The WA AIDS Council have released a statement pleading with local journalists to have a greater understanding of gender identity and respect for people who work in the sex industry.
The concern has been raised in relation to reporting of a criminal case where a transgender woman, who is a sex worker, has been charged with grievous bodily harm. The allegation is that a client of the woman contracted HIV.
The WA AIDS Council said published stories on the event have made comment, as well as passed judgement, on the gender identity of the community member, interchangeably referring to her as a man and a woman, or ‘a man that identifies as a woman.’
Concern was also raised over the way journalists have described the woman’s profession. Some reports have labelled her a ‘hooker,’ ‘prostitute,’ and ‘escort,’ while personal details pertaining to her name, health status, and health history have been printed.
The WA AIDS Council has said that the language used in reporting on the case, especially the misuse of her pronoun, together with the stigmatising and inappropriate references for both sex work and HIV, has vilified and discriminated against a woman who has not yet appeared before the court.
“The choice of such language by media has a likely and irrevocable effect of adding to community level stigma and enacted discrimination towards other transgender people, sex workers, and people living with HIV. This puts their health and safety at risk.” the organisation said in a media release.
The WA AIDS Council was critical of the media saying that there appears to be no recognition of the crucial public health aspects of this story.
“The media in Western Australia has consistently failed to assist men who may have had sexual relations with this woman and information should always be provided on where and how to access appropriate health advice and support on HIV prevention and testing.” the statement said.
The organisation has also been critical of the WA Department of Health. The WA AIDS Council said the state’s health department had failed by not establishing or promoting a help-line for people needing support to find appropriate health services or information.
The WA AIDS Council questioned if journalists in Western Australia understood the concepts of a right to a fair trial, and respect for the personal health and well being of individuals.
The organisation said the reporting that has occurred to date emphatically calls into question whether the Australian Press Council’s general principles for publishing, including ‘privacy and avoidance of harm,’ are even understood as a basic standard for social responsibility in ‘reporting the news’, by journalists and editors alike.
Journalists and editors were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the guidelines on reporting on HIV and related matters published by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations available at www.hivmediaguide.org.au
Image: Camille Kimberly via Stock Snap
The West Australian newspaper was approached for comment on this issue but did not respond before OUTinPerth’s deadline. The WA Health Department was contacted for comment but did not respond before OUTinPerth’s deadline.
