Polls
| AIDS 2009 - Deadly & Silent, by Topher the Medicub |
| Thursday, 06 August 2009 22:17 |
 It's weird. When the AIDS pandemic arose in the eighties, ALL attention was focused on the tragic impact on the community and many powerful stories of humanity. We watched our family and friends die. Gay celebrities came out and told their stories. And countless charities sprung up out of the need to strike back at this disease. These days AIDS is becoming less a political issue than the many other hot-button causes that impact our community, such as California's Prop8 and gay marriage. I want to refocus some attention back toward this disease that continues to eat away at the foundations of the Bear Community and the Gay community as a whole. I have lost many friends and bear mentors from complications related to AIDS. Whether from barebacking with someone they didn't know, sharing needles during their down and out periods with drugs, or just from an accident in the medical field.
I feel it's my duty to give you the current 411 on what the Gay Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has offered to better protect us from this disease that is still a global threat. On their website (www.glma.org) this is posted as the TOP PRIORITY health concern that physicians deal with when treating gay men: "That men who have sex with men are at an increased risk of HIV infection is well known, but the effectiveness of safe sex in reducing the rate of HIV infection is one of the gay community’s great success stories. However, the last few years have seen the return of many unsafe sex practices. While effective HIV treatments may be on the horizon, there is no substitute for preventing infection. Safe sex is proven to reduce the risk of receiving or transmitting HIV. All health care professionals should be aware of how to counsel and support maintenance of safe sex practices." With the current trends in gay adult events (Folsom Street Fair, Dore Alley, etc), some venue managers are asking vendors whose businesses or websites present or promote bareback sex or other forms of unprotected contact which can result in contraction of AIDS/HIV to either rethink their participation or stay away. Some gay adult film directors and producers - such as ChiChi LaRue - are refusing to make or participate in the creation of gay adult films that involve barebacking. Now, let me make myself clear on one thing: I only advocate bareback sex IF you are in a committed, monogamous, healthy relationship built on trust and honesty. Barebacking with your boyfriend that you've only know a month just doesn't cut it. For those who are into barebacking and enjoy 'playing with others', the Condom company Trojan has created a new condom that makes it feel "...like nothing's there." You can have the sensation of barebacking but still be safe doing it.
"My name is Paul Richardson, I'm originally an Ohio native and have been living in San Jose, CA for the past 10 years. San Jose has become my home, I have lived and worked in downtown the entire time and care deeply for the diversity of the valley. As a former social justice educator, the diversity of this region provides a unique opportunity to work cross culturally on hot topic issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness. I am currently the Executive Director for a local educationally related nonprofit and got involved over 5 years ago with HIV/AIDS related causes in Santa Clara County as funding sources from the public sector started to dwindle. This year alone the state of California will lose $128 million in HIV/AIDS related funding. Why is the AIDS Walk important to me? Well, my life has been touched by the impacts of HIV in multiple ways - from the loss of friends in years past to the knowledge of newly infected friends struggling to deal with the disease... It's important for me to do something... Hopefully you will consider donating this year, OR, decide to walk on Team Pablito by joining on the team page!"
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.teampablito.com
Peace be with you all.
Write to Topher at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  |
I want to introduce Paul Richardson, one of the countless heros for those who can't fight for themselves. He has lost many beloved friends to AIDS/HIV. Paul is the captain of Team Pablito, a strong 
Topher is an old friend, interviewed in the BCC back in 2008. Of his many talents, he is a Nationally Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, a Certified Nursing Assistant and has been a medical attaché to a LGBT community organization. Big words for a big heart! And with the launch of the new BCC, Topher will be bringing hints, reports and advice for a healthier and happier life! So cool…