(Online Dating Industry Journal) Positive Connection, an online dating forum for HIV positive singles in South Africa, seems to be helping many singles find partners in the country with the most HIV infections (over 5 million) than any other country, according to an article in the Balimore Sun online (registration required). According to the article:
"AIDS is no longer an automatic killer here. As in the United States, it has become a chronic illness for those with access to antiretroviral drugs. Up to 150,000 South Africans are on treatment, well below the half-million deemed in urgent need of care but far more than a few years ago. Life insurance is an option for some with HIV, and medical advances make it easier to bear healthy children.
"Yet romance remains a fraught pursuit. Despite an adult HIV prevalence rate of about 20 percent, the stigma attached to the disease remains harsh. HIV-negative people, not surprisingly, want to stay virus-free, site members say, and are likely to bolt if a partner discloses positive status.
"So, for the 225 South Africans who belong to the free site, it is a refuge, a safe zone where they can look for a date or a friend, as well as information on living with HIV/AIDS. Members are gay and straight, white and black, secretaries and bankers, with one other tie: access to the Internet."
Kim's Comments:
The way I see it, the online dating industry has always had a great opportunity to help people find the potential love of their life, and, with niche sites like Positive Connection and others that appeal to those with a disadvantage in the normal dating scene, the opportunity is even greater. Sites geared toward individuals with disabilities, STDs, shyness, among others can provide a great advantage to many who find traditional dating methods extremely difficult.
A site like Positive Connection allows members to search freely without the anxiety and fear about what the person they have been communicating with will think when that person finds out their match has HIV. Online dating niche sites can greatly eliminate many problems as long as the service itself upholds ethical standards and practices. That is one part of the wonderful world of online dating.
Hi there,i would very much to meet a nice caucasion female in a similar position who lives close to me i.e Cape Town,South Africa
Posted by: Jeff | March 26, 2009 at 03:29 AM