.m. to decry the industry's resistance to condoms.

"That a performer tested positive for HIV today--and that more may be infected--was totally preventable," says Michael Weinstein, AHF president. "It is also living proof that testing is not adequate protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases among porn performers. How many more people have to be infected with HIV before Los Asngeles County steps in to do its job and protect performers' and the public's health and AIM stops being a 'fig leaf' for the industry?"

The foundation is trying to force California to apply rules that prohibit exposure to blood-borne diseases at some workplaces. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is considering doing just that.

It'll be interesting to see if this HIV incident will push state regulators to make the industry roll one on.

Porn's main health-care provider and STD tester, AIM Healthcare, stated to Adult Video News that performers who have worked with the infected actor are under quarantine and can't do video until cleared.

"AIM has confirmed that an adult industry performer has tested positive for HIV," clinical administrator Brooke Miller told AVN. "We are currently quarantining and testing all exposed partners."

AVN stated the infected performer is a man who has done both straight and gay video.