Beware of homos, witches and Porn in Uganda

I ran across this article today on the Rectal Microbicides Advocacy Site. I know our system is not the best at times but at least we are not living in Uganda. Here is a bit of the article followed by a link to the rest.


"UGANDA deserves a social audit for the year 2008. For the first time in her history, the ugly side of human behaviour reared its ugly face on the conscience of Ugandans as never before. Attempts to dress this ugly face in popular catch phrases such as human rights and freedom were made by advocates of immorality with some degree of success.

Promoters of homosexuality, pornography and witchcraft, etc. were on the offensive seeking to market their philosophies contrary to tenets of Uganda's laws as well as nature. The venom of embezzlement, poor time management and drug abuse, too, had their toll on public service.

In the case of homosexuality, some nations went into an overdrive. They drafted a resolution for presentation to the United Nations which would "compel" other nations to legalise, in effect, anal sex, in the case of men, as an alternative to heterosexual sex. This is an unprecedented classic case of abuse by these nations which are seeking to use their weight and advantage to impose their tastes and preferences upon the rest of the world. One wonders what divine right they have to do that!"


Read the Rest of the article here

Young Adults Posting More Nude Pics on the Internet

I came across this article from the AP about how young men and women are posting more explicit pics online. It's pretty interesting and I wanted to share it with you.

A new survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy has found that 22% of teen girls have posted nude or semi-nude pictures online. Most important findings from the survey are below.


Survey Findings:(Full survey summary is here).

One in five teen girls (22%)—and 11% of teen girls ages 13-16 years old—say they have electronically sent, or posted online, nude or semi-nude images of themselves.

One-third (33%) of teen boys and one-quarter (25%) of teen girls say they have had nude/semi-nude images—originally meant to be private—shared with them.

The survey of 1,280 teens and young adults indicates that 15% of teens who have sent sexually suggestive content such as text messages, email, photographs or video say they have done so with someone they only know online.

Teen girls are not the only ones sharing sexually explicit content. Almost one in five teen boys (18%) say they have sent or posted nude/semi nude images of themselves. One-third (33%) of young adults—36% of women and 31% of men ages 20-26—say they have sent or posted such images.

What teens and young adults are doing electronically seems to have an effect on what they do in real life: Nearly one-quarter of teens (22%) admit that technology makes them personally more forward and aggressive. More than one-third of teens (38%) say exchanging sexy content makes dating or hooking up with others more likely and nearly one-third of teens (29%) believe those exchanging sexy content are “expected” to date or hook up.

Sending sexually suggestive messages is even more prevalent than sending nude/semi-nude images. Nearly half of young people (49% total, 39% of teens, 59% of young adults) have sent sexually suggestive text messages or email messages to someone.
Even more have received sexually suggestive messages: 48% of teens and 64% of young adults (56% total). Fully one-third of young teen girls (ages 13-16) have received sexually suggestive messages.

Teen girls who have sent or posted sexually suggestive content provide a number of reasons why: Two-thirds (66%) say they did so to be “fun or flirtatious,” half (52%) did so as a “sexy present” for their boyfriend, and 40% as a “joke.”

Even though nearly three-quarters of young people (73% total, 75% of teens, 71% of young adults) say that sending sexually suggestive content “can have serious negative consequences,” nearly one-quarter (22% total, 19% of teens and 26% of young adults) say sending sexually suggestive content is “no big deal.”

For effects of this sexualization, especially on girls, please see the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls: http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/sexualizationsum.html

On the 9th Day - I got some.....

I have alot more baking to do before the holidays begin! The oven has been on all the time and its quite warm.

This STD likes to grow in warm places that are located in the anus. WHat STD am I?

Send your answer to: SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com and win a prize...

The 8th Day - I found out my true lovr gave to me...

One of my favorite ornaments to hang are ones that are covered in glitter and shaped are shaped liked a corkscrew/spiral shaped. The really look pretty on the tree.This STD in bacteria form is shaped like a corkscrew. Thought to be an STD that was in the past, this nasty bugger is rearing it's ugly head in the Gay male community.

The most common sites of infection are the penis, anus or vagina. Within 90 days of infection (two to four weeks average) a red, painless ulcer called a chancre appears. The chancre, though usually singular, can be multiple, and will heal even without treatment within three to eight weeks. Even though it heals, you still have this STD. If left untreated, it can lead to all sorts of nasty health issues in the future.

What STD am I talking about?

On the 7th Day...I had to...

On the 7th day..I had to explain the difference between Hep A and Hep B to Santa? Maybe you can do better than me! Tell Santa what the difference is and he may give you a nice present!

Email me your answer to: SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com

Include your name, address, email and phone number.

On the 6th Day: I contracted ?

Here is where you get your chance to be creative! Finish this sentence and make it creative, a play on words or something else...but remember it has to have an STD in it. If you are the most creative you will win a fabulous prize..


