LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Safe |
by Sal Seeley |
The 411 from My BFF "Hey Sal, HRU? WAYD? RUA?" This is the line that started an interesting text conversation the other night at 12:30 a.m. I was sound asleep and my phone vibrated on my bed stand to tell me that someone had sent me a text message. Usually, this would not wake me up but for some reason I was having a restless night. So, I opened my cell phone to see who it was from and what they wanted. I responded to the message with a WAYD? UOK and a WU? I instantly got a text back telling me that there was N2M going on and he needed a F2F pretty soon and BTW, I think I am showing the signs of gonorrhea. I replied with a IANADBPOOTV but I would be more than happy to talk to him and offer him my IMHEIUO. I text him back with some information about what he should be looking for and that he might want to get to the std clinic at Public Health or Planned Parenthood for a checkup and treatment. It is amazing how much technology has changed the work we do in the HIV field. We have been able to be in chat rooms talking to guys about sexual health issues. In one instant, we can link them to websites that provide basic information or refer them to services that they can only receive face to face. The downside of this technology is that it opens the doors for instant access to as much sex as you want it. Negotiation or communication has been cut back to nothing more than likes/dislikes, size, status and body type. My friend is a good example of someone who uses the internet to look for anonymous sex contacts. I was surprised that he didn't know the basic information about what to look for or how to get gonorrhea treated. STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are increasing among gay/bi men and some of them are being untreated. The basic ways in which you can catch them are: Have anal sex without a condom. HIV, Hep B and C, gonorrhea, Chlamydia syphilis, herpes, anal warts and NSU are some of the things you can catch. Oral sex can put you at risk for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and herpes. Skin to skin contact can be risky for herpes, warts, crabs and sometimes syphilis. Sharing sex toys (without cleaning) could lead to HIV, Hep B and C, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and anal warts. The laundry list of STIs and activities may seem a bit overwhelming and be a downer. As my radical faerie friends would say, you should have as much fun as you can but you should try to do it safely. Also, make sure you get informed about things you can catch and how you catch them. A sexual health checkup at least once a year isn't a bad idea either. I admit I get a kick out of text messaging and have the calluses on my thumbs to prove it. However, at 12:30 a.m., I ended the text with my friend by telling him I needed to get back to sleep or I would be one SOB in the a.m. He thanked me for the 411 and with a PS told me to get some R&R and he would T@ML! Sal Seeley is Program Director of CAMPsafe, an HIV/AIDS program funded through a contract with the Delaware Division of Public Health. E-mail salvatoreseeley@aol.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 14 October 12, 2007 |