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LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMPsafe Summer New Era for Greasers |
by Bill Sievert |
Our CAMPsafe Lifeguards don't mind being called "greasers," although theyre not at all like the finger-snapping hipster of the 1950s portrayed by John Travolta in the film version of the popular musical. These guards are men of a new millennium, who know the importance of lubrication whether theyre on the beach or in the bedroom. They never fail to slather on lots of lotion with a strong sunscreen to keep their skin safe and healthy while tanning. And they would never have sex without using a condom plus a water-based lubricant. They know it hardly matters what their skin looks like if they dont also keep their immune systems healthy. Though its cool to call our guys "greasers," theyre not of the Crisco generation. They wouldnt lubricate with "greasy kid stuff," products such as Vaseline or any other brand of petroleum jelly. Even in the heat of passion, they wouldnt grab for a bottle of vegetable oil, cold cream or mineral oil. Those kinds of products may be slippery, but theyre heavy and can cause a condom to break. Instead, our guards go for a tube of KY, ForPlay, WET or ID. And they use lubricated condoms, such as the ones CAMPsafe makes available free at many Rehoboth area bars and guesthouses. (During office hours, condoms also are free for the asking at the CAMP Rehoboth office in the CAMP Courtyard at 39 Baltimore Avenue.) Our guards make a point of reading the useful information on the wrappers of their CAMPsafe condoms, including tips on how to put one on. And, if theyre uncertain as to whether what they want to do is safe, theyll find out first. Call CAMP Rehoboth at 227-5620, the Sussex County AIDS Committee at 644-1090, or the Delaware AIDS Hotline at 1-800-422-0429. They even have learned how to care for their condoms. Our guards know that condoms should be stored at room temperature. They should not be exposed to long periods of extreme low or high temperatures, so our men would never toss a condom into their beach bag for a day in the sun. They suggest that when you remove a condom from its wrapper, you take a look at it. If it appears brittle or damaged in any way, throw it away. Grab another one. Perhaps, most important, our CAMPsafe guards arent shy about discussing protection and HIV status before playing with a new partner. They want you to know that safety is an informed mutual choice, yours and your partners. As they remind you on the back of the postcard depicted on this page (one of a series of six mail-able cards being distributed free this summer at local bars and other businesses by Project CAMPsafe), "What you dont know CAN hurt you." But, with an ounce of prevention, its no more difficult to keep your body safe from infection than it is to protect your skin from harmful solar rays. By the way, dont forget to bring your safely tanned bodies to the first of our CAMP SAFE-Tea Dances on Sunday, June 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cloud 9 on Rehoboth Avenue. There will be great dance music from Keana, plus CAMPsafe door prizes. And you just might be able to trade safe sex tips with your favorite CAMPsafe lifeguard. (All of the models for the CAMPsafe Lifeguards postcards are volunteers who have graciously offered their time to this summers campaign. Pictured in the card on this page are Russ Burns (front) and Mike Dittbenner. Thanks also to Mike Ferens and Franklin Maphis, as well as to photographer Judy G. Rolfe.) Bill Sievert is Director of the CAMPsafe project, a member of CAMP Rehoboths Board of Directors, and co-owner of Splash on Baltimore Avenue. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 6, June 4, 1999 |
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