Persistent postings of a flier advertising HIV testing left advocates for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community insulted and the De Anza Health Center confused.

The phrasing of these fliers is part of what makes them so controversial. Most read, “Are you a guy who has SEX with other guys?? Are you HIV-Negative, but still have risky SEX?? Are you messing around on CRAIGSLIST?? Contact De Anza Health Center for more information on getting FREE HIV testing!” The flyer then list the center’s hours of operation.

De Anza Health Educator Mary-Jo Lomax said the Health Center does not offer HIV tests free of charge or with anonymity, though they do perform HIV tests that go on the patient’s permanent medical record, by appointment and test fees.

“You wonder what the motivations [are] of the person or people putting it up.” Lomax said. It’s odd. Why pretend that you’re health services?”

Gay-Straight Alliance President Matt Bradley did not see the fliers as a hate crime, given that he does not perceive the fliers as having been intended to intimidate, threaten, or harass. He did, however, hold that they are disruptive to the educational environment of LGBT students, and a misrepresentation to the health services center.

“I would like to ask the producers of these fliers why they thought it was appropriate to post fliers for services the Health Center doesn’t offer,” said Bradley. “If they had good intentions I would like to point them out in the right direction when it comes to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness. Diseases aren’t prejudiced and we can’t take a prejudiced approach to combating them.”