TL;DR
- TMVII and Shigella are rising health concerns among queer men.
- TMVII can mimic ringworm but can lead to severe skin issues.
- Shigella spreads through sexual contact and poor hygiene.
- Communication and transparency are key in prevention.
- Public health responses need to improve for better awareness.
Summer is here, and while the sun is shining and the parties are popping, there’s something lurking in the shadows that queer men need to be aware of: emerging sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like TMVII and drug-resistant Shigella. These aren’t just your average summer flings; they’re health concerns that could put a damper on your fun in the sun.
Take Vasilios Papapitsios, for example. This artist and HIV advocate noticed a rash on their groin that looked suspiciously like ringworm. But Papapitsios, who uses they/he pronouns, knew better. They had been following the news and were aware of a cluster of fungal cases in Minnesota that were actually a newly discovered STI: trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, or TMVII. This fungal infection, which was first reported in the U.S. in 2024, can masquerade as other common rashes like jock itch or athlete’s foot. But don’t be fooled; it can morph into painful, scaly lesions that are anything but cute.
“If I don’t have information about something, then I want to find the information, and I want to let everybody know,” Papapitsios said, highlighting the urgency of awareness. The lack of public health information about TMVII is alarming, and it’s up to our community to spread the word. “If we had our institutions taking it more seriously, people would take it more seriously,” they added, echoing a sentiment many of us can relate to.
As cases of treatment-resistant STIs like Shigella rise, particularly among queer men, it’s clear that we need to step up our game. Shigella, a bacterial infection that can cause gut issues like diarrhea and cramps, has found a new home among men who have sex with men. Why? Because certain sexual practices can facilitate its spread. Experts emphasize the importance of layered protections, including good hygiene practices like washing hands and avoiding sex during diarrhea.
Dr. Kaiyti Duffy from the Los Angeles LGBT Center put it bluntly: “Stigmatizing these illnesses leads to people ignoring symptoms.” And let’s be real, nobody wants to be that person who ignores a rash or a gut issue. The stigma surrounding STIs often leads to underreporting and higher rates of treatment-resistant infections, which is a recipe for disaster.
So, what’s the takeaway? Prevention isn’t just about avoiding sex or panicking; it’s about communication and care. Discussing recent testing, symptoms, and protection methods can make a huge difference. “The most important factor in sexual health is communication,” Dr. Duffy advises. We need to create an environment where talking about sexual health is as normal as discussing the latest episode of our favorite show.
In a world where public health institutions are under fire, it’s crucial that we demand better from our health officials. We need flexible, well-funded systems that can respond quickly to emerging health threats. “Safety isn’t about fear — it’s about access, knowledge, and care,” Dr. Daskalakis from Callen-Lorde Community Health Center reminds us.
So this summer, let’s keep it cute and safe. Stay informed, talk to your friends, and don’t shy away from discussing these important health issues. Because when it comes to our health, knowledge is power, and together, we can keep our community thriving.