A few weeks ago, I was listening to a local radio station have an extreme
session of gay bashing. It seems that recent activities in Rehoboth have
given the talk show host some fodder to discuss everything from drug abuse
to gay pride. I spent four days of my life listening to the ignorance that
is still in this community. Four wasted mornings being aggravated at the
homophobia and ignorance that still exists in this community. I even heard
one of the callers object to having the pride celebration in the park
because "a mosquito might bite one of those gay guys infected with
AIDS and spread it." I thought people were better educated than that,
I guess not.
I do realize that we do have a host of problems in the gay community.
However, I don’t think that they are that different from problems in the
straight community. Somehow, they seem more easily targeted in the gay
community. Some people say that we bring it upon ourselves, but I don’t
think so. I like to see all of the amazing things that we accomplish as
individuals and as a group. If you have read this column much this summer,
you know that is my focus. We contribute so much to the well-being of
society and each other. I saw a tee shirt once that said "What a
difference a gay makes." It is so true. Be proud of who you are and
the personal work you have done and the contribution you make to society
and the community. Keep it up!
As the condom fairy, you know that I am into choice, knowledge, safety,
and personal responsibility. That brings me to something I want to talk
about this issue, drug use and sexual safety. I am not going to get into
whether drug use is good or bad. That is not my business here. My goal is
to drastically reduce the numbers of sero conversions here at the beach
and elsewhere by giving you the power, knowledge, and tools to make good
choices and to protect yourself.
Folks tell me a whole lot about drug use and how much it can heighten a
sexual experience. I have also heard many horror stories. I am currently
taking a class that deals with drug abuse, and I think I am going to find
it fascinating. A lot of it is none of my business when it comes to this
column but a good part of it is. Drug use can drastically increase the
chance of becoming infected with HIV and other STDs. Guys using the drugs
that are popular in parts of many gay subcultures can make you as much as
four times more likely to become infected or to infect someone. You see,
guys on these drugs are frequently less likely to make good choices as far
as condom use. These numbers are unacceptable to someone like me. I cannot
tell you not to use drugs but I can tell you to take the time to get the
information you need to make and informed decision about their use. And
with every choice you make, there are consequences.
Decide which consequences you are willing to live with and then act
accordingly.
I am happy to provide counseling or referrals to anyone who is addicted
to drugs and may be making some pretty tough decisions. It is my goal to
help you keep yourself and your partners safe. I want you to come to the
beach full of excitement. I want you to relax and have a fabulous time. I
want you to leave without any regrets and I want you to come back! Get the
knowledge. Get the tools. Get the picture. Play safe. Remember safe is
about as sexy as you can get. Let us help you know how to be safe.
CAMPsafe information is available at CAMP Rehoboth, in the bars, on the
internet, and even on the beach. We are everywhere! Feel free to use us!
CAMPsafe is an HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention program funded
through a contract with the Delaware Division of Public Health. Free,
anonymous HIV testing is offered at CAMP Rehoboth, 39 Baltimore Avenue.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Sal Seeley at
302-227-5620.
Back to Top of Page 