On the 6th day of STDS - My Sex partner......


Email your entry to:

SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com

Remember to include your name, address, phone and email

On the 5th Day - Instead of cremed horns..I got..

One of my favorite things to eat this time of year of creme horns. You know, the pastry that is shaped like a funnel and has creme in it that drips out when you bite down on it. Well, when you catch this STD, your penis is dripping out a greenish, yellow penile discharge not the white creamy discharge we all lick our lips over.

What STD am I?


Email me your answer: SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com. Remember to include your name, address, email and phone number.

On the 4th Day: Unscramble these STDS...

Word Jumbles are some of my favorite puzzles...Lets see how you do unscrambling these 4 STDS....BTW, just to make it more complicated..some of the STDS might have two words...Good luck



ASITITAPHE
WSTARNVERLALEE
BSACR
VPH

Remember...send me your answer in an email. Please include your name, address, phone number and email.

On the 3rd Day - Santa Claus Gave to me...

We have all grown up with the song "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" but the other night I caught Santa kissing Daddy and now he has something nasty on his lip.

What STD could cause this?


Email your answer to: salvatoreseeley@aol.com

Include your name, address and email and phone number.

On the Second Day - My FB gave to me....

For many of us, the Holidays are about eating things we normally wouldn't eat. I really enjoy baking cookies or making my own homemade bread. To make bread you need a warm environment so it will rise and bake. There are some nasty STDs out there that also like warm envirnoments so they can grow.

This nasty little bugger likes to grow in warm, moist areas. They can appear either lighter or darker than your skin. The most common places you'll see this critter is in and and around your anus or genital regions. They can also spread to various other parts of your body. This STD can spread between sexual partners during close skin to skin contact. Be wary what you see on the outside is often just the tip of the iceberg with more severe critters lurking on the inside.

You can get these buggers treated but you should get to a doctor to help you decide how best to remove them from your body.

What STD is given to us on our second day?


Email your answer to: SalvatoreSeeley@aol.com

Remember to include your name, address, email and phone number.

On the 1st Day..My partner gave to me..

We are not talking about those cute little critters that gallop through scenic winter wonderlands. Certainly not talking about something that hangs off of your Christmas tree. Instead, these little crustesceans hang from your body hair or live in your towels and bed sheets. Gifting these little critters is easy - they can be passed around not only by body contact but can live in towels, bed sheets and clothing.

The best thing about these little critters is there a gift that keeps mulitiplying unless you visit your local pharmacy to get something to get RID of them.

Although these critters are a minor STD they are a major nuisance.

Instead of visions of sugar plums dancing in your head, visions of what little creatures are causing you to stir in your dreams?

Email us your answer to salvatoreseeley@aol.com

Please remember to include your name, address, phone # and email. Otherwise you will not be able to win a fabulous prize.

12 Days of STIs (sexually transmitted diseases) contest...

If 5 golden rings or 10 Lords a leaping are your thing - than get ready for the next 12 days. The CAMPsafe program of CAMP Rehoboth is holding a "12 Days of Sexually Transmitted Disease" contest. Each day you will be able to answer some simple sexual health questions and earn a chance to win a daily prize and be entered into a grand prize drawing at the end of the 12 days!

How do I enter?

All you have to do is go to: www.campsafereho.com. Once you are there...Click on "CAMPsafe connected" and go to our "BLOG". Each day for the next 12 days we will posting a new blog entry that talks about a Sexually Transmitted Infection. At the end of the blog entry there will be a sexual health question. Answer the question (only one entry per person) and send it to campsafe@campsafereho.com with the answer, your name, address, email and phone number and where we can reach you.

How do I win?

We will randomly pick one winning entry from correct entries submitted that day. The winning entry from each day will be entered in a grand prize drawing at the end of the 12 days. Prizes have been donated from local businesses in Rehoboth!

Remember, you need to email us the answer, your name, email address, phone number and mailing address in order to be eligible. Email your entry to: campsafe@campsafereho.com.

For more information about the contest, please contact Salvatore Seeley at 302-227-5620.

One is better than two

I have often gotten the questions about using two condoms instead of one! You would be suprised how many guys think double the protection - the safer the sex is. My advice is:

Just use one condom at a time.

Two is not better than one. Using two won’t give you twice the protection.

One SIZE does not fit all

When it comes to condoms, size does matter. Using a condom that is too small for you makes it more likely to break. Using one that is too big for you makes it more likely for it to slip off. Come in CAMP and we will help you find a size that fits.

30 Minute Rule

Watch that clock.

Just like you, condoms can get worn out after 30 minutes. Condoms are more likely to break the longer you use them, so if your going at it like the energizer bunny, take a breather every 30 minutes and put on a new condom.

