MEN WORKING
GOOD NEWS FOR THE 3 OUT OF 4 GAY MEN WHO FOLLOW THE NEW RULES OF THE ROAD.
There is good news about AIDS. If you are gay and you practice safer sex, the good news is that you probably won’t catch the disease, and neither will your partner. If you are gay, you don’t need to be celibate to live. That is good news indeed.
GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO don’t CARRY THE AIDS VIRUS.
If you think that it’s too late to begin safer sex, thing again. You probably don’t carry the AIDS virus. Most of Seattle’s gay men don’t. The Seattle/King County Department of Public Health estimates that only twenty to thirty percent of this city’s gay men would now test positive for the virus. So if you begin safer sex now, the odds are on your side.
GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE WHO DO CARRY THE AIDS VIRUS.
Although we won’t absolutely know for many years to come, it appears that most people who carry the virus will not go on to develop the AIDS disease. It also appears that those who do develop the AIDS disease will be those who lead the most unhealthy lifestyle, and unsafe sex is very unhealthy. Drug or alcohol excess can add to the danger for the same reason: they too weaken the body. Of course they also ruin your judgement just when you need it most, so moderation is doubly important. The good news, then, is that those who carry the virus can probably prevent that from becoming the disease. Provided that they live a healthy lifestyle. That means safer sex, or no sex at all.
GOOD NEWS FOR THE GAY COMMUNITY.
Most gay and bisexual men have adopted safer sex. It has become the new rule of the road. Safety Pins are available throughout Seattle. They are a quiet but effective way to announce that you insist on sexual safety. Wear one and you’ll find yourself in good company. The Department of Public Health has an AIDS Information Line to answer your questions every day from 8am to 5pm, at 587-4999. After hours, you can leave a message for a return call. We hope that you’ll join the majority of gay and bisexual men who practice safer sex. That would be good news for us all.
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.
Seattle/King Co. Department of Health, AIDS Information Line 587-4999, Northwest AIDS Foundation
Cut out this card to carry as a handy guide.
PLEASE BE SAFE.
THE NORTHWEST AIDS FOUNDATION