Re: “The End of Safe Gay Sex?,” by Patrick William Kelly (Op-Ed, June 26):

We agree with Patrick William Kelly that much more must be done to tackle skyrocketing rates of STDs in our country and to end the HIV epidemic, but his solution to these problems is all wrong.

Today, the risk of HIV transmission can be virtually eliminated through highly effective treatment for those living with HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at risk. “PrEP enthusiasts,” the term Kelly employs for public health professionals who understand that PrEP prevents the transmission of HIV, are enthusiastic because PrEP is highly effective. While it would be misguided to assume we can now rely solely on PrEP or lose sight of the threat posed by other STDs, it is equally misguided to equate sexual health with condom use, as Kelly does. Condoms are one of the best ways for an individual to prevent STDs and HIV, but they have never solely been the key to ending either epidemic. Access to health care, including HIV and STD prevention, testing, and treatment, is equally important. And these tools remain out of reach for many of our most vulnerable citizens.

If we are on the brink of another sexually-transmitted health crisis, it is not because gay men insist on having gay sex. It’s because of the repeated failure of the U.S. government to invest adequately in STD and HIV prevention and ensure access to vital health services, and to the persistent, stigmatizing views like Kelly’s that shame gay men and others out of embracing their sexuality and seeking the health care they need and deserve.