Storage is Important - #3

Store your condoms in a safe place

You wouldn’t keep your ipod in the freezer, so make sure your keep your condoms in a safe place. Condoms need to kept away from damp, hot places and out of direct sunlight. So, a box in your car, on the windowsill or on your radiator is not good. Condoms can go bad just like milk! Check expiration dates on those condoms in your nightstand and in your travel bag.

2nd way to stop a condom from breaking - ROLL IT

Remember your mother telling you not to stretch out the neck hole in your sweaters? Well, it's the same kind of thing with condoms. Rolling the condom down from the tips puts a lot less stress on the condom, meaning it stays stronger while you’re having sex. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of your penis to limit the chance it will come off during sex.

Ways to Keep condoms from breaking

We get calls in from guys who talk about their condoms breaking. Over the next few days we will discuss ways in which you could keep your condoms from breaking!

The first way to keep your condom from breaking is:

USE THE RIGHT LUBE (and lots of it!)


You should use only water-based or silicon based lubes. Oil based lubes will eat at the condom and increase your chances of a broken condom! There has been some research done that shows guys who use lots of lube tend to reduce their chances of causing any friction on the anus or penis. No matter how much we like spit, it can dry out pretty quick!

Fall

Fall is here in Rehoboth. We are getting ready for a bit of a nor'easter. Remember to wear yoru raincoat!

S

Beach Essentials

Greg and David sell some of the hottest bathing suits in town! They have been a great support to our programs! I bought this really cool suit from them...you might catch me on the beach wearing it!

Blue Moon

Classic Bar. One of our favorite places to do outreach.

Lambda Rising

I send many men and women over to this bookstore to find books on safer sex, HIV/AIDS and mental health issues.

Aqua

One of my favorite places in town. Great outdoor deck and the guys who run it are very supportive of our programs!

Baltimore Avenue...

Here is Baltimore Ave. I took some pictures of some of the places that support the CAMPsafe program.

Sunrise AM...

Men and Their Balls

Pole Vaulting! BOING!

I think one of the most amazing Olympic sports is pole vaulting. Have you ever watched it? It is amazing that a man or woman who is so well built and so perfectly symmetrical is able to propel himself thru the air on such a thin, skinny little pole! I mean, you see them running with that thing in their hands, they stick it in a little socket in the sand and BOING, and they go flying thru the air into this sand pit. I am not sure what amazes me the most about it but it just does. Sometimes I think it may be the trust involved in doing such a thing. I am sure a great deal of it is training and lots of practice but think about the trust that must be involved as well. That pole has to work! Can you imagine what would happen if it didn’t? Big ouch! What if that thing broke at just the wrong moment? I hate to think of the results.

Other than what I have seen on the TV about these pole vaulters, I really know very little about them. From the vast information I know about sports, there are a few things about them that I can bet on. First, I can bet that these guys take a lot of responsibility for their own safety. They practice, practice, practice and practice some more. They are probably acutely observant and very in touch with their surroundings. Think about it. If they are running down this track and sticking that pole in that socket and propelling themselves thru the air, you know they have to know when they are at precisely the right speed and exactly where that socket is and they have to know exactly how to position themselves to get the maximum amount of thrust! And then, you know they treat that pole with a whole lot of respect…their life as an athlete and their success depends on how they treat and respect that pole!

Gay men can learn a whole lot from these guys. Seriously, take responsibility for yourself and be sure you keep your self in the best operating condition and safe as well! Practice, practice, practice and practice some more! You know, practice makes perfect especially when you are pole vaulting. Be observant and keep in touch with your surroundings. A whole lot of things can happen to you and your pole if you aren’t observant and careful. There can be some pretty ugly things in those sand pits! But before you start practicing your position and your thrust remember one thing! the most obvious thing we can learn from them is to take care of our pole! I won’t even let any of my sex partners get near my sandpit without having their poles covered. Keep your pole covered when it is in use! Be safe before you go BOING! Your life can depend on it.

My main task here is to do what is necessary to help you stay safe from HIV infection. I try pretty hard at this task. Realize that HIV isn’t the only thing out there threatening your safety and health. It is there and it is real. Some people think that we sugar coat things too much and should be more direct. I wish we could. But you have to consider what we are up against. We have to make a whole lot of folks happy and offend very few. It is difficult. If our sugar coating makes it difficult to understand what it takes to be safe then take responsibility for yourself and find out. Come and ask what you need to know to be safe.

Swimming...

We all know how gay guys like to play games – in and out of the bedroom. I thought of this as I was watching the swimming events of the Olympics last night on TV. What sport is truly queer but sychronized swimming! Some of you are going to say where is synchronized swimming in the Olympics and some may even say what does it have to do with HIV prevention? Silly boys! Play along with me!

The first thing I love about synchronized swimming is that they all wear their latex all of the time. You know how I love that latex and I am not talking about my latex shorts. I would love it if everybody wore their latex condoms every time they get in the pool….so to speak. Get them and use them. Don’t get in the pool without them.

