Checkpoint

Dear Checkpoint Clients,

For some of you it is already a while ago, for others it was very recently that you visited our hiv testing facility.

We would like to inform you that Checkpoint is going to close its doors from June 21st 2008. This is due to the fact that Checkpoint has reached its most important goal: acceptance and implementation of the hiv rapid test as screening method. We do realise that not all GGD’s are using the rapid test, but it’s up to the GGD Netherlands and the GGD’s that are using the rapid test to convince their colleagues. Through the link Andere sneltestlocaties in Nederland (Other rapid test facilities in the Netherlands) you can check if the GGD in your surroundings uses the rapid hiv test.

Until Friday June 20th 2008 we are still running our clinic. Appointments can still be made through the Servicepunt (020-689 25 77) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 2 and 6 pm.

With this email we would like to thank all of you for the trust you gave us during the past 6 years.
Checkpoint

.... and with that e-mail the last 'truly' gay friendly (although not exclusive) place to get tested for hiv has been lost. To the wonderful people who have kept this going for 6 years, and especially Stan and William - the community owes you all a great deal.

Its so bizarre that at a point when the Gay male community is screaming out for specific help and support that all the services that were (as few as were/are) are disappearing. As the gap between the Aids Industry and the community widens then no-one should be surprised when things go seriously wrong. How can the Industry blame the hiv+ Gay Male community for spreading the virus when the doors to testing, support, understanding are slammed shut in our faces.

Why should any Gay Male make the effort to stand in line outside of the STD clinic at 6 'o clock in the morning, cheek and jowl with the great unwashed of this city, in order to get tested for hiv if he feels healthy?

For that matter, why would he do that for anything? He might do it for Madonna tickets at a push. Lets get real here ....

A Gay Male is not going to get tested for anything if he has no obvious long-term symptoms. The more difficult testing is made, the more STD's in all shapes and sizes will become epidemic.

Its not just about funding. Its about changing attitude. The Dutch are paranoid about being seen as 'discriminatory' alothough that is changing very slowly. But it means that anything specifically targeted at one group is seen as discriminatory, whether it is positive or not. As Gay Men we are not actually allowed to discriminate against ourselves by wanting 'special' treatment. We 'should' want to be treated just like everyone else, all support, treatment, help etc 'should' be open to all indiscriminately. This is ingrained in the Dutch culture and will take a long time to change, if ever.

Dutch 'liberalism' is tolerance not acceptance.

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