Will Oprah ever do a show about Herpes?
Dear Yoshi,
Oprah Winfrey is currently seeking people who have “major” health issues to appear on her show.
I consider the consequences of HSV2 to be “major” if you address the lack of knowledge, health issues, growing infection rates, and deficient testing processes!
I have watched friends (one a virgin) who contracted HSV2 contemplate suicide. We also know those who did take their life after learning they were infected. There are others who suffer serious long-term PID health issues, many who have the inability to form relationships, others who face rejection in the dating world, and some who remain in a constant state of depression because of HSV2.
In one Herpes support group I’m familiar with, one very attractive, well-educated member has not even attempted to date since she was infected 12 YEARS AGO! Following her diagnosis, another beautiful young woman covered every mirror in her home because she could no longer look at herself. Many have totally lost interest in their appearance–as a deterrent to attracting men at all. In the same group, a 50+ year old man with HSV2 STILL doesn’t think you can contract it or pass it on unless you have unprotected sex!
As you have said so many times on your message boards, the world needs to be educated about HSV2. If we’re looking for the ideal opportunity to start the dialog, OPRAH would be the place! (The subject MUST be presented to the OPRAH staff tactfully, factually, with good statistical data and anecdotal material–or I’m afraid they’ll simply reject it.)
As you know, one critical problem that needs to be exposed is the current STD testing process–both private and public. When confronted, the man that infected the virgin (through heavy petting/skin-to-skin contact only) said he was “clean” based on his STD test–and also Asymptomatic. His follow-up test for HSV2 was positive. Based on his false assumptions, he has probably infected numerous other women along the way.
There are many, both male and female, who have returned with a “clean” bill of health from STD testing, only to spread the disease because they did not KNOW that they were infected. Why? They didn’t request that particular test and simply assumed that STD tests include HSV2!
I know people are probably hesitant to go public with HSV2. But, please, please does SOMEONE in the community have the nerve to present this case to Oprah and appear on the show? We owe it to all of those out there who have HSV2 and are suffering the physical, psychological, and emotional consequences of this disease.
P.S. They also need to know that there’s a site on the Internet and on Myspace that REALLY HELPS!
That was an e-mail that I got encouraging me to contact Oprah. As some of you may already know, I have attempted to contact her over the years. She’s a busy woman and probably doesn’t have time to write me back. So, I’ve resorted to sharing on my blog. I’ll also be posting a link on our Herpes Awareness and Advocacy page! - Angela aka Yoshi2me
Filed under Advocacy, Buzz, PID, herpes, std testing |3 Responses to “Will Oprah ever do a show about Herpes?”
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Kudos to you for doing this! I think this is amazing and will definitely help many others out there. We all need to be informed about STDs and the consequences of living with an STD. Thank you so much for doing this. I think it’s wonderful!
In response to your last post, I found your blog through MySpace. Heh. Your status listed a link to the story of how you contracted the virus, and I was really touched by your bravery at tackling the issues associated with STDs head-on. I think it’s very admirable of you.
K, I’m done smothering you with mushy comments. Heh. Hope you have a great day, and thanks again for this site.
I’ve often wondered the same thing. It’s sad that she hasn’t, given that it’s such a widespread std. And, sad that it speaks to stigma that still surrounds STDs, IMO. She could do so much to at least get people talking about it in a public forum, increase public awareness, show that people with herpes are NORMAL. The level of ignorance out there is astonishing, and not just among the youth. The men, grown men, that I’ve met, in their 40s who act like children when they find out, it’s unbelievable and depressing. There is so much FEAR about this and silence.does.not.help.
I’m not holding my breath with Oprah ever doing a show about herpes awareness.
Heck, we can’t even get her to invite Sarah Palin to come on her show.
Why would I ever thought she might be an advocate for this?
I throw up my hands.
- Angela