LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMPsafe: Have fun, play smart |
by Michael Cover |
With the 1998 Pride season upon us, many of us take this time to reflect on the challenges faced and the progress made by the gay community in the last three decades. In virtually every aspect of our lives, we have overcome incredible obstacles to fight for acceptance within our families, equitable and safe workplaces, equal protection under the law, and a more accepting society. Although we have not won, we have made strides unthought of only a few years ago. And in each of these areas, we have much to be proud of. Pride celebrations also evoke memories of those friends, lovers and family members whom we have lost to AIDS. And it is with pride that we can reflect on the manner in which we have confronted this deadly disease. We have raised money, participated in drug trials, and perhaps most importantly, we have cared for those who have faced the ravages of infection. Today, treatments and drug therapies have made the prospect of beating this disease seemingly just beyond our reach. While the hope that a cure is right around the corner has lifted our spirits and helped us to forget the early days of the epidemic, it also has helped us to forget the importance of protecting ourselves and our partners from infection. CAMPsafe is designed to help all of us remember that the battle is not over. HIV can only be stopped when each of us practices safe sex all the time. Throughout the year, CAMPsafe will provide condoms at the offices of CAMP Rehoboth and at The Renegade, Cloud 9, The Blue Moon and The Double L. Many of the guest houses and bed and breakfasts also will provide condoms to their guests, free of charge. We also have been distributing free CAMPsafe Summer 1998 Beach House Welcome Bags at the CAMP Rehoboth office. Inside youll find tattoos, "Do Not Disturb" door hangers, and an erasable message board to keep track of phone calls and help get messages to others in your beach house. If you havent gotten one, stop by and pick one up. If you need additional door hangers, or other items, we have plenty available. Many of you have probably noticed palm cards featuring Gladys Kravitz in the bars and at Lambda Rising. There are 12 cards in this summers series, each focusing on important information to help you remember to have safe sex. This week features the third in the series. Besides getting across tips to help you avoid infection with HIV, those who collect all 12 cards and complete a few other tasks, may win a trip for two to South Beach this winter. Contest rules are posted outside of the CAMP Rehoboth offices. If you missed the first two cards, pick up one of each of them at CAMP. New cards will be available this week, and on the following dates: June 26, July 4, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, August 28 and September 4. CAMPsafe is also conducting a Survey of Safe Sex, which is available at the CAMP office, or by visiting the CAMP Rehoboth web site at www.camprehoboth.com and take it online. (You must complete the survey in order to be eligible for the contest). There was an initial deadline of June 15 to complete the survey in order to be eligible to win the trip to South Beach. We have extended the deadline to August 1, so please take a few minutes to fill it out. Finally, National HIV Testing Day is Saturday, June 27. For more information on how you can get tested and find out your HIV status, call the Delaware AIDS Hotline at 1-800-422-0429, or contact the HIV/AIDS service provider in your area. Look for other opportunities throughout the summer to Have fun! Play smart! And CAMPsafe! Well be throwing a party, having some fun activities on the beach, and reminding you that the only way to have sex is to do it safely every time. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 7, June 19, 1998. |