DETOUR
AIDS IS NOT THE END OF THE ROAD.
So you know that AIDS is nasty. Maybe you don’t know that most of us in the gay community have done something about it. Three out of four gay men now insist on sexual safety. We want you to insist on it, too.
WHAT AIDS IS. AND ISN’T.
Many people confuse the AIDS virus infection with the actual disease. In fact, they are two very different things. Over one million Americans carry the AIDS virus. About 16,000 have the AIDS disease. Only one in ten of those with the virus infection will develop the disease. That is, only one in ten of those who are healthy and stay healthy. Risky sex may increase the chances to develop the disease. So may alcohol or drug excess.
Unprotected sex passes on many infections that weaken the body. Too much alcohol or drugs also can weaken the body. That rolls out the red carpet for AIDS. Moral: don’t do anything that weakens the body. However, the only way to really stop AIDS is to stop the spread of the AIDS virus. That means safer sex. Or no sex at all.
“BUT I’M IMMUNE.”
No, you’re not. Science has not yet found anyone who is immune to AIDS. But chances are good that you haven’t been exposed to the AIDS virus. Most gay men haven’t. Switch to safer sex now and the odds are on your side.
ANAL SAFETY MEANS WITH A CONDOM.
Anal sex is very risky. Learn to enjoy sex using a condom. Just be sure to use only water based lubricants, such as KY Jelly, and be alert for breakage. Condoms make intercouse much safer, for you and your partner. Any other anal contact is dangerous.
IS KISSING SAFE?
No AIDS case has ever been traced to kissing, and chances are slim that AIDS is ever spread this way. However, small amounts of the AIDS virus have been found in saliva, so we can’t say that deep kissing is absolutely safe.
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT AIDS.
You can talk about it. Discuss it with your partner. You’ll never be safe until you learn to discuss sexual safety. The vast gay majority wants you to know that it’s alright to do so. Pick up a Safety Pin at your favorite bar or bath. It says that you play safely. Most of all, be in control of your life. don’t let the fear of AIDS cripple you. Be part of the new gay spirit. Follow the new rules of the road.
THE SEXUAL SAFETY CARD.
SAFEST
Mutual masturbation, Dry kissing, Body rubbing, Unshared sex toys
POSSIBLY SAFE
Using a condom during intercouse, Deep kissing, External watersports
UNSAFE
Intercourse without a condom, Fisting, Rimming, Oral sex, Watersports swallowed, Shared sex toys
Any activity that involves the exchange of body fluids may be dangerous. Any activity that weakens the body, such as drug or alcohol use, should be avoided.
Northwest AIDS Foundation, AIDS Information Line 587-4909