The second thing I love about the synchronized swimmers is that they are all on the same page with what they do. I would not like for everybody in this community to do the all the same things or wear all the same clothes…..you all know me better than that. I do however want everybody on to wear their condoms, find out what safe sex is and then do it ALL THE TIME!

The most impressive thing about these folks is the practice and coordination that they must do. This is probably one of the things we can learn most from. We all need to practice safe sex, practice it again and again until it seems so natural for us. Haven’t you ever been amazed at how those girls seem so natural at what they do? Get that way with safe sex. Make it a natural for yourself. I have a buddy who is always prepared and he can slip a condom on correctly before you can say ahhh! He knows if it slips off or breaks…..they are a natural for him. Practice till they are a natural for you!

These girls also need a lot of behind the scenes help too. And that is another place you can help even if you aren’t out there in the pool looking for someone to wear your latex with. How can this be? I need help making quality latex swim caps available to those who are in the pool. So if you want to have some fun with latex, I need help on a regular basis wrapping those quality latex caps along with some lube and instructions on their use. We go thru a lot of them every summer and it is a great way to be part of the team!

I want to see you in the winner’s circle this year at the closing ceremonies. The best way to make sure you are there is to practice, practice, practice, be a team player, become proficient in your sport and wear your latex. Remember, I am a team player, and I am on your team. If you have any questions about your sport, safe sex, or latex swim caps, let me know. I am already as close as your computer. I am in the bars…..don’t let your mind go there! I am handing out condoms! Let me help! Go for the gold!

Get Tested

Summertime brings many beach bums and surf boys to this area. With this influx of people, who isn’t bound to turn their heads and notice some of the “eye candy”. We have all been in the situation where a handsome man or a beautiful woman walks by and catches your eye. You want to talk to him but you think that they are too beautiful to approach. You will probably have a nice little conversation with yourself like you have a hundred times. You will tell yourself “just do it”. And like you have learned a hundred times that unless you “just do it”, you will never know if he is as interested in you as you are him. You will tell yourself: “What have I got to loose?” and of course, a variety of other thoughts run through your mind.

Well, It is that time of year again. It is time to see those beautiful women and men on the beach, in the bars, on the boardwalk and hopefully a little closer to home; like in your arms! It is also that time of year again for something else very special: getting tested for HIV.

One of the biggest problem facing the US now is people who are HIV+ and don't know it – either because they don't get tested regularly or they don't think they are at risk. Then there are those that would rather live in denial or who are just too scared to deal with the realities of being diagnosed with HIV. Many people think they could be HIV+ but have chosen not to test – often making that decision based on incorrect information about HIV, or fear about what happens to you once you test positive. If you have HIV, all the evidence suggests that you are better off knowing it – and the sooner you test, the better. Knowing that you are HIV negative allows you to make informed decisions about the sex you have.

Obviously a negative result offers you no guarantees for the future. So whatever the result of the test, you need to think carefully about the sex that you have and avoid sharing needles and injecting equipment.

Hit the beach this year with a whole lot more than a beautiful body, great tan, and the perfect suit. Hit the beach this year equipped with knowledge. Know your status. Know how to be safe. It is important to know your status and we recommend getting tested regularly. Some people choose monthly, most a little less often. We recommend every six months but make sure you get tested.

So, Just like when you see that beautiful man walk past you, say to yourself, “just do it…what have you got to loose.” Just do it…get tested! What have you got to lose? Nothing! In fact you have a lot of powerful stuff to gain…KNOWLEDGE. And we all know that knowledge is power. Get tested in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment. Just do it!

We have a whole lot of other suggestions just like this one that makes being safe sexy, smart and fun, and once you know your status, we can help you practice discussing status with your partners so that both of you can make informed decisions and use that knowledge to make informed decisions about your safety and pleasure.
Come see us. Just do it!

Monday's at the Beach...

Condom Stuffers Unite..

Condom Stuffers United!

Better sex

Better Sex With Sal in Seven Steps

We all know safe sex is fun, but think about all the other great stuff is does for us Here are 10 benefits of safe sex…

1. Sex is a beauty treatment. The hormones released during sex can make your hair shinier and your skin smoother.

2. Sex reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.

3. Sex can burn up those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner.

4. Sex is a good sport! It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It’s more fun than jogging, and you don’t need special training.

5. Sex can help with mild depression. It releases endorphins into the blood stream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well being.

6. Sex can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can help combat asthma and hay fever.

7. Sex relieves headaches. A session can release tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.

STD FRIDAY

Boys and Men...As you know, Friday is STD Friday. This weeks special is HERPES!


Herpes can be simply passed by touch. It's most passed on by kissing, sucking, having anal sex without condoms, rimming and sharing toys.

A person is most infectious before the blisters appear and later when they are visible.

What do they look like?

