LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Safe |
by Sal Seeley |
Swim Caps
It has been a long hard winter and we have been working on our new campaign for the summer. Summer is just about here and it is time to start having some fun! Our campaign this year will have the theme of the Olympics. We all know how gay guys like to play gamesin and out of the bedroom. I kind of like those nicely colored rings that are the symbol of the Olympics...they remind me of all kinds of cute things that have to do with rings. You know, gay pride rings, wedding rings, and other types of rings. I have to admit that I have seen lots of guys wearing them, um, wearing gay pride rings, just to let people know who you are. Wear your rings and be proud of it! As the summer progresses you will hear a lot from me about the campaign and the pieces of it which will become available. Our message is always going to be play safe and be responsible. We are going to address this message in many different ways as the summer and all of its excitement unfolds. We just finished production of our 2004 postcard campaign, and as you can see by the cover of this issue, it's going to be a lot of fun. Like the cover, the first card of the season depicts synchronized swimming! Some of you might wonder about synchronized swimming in the Olympics and question what it has to do with HIV prevention? Silly boys! Play along with me! The first thing I love about synchronized swimming is that they all wear their latex all of the time. You know how I love that latex and I am not talking about my latex shorts. I would love it if everybody wore their latex condoms every time they got in the pool...so to speak. Get them and use them. Don't get in the pool without them. The second thing I love about the synchronized swimmers is that they are all on the same page with what they do. I would not like for everybody in this community to do the same things or wear all the same clothes...you all know me better than that. I do, however, want everybody to wear their condoms, find out what safe sex is, and then do it ALL THE TIME! The most impressive thing about synchronized swimmers is the practice and coordination that they must do. This is probably one of the things we can learn the most from. We all need to practice safe sex, practice it again and again until it seems natural for us. Haven't you ever been amazed at how those girls seem so natural at what they do? Get that way with safe sex. Make it a natural for yourself. I have a buddy who is always prepared and he can slip a condom on correctly before you can say ahhh! He knows if it slips off or breaks...they are a natural for him. Practice till they are a natural for you! Synchronized swimmers also need a lot of behind the scenes help too. And that's another place you can help even if you aren't out there in the pool looking for a swimming partner. I need help making quality latex swim caps available to those who are in the pool. So if you want to have some fun with latex, I need help on a regular basis wrapping those quality latex caps along with some lube and instructions on their use. We go through a lot of them every summer and it's a great way to be part of the team! I want to see you in the winner's circle this year at the closing ceremonies. The best way to make sure you are there is to practice, practice, practice, be a team player, become proficient in your sport and wear your latex. Remember, I am a team player, and I am on your team. If you have any questions about your sport, safe sex, or "latex swim caps," let me know. I am already as close as your computer. I am in the bars...don't let your mind go there! I am handing out condoms! Let me help! Go for the gold! Sal Seeley is Program Director of CAMPsafe, 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. CAMPsafe Notes: Thanks to our condom stuffers. We created over 2,000 packets to start the summer. Our next stuffing will be at CAMP Rehoboth on June 21 from 6-8 p.m. Dinner is on us! WE NEED YOUR HELP! The CAMPsafe program is looking for a few good men to help with our outreach programs on the weekend. In addition to volunteer opportunities, we also have a paid position. Hours are flexible and mostly occur at night and on the weekends. Contact Sal at 227-5620 for more information. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 5 May 21, 2004 |