While in the United Kingdom to promote M·A·C Cosmetics’ latest Viva Glam campaign, which funds HIV/AIDS prevention and support programs for women and girls, pop superstar Lady Gaga said she is practicing celibacy at the moment, and she encouraged anyone not ready for sex to do the same, MTV News reports.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this—don’t have sex,” said Gaga, 24. “I’m single right now, and I’ve chosen to be single because I don’t have the time to get to know anybody. So it’s OK not to have sex, it’s OK to get to know people. I’m celibate, celibacy’s fine.”
The “Telephone” singer added, “You don’t have to have sex to feel good about yourself, and if you’re not ready, don’t do it. And if you are ready, there are free condoms given away at my concerts when you’re leaving!”
According to the article, Gaga was inspired to take this stance on celibacy in response to the rise in HIV infections among women worldwide. The World Health Organization reported last year that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among women ages 15 to 44.
“This is a disease that affects everyone, not just the gay community,” said Gaga, who stressed that it’s a growing concern among women.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States. Of those, about 280,000 are women. In 1985, women accounted for about 7 percent of HIV cases. Today that number has more than tripled to nearly 26 percent.
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