November 28, 2003 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Infections continue, but they don't have to

This is an altered excerpt from "Sex, Respect, and Being Gay," an AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati brochure that appears on their web site, www.avoc.org.

People are still getting infected with HIV. Why?

Because some men still don't use condoms. Many people feel that with the new drugs there is less chance of becoming infected and if they do become infected, it is only a minor problem. Even if someone is successfully taking anti-viral drugs, they can still transmit the virus. Some lesbians do not realize that their partner can infect them. Some women have sex with both men and women.

Being lesbian, gay or bisexual can be very difficult. Many individuals use drugs and alcohol to cope with the stresses. Alcohol,

drugs and depres-

sion can lead to unsafe actions and poor decisions. Using alcohol and drugs diminishes the inhibitions and increases the likelihood of making poor choices. They can also damage the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections like HIV. Alcohol and drugs may also

make you

clumsy and careless

in using condoms and dental dams.

Your best weapon against HIV is your brain. Make the decision to keep yourself and your sexual partners healthy. Safer sex takes some planning, thinking, and negotiating, but with creativity, safer sex can be sexual, sensual, erotic and fun.

What is safe?

Touching, kissing, massaging, and showering together are all erotic ways to discover and please your partner and will not put either of your at risk for HIV. Be creative and use your imagination. Mutual masturbation is another safe and sensual way to avoid HIV. Just make sure that cum, pre-cum and vaginal fluid does not come in contact with open cuts or sores. Always use latex barriers to prevent sharing these fluids.

What about oral sex?

It is possible to transmit HIV through oral sex. It has been reported that it is possible to transmit HIV through pre-cum, so there is risk even when ejaculation into the mouth does not occur. To prevent HIV infection through oral sex, either avoid putting the head of the penis in your mouth, or use an unlubricated condom.

For women, since HIV can be transmitted through vaginal secretions, always use a la-

tex barrier, also called a dental dam. A condom can be slit up one side to create a latex barrier.

What about fingering or rimming?

For safer insertion, keep your fingernails trimmed and smooth so they don't cut your partner. You can use a latex condom, latex glove or finger cot to be totally safe. Rimming (oral-anal contact) is a high risk for hepatitis infection. To be safe, use a latex barrier.

If you use sex toys, cover them with a new condom each time that you use them. This protects the toys and makes clean-up much easier. To clean, use soapy water with one part bleach to ten parts water. What about anal sex?

HIV is most easily transmitted by anal intercourse. This is because there is always 'some injury to the sensitive skin around and in the anus during

sex.

These breaks in the skin can allow blood, semen, and pre-cum to enter your body. While unprotected anal sex is the riskiest activity for HIV transmission, you can significantly reduce your risk by using a latex condom with plenty of water-based lubricant for anal sex. Also, HIV can be transmitted either way during anal sex, so both partners must be responsible for ensuring that they play safely. What about condoms?

Always use latex or polyurethane condoms; "natural skin" or "lambskin" condoms will not protect against HIV.

When you take the time to find the right condom, take the time to use the right lube. You must use a water-based lubricant with a latex condom, since oil-based lubricants will dissolve latex. There are many good water based lubes on the market today; Wet, Foreplay, Aqualube, and ID, to name a few. Do not use oil-based lubes, creams or any oilbased product such as Vaseline, baby oil, Crisco, or lotion. Oil melts latex!

Having unsafe sex any time, anywhere is dangerous. Protect yourself and help others protect themselves!

You are worth protecting. You are in control of your own sexuality. The choice to have sex or not to have sex is ultimately yours. It's up to you to protect yourself even if he won't. Don't let anyone sweet talk you into unsafe sex. Remember-low risk doesn't mean no risk.

Until there's a cure...

The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

is a non-profit, community-based AIDS

service and education organization. the AIDS Taskforce is the oldest

Established in 1983

AIDS service provider in Northeast Ohio,

and the primary provider in Cleveland of both

community-based HIV prevention education

and non-medical social services to people living with HIV and AIDS.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life

for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS regardless of socioeconomic status for the overall improvement of society.

Clearly, the fight against AIDS is a collaborative effort,

requiring the dedication and hard work of many hands, all working toward the same goal: A cure.

If you'd like to volunteer, offer financial support,

get involved or learn more, call 216.621.0766.

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