THE GIFT
As many men in the community become condom weary, and some even consciously desire HIV infection, disturbing new trends of risky behavior have pushed the rate of new infections back into a rapid rise, all to the mantra of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Using Internet sites for promotion and connection, a community of barebackers (those who have sex without a condom) is flourishing. This includes bug chasers who host conversion parties where men actively seek the gift of HIV infection.
“The Gift takes a hard look at contemporary gay culture, where HIV is sexy and prevention is passé”
FILMMAKERS
Director: Louise Hogarth
Writer: Louise Hogarth
Producer: Louise Hogarth
Editor: Mario Del Bello
Camera: May Rigler
Composers: Tom Batoy & Franco Tortora
ABOUT FILM
Twenty years after the initial panic, there is a dangerous new complacency fueled by the mistaken belief that AIDS is now a manageable disease.
As many men in the community become condom weary, and some even consciously desire HIV infection, disturbing new trends of risky behavior have pushed the rate of new infections back into a rapid rise, all to the mantra of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.
Using Internet sites for promotion and connection, a community of barebackers (those who have sex without a condom) is flourishing. This includes bug chasers who host conversion parties where men actively seek the gift of HIV infection.
Doug, a central character of the film, is a bright, articulate young man who moved from the Midwest to San Francisco in search of a gay community. He became a bug chaser and actively sought the gift of HIV infection. When Doug became infected with the virus, he felt a sense of belonging to a community. He is now dealing with the unexpected severity of his illness.
Also featured in the documentary is noted psychoanalyst and community activist Walt Odets, MD, author of In the Shadow of the Epidemic. Dr.Odets examines the loss, grief and anxiety experienced by HIV negative
men living with the AIDS epidemic, and he speaks out about why prevention has failed and what needs to be done.
It is the filmmakers’ hope that The Gift will create dialogue within the community and raise awareness of the issues of isolation and division in the gay community around HIV status, thereby leading to a renewed prevention effort.
Gift Giver: HIV positive man who gives the gift of HIV infection
Bug Chaser: HIV negative man who deliberately becomes infected with HIV
Barebacking: Deliberate high-risk sex with disregard for HIV infection
“Some believe the myth that HIV is a chronic manageable disease and that the new drugs promise them a long and healthy life.”
“Forsaking Health to Join the H.I.V. Club – Far and away the most important selection in NewFest 2003.”
“When ‘The Gift’ is HIV - A documentary enters a realm where men seek infection. It’s not a picture of AIDS that lands quietly. ”
“What makes bug chasers, gift givers do such a thing? It’s a story so shocking you want to believe it’s a hoax–a sick joke. But, somewhere between urban legend and ghastly trend, there really are some gay men who want to be infected with HIV, and others who will gladly help them try to make that wish come true.”
“The Gift Takes A Hard Look at Contemporary Gay Culture, Where HIV is Sexy and Prevention is Passe”
“EVERY HOUR, TWO YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 AND 24 CONTRACT HIV, THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES AIDS. THE CDC ESTIMATES THAT HALF OF ALL NEW HIV INFECTIONS OCCUR IN PEOPLE UNDER AGE 25.”