OFM Breaking News: September Issue Edition

OFM is supplying you with breaking news updates from our Septembers Issue.

2022 Monkeypox Outbreak: What You Need to Know

Though you’ve probably never heard of it before this year, monkeypox (MPV) is not a new disease. It was first found in monkeys in 1958, and the first reported case in a human was in 1970. For almost five decades, the MPV was rarely seen outside of Africa. Infections usually originated from contact with wildlife, particularly rodents, and human-to-human transmission was deemed a non-issue.

However, since May 2022, there have been 23,000 cases of MPV reported across 78 countries, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the virus an “evolving threat of moderate public health concern” on June 23, 2022.

There is also a movement to refer to monkeypox as MPV due to the harmful stigma surrounding the term. Black folks and queer people have been disproportionately impacted by the name, and WHO is currently moving to rename the virus. 

A recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that 98% of those infected by MPV were gay, bisexual, or other MSM (men who have sex with men). The study looked at 528 cases, from 16 different countries. Transmission was suspected to have occurred during sexual activity in 95% of the cases looked at, though MPV isn’t classified as an STI. 

We know now that the virus is transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person. Typically this means skin-to-skin contact, especially contact with the rashes and skin lesions caused by the disease, but it can also be spread through large respiratory droplets, such as coughing and sneezing. It has also been found that secondary contact with fabrics (clothes, bed sheets, towels) that have been touched by an infected person could also cause transmission.

MPV is a disease caused by infection with the human monkeypox virus, which comes from the same virus family as smallpox. In fact, symptoms are quite similar to smallpox and include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and cold symptoms such as a cough or sore throat. Those infected have also reported a painful, blister-like rash. For most, the disease usually resolves in two to three weeks with proper medical attention. 

The same study that found monkeypox to be disproportionately affecting MSM found the virus in more than 90% of semen samples taken, though whether or not the virus is infectious in semen is still unknown. 

In response to this study, WHO issued a warning for MSM to limit their number of sexual partners for the time being. It also warned of the harm stigmatization can have on an already marginalized community.

“Stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus,” says WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“In addition to our recommendations to countries, I am also calling on civil society organizations, including those with experience in working with people living with HIV, to work with us on fighting stigma and discrimination.”

It should be noted that anyone is susceptible to contraction. The virus can spread through any contact with lesions or large respiratory droplets from an infected person. This means that it can spread in households through any close personal contact with an infected person—not just as a result of sexual intimacy.

Since MPV is a known disease, there is already a vaccination available. Many countries have begun offering it as a means of stopping the spread. Used prior to exposure, research suggests the vaccine can provide around 85% protection from infection. If given between four and 14 days after exposure to MPV, the vaccine may potentially reduce symptoms of the disease. In addition, experts have recommended that at-risk groups limit the number of sexual partners they have and take other precautions to limit contact. 

Currently, vaccines are being limited to those who meet the following requirements: 

Are gay, bisexual, other MSM, and trans people who have sex with men and have had multiple (more than one) sexual partners in the past 14 days

Are sex workers of any sexual orientation/gender

Have been identified as a close contact of someone who has MPV (suspected or confirmed)

Have received a notification from a venue or event of potential exposure to someone who has MVP (suspected or confirmed)

Though there have been reports of MPV in both women and children, the fact that a majority of infections have been in MSM means that, with the right protections and more targeted public health messaging, the course of the outbreak could still be changed. 

Respect for Marriage Act Passes in House of Representatives

Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (the Supreme Court’s Mississippi abortion decision that overturned Roe v. Wade)­—in which he suggests the court also overturn protections for birth control, same-gender marriage, and the right to form intimate sexual relationships with other consenting adults—left many concerned for the future of marriage equality.

In response to growing concerns, members of congress drafted a bill that would codify marriage equality into federal law. The bill, titled the Respect for Marriage Act, was passed in the House of Representatives with large bipartisan support. It now awaits further voting in the Senate.

If successful, it would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which kept the federal government from recognizing LGBTQ marriages and require federal law to recognize LGBTQ marriages performed in states where it is legal or was legal at the time of the marriage.

Although the bill offers protections at both the federal and state level should Obergefell v. Hodges (the Supreme Court case that federally guaranteed marriage equality) be overturned, states would be allowed to deny same-gender couples marriage licenses within their state.

The stakes of the court overturning Obergefell are high: 35 states still have laws banning marriage equality on the books, though not all of those states would necessarily ban it should Obergefell be reversed.

Although the Respect for Marriage Act would require states to legally recognize same-gender marriages that occurred in other states, there is still no mechanism to allow couples to marry in a state that didn’t want to issue them a marriage license.

“Marriage is a fundamental foundation for family, community, and society. It is not asking for ‘special’ rights when we ask that our LGBTQ+ loved ones be allowed to meet, love, marry, and create a family with another person. It is the same thing that every parent wants and hopes for their child if that is what their child chooses,” says Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National.

“Repealing DOMA with the passage of the bipartisan and bicameral Respect for Marriage Act is important and will help protect our families. PFLAGers everywhere urge its passage, and will continue leading with love so that everyone can expect, access, and enjoy the same benefits in this country.”

As the bill reaches the Senate and awaits further voting, advocacy groups such as the Human Rights Campaign mobilize businesses, and voters to call on their representatives to protect marriage equality.

“For the first time in our nation’s history, we are so close to codifying marriage equality as the law of our land—so close to ensuring that every family will have the freedom to love whom they love,” says Joni Madison, Human Rights Campaign interim president.

To contact your senator, and ensure marriage remains equal for all, call the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will then connect you directly with the Senate office you request.