They appear as small blisters or sores filled with a clear liquid that turns into a yellow pus! These blisters tingle, itch or sting when they burst. They develop into red ulcers that scab over and hear in a few weeks.

Where can I get them?

Not at your local store but on your mouth, butt or penis.

Curable?

Once you get them, you always have them. There are meds that ease the pain of having them and shorten the time of the attack. However, once you catch it - you always got it.

Your on Vacaition, HIV is NOT!!!

Your on Vacation, HIV is Not.

“Your on vacation, HIV is not” is the message that the CAMPsafe program is trying to get out during the beach season. CAMPsafe realizes that many men are coming to Rehoboth to escape the doldrums of city living to have some fun at the beach. Our programs are geared towards being a reminder to men to play safe while they are here on holiday. Many of the men we provide services to are making an effort to stick to safer sex but many are escaping “safer sex” realities by losing control and doing things they might not in their own home communities.

Gay men are subject to social pressures to maintain high standards of safer sex practices. Men use condoms because they feel they should, or because in moments of rational reflection it makes sense, and not because ‘safe sex is hot sex’. Some - not all - gay men make a conscious effort most of the time to use condoms, and then at other times give up on restraining themselves, and indulge in what they are meant to be avoiding – having sex without condoms.

Over the past several years, the CAMPsafe program has seen many gay men drink to intoxication, take drugs, or go to a cruisy bar, because they know that it will allow them to move from a state of ‘reality’ to one of ‘escape’ We realize guys are here to have fun and that sex while using drugs or alcohol allows some people to ‘loosen’up more easily and become less inhibited. Here are some of the effects of drugs that guys use while they are here or other places:

Alcohol: Alcohol loosesn inhibitions and clouds judgement. It is also a depressant, which makes you feel like you need to be with someone which in turn increases our desire for sexual contact.

Cocaine/Crack: Crack/cocaine is a stimulant that makes you feel more alert, sexy, confident and sometimes paraniod. Too much confidence can be a dangerous thing especially when your judgement is impaired and you are having sex with multiple partners.

Ecstacy: Ecstacy is a stimulant, but can act like a drug which causes a state of happiness and relaxation. Sensations are enhanced and many people report feeling less inhibited and very sexy with fewer thoughts for caution or concern. Safer sex can take a back seat to an overwhelming sexual drive.

Crystal: People say that this drug can make you feel invincible. It makes you more alert and highly aroused. This leads to a false belief that HIV/AIDS cant touch you.

Poppers: Poppers may make sex more enjoyable but can mask the pain that might be causing tears to your anal linings. Using poppers with Viagra can be very deadly.


These drugs can impair your ability to make good decisions about sex. If you are going to use drugs and have sex, know your limits and try to remember to Play Smart and CAMPsafe. Only you have the power to prevent yourself from becoming infected while you are here in Rehoboth. Remember, while you are on vacaition, HIV is not. Protect yourself, protect your lover and protect your community.

If you are in need of more information or have some questions about safer sex and drug use, please contact staff at (302) 227-5620. Staff is available for free sexual health counseling.

STI of the week

This week: Gonorrhoea

What is it?

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection you can get in your penis, butt, throat, or eyes.

How do you get it?

You can get it by having anal sex without a condom, rimming, oral sex or by getting an infected guy's cum in your eyes. It's one of the most common STIs.

How do you prevent it?

Using condoms will prevent many cases of Gonorrhoea. If you wanted to further reduce risks, you have to use condoms for oral sex. Many guys have gonorrhoea in their throat and they don't even know it.

How do you know you've got it?

Symptoms will include a white or greenish puss coming out of your penis and a burning sensation when you pee. Infection in your mouth can result in a sore throat and sometimes a cough. Infection up could butt could be noticed by a yellowish puss or fresh blood on your poop or itching and pain when pooping.

How do you treat it?

Get to a doctor or STI clinic. It is completely treatable and curable by antibiotics.

Can I Get HIV from a Shower Curtain?

Living in this part of Delaware amazes me sometimes. The knowledge of some people regarding HIV is really basic, sad but amusing at the same time. I received this questions just the other day from someone who stopped me on the street.

"Can I get HIV by using a shower curtain as toilet paper"

(I am not kidding! This was a real question!)

My answer to that is "What in Buddhas name are you using a shower curtain for toilet paper! Besides being just disgusting, it's safe to wipe with the material that protects your shower! HIV can only live on the outside the body for a very short time. So, unless someone else wiped a bleeding wound, the inside of their butt or dripping penis on the curtain a few seconds before you used it".

Pierced Tongue and STI's

I have always been into guys who have body modifications. Tats and Piercings really get me going! At 25 I decided to pierce my nipples and finally last year I was brave enough to get my ears pierced in SF! I started with a 12g and now have moved to a 6! I will probably stop at 6 but you never know. So, with my last entry about two toungues..I wondered about STI's and tongue piercings.

