Dear Editor:

I would like to comment about the article in the GLT “Party, Play and Paranoia”. I am glad that there seems to be an awakening amongst the gay community that we must address the issue of methamphetamine and the destruction it is causing. I am of the belief that an attack on all fronts is necessary, harm reduction, 12-step programs, smart recovery, interventions and education. I have to say though that I was taken aback by the comment you allowed to remain in the article from a therapist that said 12 step meetings don’t help a lot of people, and that telling someone they are powerless doesn’t help. This is a very narrow-minded view of the 12 step recovery program which goes well beyond the 1st step and meetings. The comment was made by a therapist who meant well I’m sure but makes a living from his profession and probably isn’t an addict. It is a disservice to dismiss the 12 step way of recovery (that ideally leads to therapy, social support and better life choices). Many who read the article may get the narrow impression put forth as the truth and not seek 12 step recovery as a viable option.

What I would ask is that if you intend to broach such an important issue that you get some input from all sides, and leave out the negativity of professionals that aren’t qualified to comment on subjects they truly do not fully understand.

VR Thaddeus Crandall

Dear Editor:

Hopefully, this will actually get printed. I was very disappointed that you never addressed where to go for help if a guy needs it for PNP issues. Anyway, here’s another major problem going on.

Hey! Attention all you “NEG” guys. Save your holier than thou HIV NEG attitude for another HIV NEG jerk who cares. Rejection of an HIV+ person based upon status only causes them to often LIE about it. I was on A4A one evening and only 27 out of 1006 online admitted to being POZ. That number is WRONG! I saw several guys who I know are POZ online and they have NEG in their profiles due to rejection issues. It’s not right. But, I do understand why they lie about it. I must say it is tempting at times. But, I believe in karma. Therefore, I remain honest.

There are A LOT of things you can get besides HIV. A LOT of them never go away either and can result in death like HEP C, herpes, syphilis or HPV if gone untreated. HPV can lead to anal cancer which can lead to death.

Not everyone who is POZ KNOWS they are. Just cause they tested negative 2 weeks ago doesn’t mean they are negative now. They could have had unprotected sex last week and are POZ now.

Having safe sex means treating everyone the same regardless of their HIV status. If you are truly having safe sex, a person’s HIV status should never be asked. It shouldn’t matter and is none of your business. You’re either being safe or your not.

In case you need a refresher course on safe sex, here are some guidelines you should follow.

Viruses and bacteria cannot pass through latex. Use condoms every time you have anal intercourse regardless the HIV status of your partner. You may want to use un-lubricated (or try flavored) ones for oral sex as well. Put condoms on sex toys used by more than one person for any type of penetration or on toys that go from anus to anus. Use dental dams or a cut-open condom or glove as a barrier during oral/anal sex. Use only water-based lubricants with latex (including condoms, gloves, dams, cots). Never use oil or petroleum-based products with latex. Never reuse latex.

Safe

Massage

Hugging

mutual masturbation (touching your own genitals)

dry kissing

tribadism, dry humping, frottage

Fantasy, voyeurism, exhibitionism

phone/computer sex

sex toys (provided condoms as used if toys are shared)

bathing together

Possibly Safe

French kissing

anal intercourse with condom

fisting with glove

fellatio with condom

rimming/analingus with latex barrier

finger fucking anally with latex glove or cot

Water sports (urine on unbroken skin)

finger fucking without a barrier

fellatio without a condom

sharing sex toys without cleaning or changing condoms in between uses

fisting without a glove

rimming/analingus without a latex barrier

Unsafe

anal intercourse without condom

blood contact

These guidelines come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

So, as Sophia says to Rose on an episode of The Golden Girls…”QUIT BEING AN IDIOT”!!!

Brian Jackson

Editor’s note: Letters printed in the Gay & Lesbian Times do not reflect the opinion of the Gay & Lesbian Times, and is instead a forum for members of the community to discuss issues surrounding the content of the paper, and those that affect the community.