Gay Pride

Alex Brousset, a Speed Project coordinator for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation at an outreach site near the Castro.

Have you heard the good news? After several years of increasing HIV infection rates in San Francisco, the Department of Public Health reports that there were fewer new cases of HIV infection among gay and bisexual men in the past year! Guys appear to be using several strategies to help reduce their risk of becoming infected, or infecting others. Common to each of these strategies is that guys want to protect their own well-being while also showing respect and responsibility for their sexual partners. Here are some ideas to consider as you venture out during Gay Pride festivities and throughout the year.

Know Your HIV Status. If You're Positive, Consider Taking HIV Meds

Naturally, being able to reveal your HIV status before fooling around depends on getting tested regularly; we recommend once every six months if you are sexually active. If you need to know where you can get a test, call 800- 367-AIDS. Remember, oral tests are now available that are quick and don't involve needles. If you are HIV-positive, taking HIV medications is likely to be good for your overall health, depending on the progression of your disease. It can also reduce your viral load and thereby help you avoid infecting others.

Consider Sero-sorting

A lot of guys have decided that they are more comfortable having sex only with partners who share the same HIV status. Doing this definitely depends upon knowing your current HIV status (and whether you have any other sexually transmitted diseases) and helping your partner feel it's okay to tell you his.

Many HIV-positive guys have found it easier, less stressful and more carefree to hookup mostly, if not entirely, with other positive guys. For negative guys who only want to have sex with other negative guys, things are a bit trickier. Up to 20% of HIV-positive guys in San Francisco don't know they are positive, and making assumptions about another person's HIV status can lead to problems. That's why it always pays to talk before sex. If you and your partner find it difficult to disclose HIV status to each other--or if there is any doubt about whether you are both negative-- have a conversation. Agree on what kind of sex you both want to minimize the risk of becoming infected with HIV.

Proceed with Caution Around Crystal

Methamphetamine use has gotten a lot of media attention in the last few years. Some of it has been downright sensationalized. Still, the fact is that using crystal significantly increases your chances of becoming infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. We're deeply concerned about the harm that crystal use is having on the gay community, and therefore we encourage guys to know the facts and think carefully before using it.

Guys who are using and want to reduce the risks related to speed use can learn more through our Speed Project. Check out The Speed Project or call us at 415-788-5433. In addition, those who have concerns about a loved one's crystal use might want to speak up and ask how they can help.

Think Differently About Condoms

We know that many guys hate rubbers because they feel like a barrier to intimacy. But two guys looking out for each others' welfare is pretty sweet too, so using rubbers is actually very intimate. Not having to worry about HIV while you're doing it can actually make sex more relaxed and, therefore, hotter. That's hardly a bad thing! And, condoms have improved over the years -- check out www.condomdepot.com for more information.

Tackle Depression and Substance Use Issues

When we feel down or lonely, it can be especially difficult to take care of our own health and the health of others. If you're experiencing depression or feel like you are going overboard with alcohol or drugs, consider getting support. Once again, you can get referrals throughout California by calling 800-367-AIDS, or visiting AIDSHotline.org.

With these tips, we encourage everyone to have fun, take care of themselves and look out for one another during all the varied activities during Gay Pride-- and throughout the year!