I talked with a piercer in SF. Here is what he said...

Once the piercing is completely healed, it is no longer open. This should protect against HIV and other STI's. However, if the piercing becomes irritated, infected or bleeds...you are at risk for HIV. This, however, would still be low risk.

As far as other STI's, you can still catch them with oral sex whether or not you have a piercing.

Two tounges are better than one..

I saw him standing in the corner. I knew that I had to get to know him. He had the look that I liked and I could tell was very comfortable in his own skin. My type can vary on the drop of a dime but my favorite is tattooed, pierced and dark Italian men. You could definitely tell that he marched to the beat of his own drum. I think that was part of the attraction.

I finally got up the courage to talk to him. He had been getting into body modifications in his twenties and now had several. After talking for a bit about tattoos and piercings, he showed me a few. He had done some of them on his own and was particularly proud of a few of them he was able to do on his own. The next thing I know he was opening his mouth and sticking his tongue at me! I had to take a second look because I swore he had two tongues instead of one. He said that he had gotten up enough courage a few years ago and decided to split his tongue. It was pretty interesting and you could only imagine how the conversation progressed. He got a call on his cell and had to leave for awhile.

After he left, I began thinking about gay men and our body/self-image issues and how that related to risk taking especially around sex. My new friend was obviously comfortable in his own skin to make such extreme changes to his body. For many of us it takes a long time to get to a point where we can look in the mirror and not start a sentence with 'if only I were slim/muscled/skinny' but the reality is that for many of us that isn't going to happen over night and actually we're not in the right place to make that change Someone who makes us feel sexy in that moment, at the bar, bathouse or online, says something we want to hear – at that point all rational thinking goes out the window and we want to make that connection regardless of how risky is might be.

Getting to a point where you can look in the mirror and just accept what you've got, is a good start to being happier in your skin. Our bodies are awesome machines of love and pleasure. And expressing that should be encouraged, dammit. It is when we don’t respect our bodies that we might take risks might harm these awesome machines of self-expression

Fundamentally it doesn't matter what anyone else says to you about being handsome, sexy or attractive...until you can look in a mirror and see that spark that others find attractive you won't believe it. My two tongued friend taught me this lesson that evening. So start staring at that mirror and find the bit of yourself that you are comfortable with and start to learn to live with your skin and the shape that you are.

Eventually he came back to the place where I had met him and we began chatting up each other again. I won’t go into details (you can use your imagination) but I can tell you this - two tongues are better than one!

4th of July...

I am breaking up my butt entries to bring you some shots of the beach! Rehoboth turns into a madhouse on the 4th and remains crazy till the end of the summer. Here are some shots from this am. I will add more during the day..

Happy 4th!

Butt Play...

If you like using toys during your down time, there are a few things you can do to keep it safe. If your sharing your toys with someone they should be cleaned with HOT soapy water, or a new condom should be used on one everytime you remove it from you and put it in someone else! Make sure your using water based lube or else the condom might break.

Speaking of lube - make sure you use alot of when playing. Lube can make thed entry easier and helps avoid damage to the anal lining which could facilitate HIV or other nasty bugs!

Cleaning out down there....

Some guys call and ask about cleaning out down there. Some guys like to wash their butts out before sex. It may actually be not a good idea. You don't really need to clean things out if you have a good diet and goto the bathroom before you have anal sex. Still, many guys like to be clean before things happen below the belt.

If you are going to clean out than you have to realize that safer sex is really important. Douching the anus can irritate the lining of your butt making it more vunerable to infections like HIV. Whatever you do - DONT USE SOAP. Soapy water can cause major irritation. Make sure you use water thats at body temperature - you don't want to burn anything.

Tops At Risk...

HIV can also enter your bloodstream through areas on the end of your penis (you know - where your pee comes out of!) and through the inside of your foreskin. But how does HIV get from inside a butt to your penis?

There are 2 bodily fluids inside your butt that could have HIV. The first one is blood. This could be inside the butt area if there is any damage. The second is anal mucus, the stuff that coats the inside of the anal area so it doesn't dry out. This could contain HIV, even more than blood of cum.

The IN's and OUT's of the MM....

The inside of your butt can be a very fragile place! Inside is a membrane called a "mucous membrane"( what I call the MM!). Can you say that 50 times fast! MM could be prone to a alot of sexual infections.

The MM is so fragile that anything going IN or OUT can cause some damage, this damage can even be microscopic. This makes it easier for infections like HIV to get into your bloodstream. The lining can also absorb cum and precum into your body like a sponge.

How can you protect the MM? Get your partner to use lots of lube and a condom when you explore the IN's and OUT's of anal pleasure.

Bare Facts...

You may think you know about your butt - but there is a whole lot more to it than meets the eye! Stay tuned for some info on anal health, HIV, and anal pleasure during the next few entries.

