Zachary Quinto defends claim that gays are ‘lazy’ and ‘complacent’ on HIV
Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto has defended comments he made criticising the gay community for “tremendous complacency” and “laziness” towards HIV.
The former Heroes star – who came out as gay in 2011 – said in an interview earlier this week: “I think there’s a tremendous sense of complacency in the LGBT community.
“AIDS has lost the edge of horror it possessed when it swept through the world in the ’80s.
“Today’s generation sees it more as something to live with and something to be much less fearful of. And that comes with a sense of, dare I say, laziness.”
He faced a negative reaction online over the interview – and is now attempting to clarify his point.
Writing for Huffington Post, he said: “I am a staunch advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBT community.
“I have deep compassion and empathy for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“I am assuredly not internally homophobic or poz-phobic or willfully ignorant regarding this issue.
“I am a well-adjusted and well-educated gay man. I have read and understand the way PrEP works, and at least the most basic science behind its practical applications — although I am always open to learning more.
“I support and encourage the amazing work done by HIV/AIDS awareness organizations – as well as the many research and treatment organizations that exist across the country and the world.
“I did not intend to make generalizations about the LGBT community at large – or people living with HIV/AIDS or people in love with someone living with HIV/AIDS.”
“What troubles me — and what I was trying to speak to in my interview — is an attitude among (some of) the younger generation of gay men — that we can let our guard down against this still very real threat to our collective well-being.”