New HIV Rate

I always wondered how accurate the United States method of getting an acurate count of HIV cases was. Seems as though we have been a bit off. I found this article today which talks about how the CDC has developed new counting methods that show us that our HIV rates are up by 25% than what was thought.

"They were counting the numbers in a way that was leaving out certain segments of the society. So that 40,000 was probably an undercounted number," he said.

Instead of using an extrapolated mathematical model to come up with the rate of new infections, he said, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was now relying on better counting of more groups, households and regions.

"The number went up to about 50,000. That doesn't mean that the actual rate of new infections increased. It means that we are now no longer missing counting the ones that we missed early," Fauci said. "It was always 50,000 a year."

If you have a moment, read it!

Phone Sex...

One of the things I do here at CAMP is answer questions over the phone about HIV, STDs and other sexual health questions. The nature of what I talk about allows for some crank callers and guys getting off asking me questions about sex. Tonight was no exception!

The guy on the phone was obviously wanking while he was asking me some questions. Towards the middle of the conversation I could tell that his breathing was getting heavy! I couldn't believe that I fell for this again! When he started asking me if he could come to my office for a demonstration, I had to put an end to my role in his exercise of choking the chicken. Even after I asked him if he had any other questions, he proceeded to ask me where to find a threesome in Rehoboth.

Despite knowing the guy was having a good time talking about sex - it shows how isolated and alone guys in this area can be. Better to wank off while talking to me rather than doing something he might regret later.

Later...

Who Still Dies of AIDS, and Why?

Here is an article that I read the other day. It is pretty interesting as we look at men and women who have been taking meds since HIV was first discovered. Here is an excerpt from "New York" magazine.


"One of the ironies of the success of HAART is that it has fostered the myth that the AIDS epidemic has come to an end, and that living with HIV is only marginally more problematic than living with herpes or genital warts. This is one obvious explanation for why HIV infection is once again on the rise among young men—specifically, MSMs, as they’re now known in the public-health jargon, for men who have sex with men—increasing by a third between 2001 and 2006. Among those 30 and over, the infection rate is still decreasing, notes Thomas Frieden, commissioner of the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, suggesting that the increased rate of infection among men under 30 is due in part to decreased awareness of the disease or the toll it can take."

Counterfeit Condoms

Hmmm...counterfeit trojan condoms. I have heard of counterfeit sunglasses, purses, shoes...but condoms!! WOW. Here is the link.


Here is a bit from the story...

"The counterfeits, which included millions of the phony Trojans, were sold for the past three years mainly in small discount stores in the area, as well as elsewhere in the country, including Texas and Virginia, according to court documents."

Two condoms better than one?

I often get some calls about guys wearing two condoms instead of one. The thinking is the more protection the safer. Actually, this could make sex risky! Wearing more than one condom makes them much more likely to break or slip off. You only need one condom at a time and you can use whatever thickness you want. All that information about gay men having to use extra thick condoms is leftover sex negative 1980's nonsense. Use whatever kind you like but make sure its with a lubricant thats condom friendly.

6 Things Never to put up there

I sometimes get calls from guys who are experimenting with anal play. It suprises me when I hear about the various things that are going up there and disappearing. This causes alot of panic and an trip to the emergency room. Not only can this be embarrassing but it can also be bad for your anal health later on....you can do lots of damage up there..so, five things never to put up your bum...


Bottles
Besides the fact that they are made of glass and glass breaks (ouch), if the bottle is open it can create a vacuum and get stuck up there, potentially causing injury or at least an embarrassing visit to the ER.

Live Animals
One of the misconceptions I grew up with was that gay men put hamsters or gerbils up there bum. This even made it to South Park as an episode! This is not a good idea. Besides the fact that they have claws and teeth, you don't want those PETA protesting outside of your house!

Light Bulbs
Glass and a** don't mix!

Grandma's Broom Handle
They are hard and rigid and the path up isn't a straight line. Figure it out!

Pens and Pencils
Anything pointy and sharp for that matter. Getting impaled by #2 pencil isn't sexy!



If your going to play - remember to use toys that are flexible in nature and have flared edges so they don't get sucked up.

Rules to live by..

Here are some of my summer rules to live by at the beach....

We will not get a third degree sunburn because we will make sure we wear sunscreen.


We will get enough sleep to make sure that the shade of our umbrella does not slowly creep away from us as we snore.


We will not wake up the next morning wondering if we have the same dark circles, blood-shot eyes, and pounding head of the guy or gal next to us because we will drink only enough … and not too much.


We will not be shy about asking Sal for information about safer sex, if we need it.


We will not be someone else’s summer regret because we will watch out for our community – emotionally and physically – whenever possible.


We will take every reasonable precaution so that we do not remember our incredible vacation with a new infection of gonorrhea, hepatitis B or C, HIV, genital warts, and/or syphilis!


What are your summer rules?

Leather weekend

On the flip side of the seeing guys in bathing suits - let's talk about guys in leather! Not only does this weekend mark the start of the beach season but there is also a major leatherfest in Chicago called IML (International Mr. Leather). This event attracts thousands of leather wearing, daddies, boys, Sir, Slaves, Pups. I am always working this weekend at the beach, so I am never able to make it to this event!


Speaking of the leather community - I think they really have the edge on safer sex and HIV prevention. Most play safe, establish limits. I respect them and take to heart the messages they offer. One of the places that is a supporter of us is a shop called Leather Central. They are the only place in town where I send guys to who are looking for some leather wear or looking for some special toys! Chris and Jason do a great job providing a service the the GLBT community in Rehoboth. I use them as a referral for guys who are expierimenting with self - pleasuring (truly the safest sex!) or guys who are looking to enter into the leather community by purhcasing their first piece of leather. These guys have been supporters of the CAMPsafe program since I met them when they owned a local B and B.

If you are in town, stop by their store. They have some really great stuff and do care about the community in Rehoboth.

Beach...

One of the things we do in the summer is beach outreach. Even though today isn't the hottest of days, the guys are out having some fun in the sun! The outreach team of CAMPsafe goes to the places where the guys are! So - we spend some time on the beach during the summer talking to them, handing out some goodies and making sure everyone has a good and safe time. Here are some shots from today..

Memorial Day Weekend..

More to come..but here is a teaser..click on this link for the web cam.

Testing Thursdays...

One of the best parts I like about my job at CAMP is doing HIV Testing and Counseling. Besides sexual health counseling, this is the one program where I get to talk to men and women at the moment they are in most need of someone who can answer their questions about sexual health concerns or at least give them some peace of mind.

Today was one of those days for Anthony. He gave his second HIV+ result to a young gay man. Giving postive results is a tough job. You are with the client at the very moment - they hear some distrubing news. Anthony did a great job this evening. I am really glad to have him be part of the CAMPsafe family.

Thanks Anthony!!

Condom Stuffing...

The coming of summer usually means that we are getting ready to distribute our safer sex kits around town. In order to get these packets ready, a group of volunteers gets together for our "condom Bees". I really enjoy these events and impressed by the dedication of the volunteers who donate their time creating these packets. Not only am I grateful for their handy work but I also enjoy being able to spend time with them to joke around, tell jokes and eat pizza!

I want to thank them and I can't wait till our next stuffing event.

Can Tops Get HIV?

This is a question I hear very often in testing and counseling sessions.

HIV can enter through cuts, abrasions and ulcers, but even if you don't have any of these on your penis, you can still catch HIV. It can enter through your uretha (you know the place where your pee comes out of!) during sex and cause infection. If you are uncut, your foreskin can trap the virus and enter into your body. HIV can even enter through the head of your penis.

So, next time your top tells you, he could never get HIV - tell me he is wrong!!!

"sorting" things out....

“Sorting” Things Out

One of the things that I enjoy when I am not working is checking out profiles of guys on websites. It’s pretty interesting to see how men are crafting their profiles (the pictures aren’t bad either!!). I always get a kick out of the “Rehoboth” area profiles as guys are starting to plan for their Memorial Day holiday. Already, we have guys looking for leather daddies for a week, guys who are smooth, guys who build portable “glory holes” in their hotel rooms and guys into groups. One of the postings on a popular website was for HIV+ guys only.

It’s amazing to see how long it takes trends from bigger cities like NYC, SF or Philadelphia make there way down to the gay community of Rehoboth. Maybe I haven’t noticed or maybe I am naive but “serosorting” has come to this area. Despite its criticisms, I believe this is a good strategy and I applaud HIV+ men for taking the initiative to protect other men from getting infected with HIV.

What is Serosorting?
Serosorting comes from the word "serum" which has to do with fluids of the blood. If you are HIV+ then you are sero-positive, and if you’re HIV- you are sero-negative. So, as I'm sure you've figured out, sero-sorting is the process of choosing your sexual/romantic partners based on whether or not they have HIV.

I think the HIV+ community use serosorting to avoid potential rejection, reduce fear or anxiety related to condom breakage, or for a greater sense of shared intimacy. This really isn’t unusual. I think many men have been doing this for a long time. Until recently, it’s been about romantic relationships but now it’s moved over to picking and choosing sex partners based on their HIV status.

While it's a great strategy for HIV+ guys, HIV- guys need to be careful about serosorting. I like to call this smarter sorting for HIV- men. Just because a guy says he is negative doesn't mean he truly knows for sure. It takes about two months for HIV to show up on a test, which means if they've had unsafe sex recently a negative result doesn't mean a thing. So, we're not advocating having bareback sex with somebody who says he's negative as a way of avoiding HIV infection but maybe eliminating high risk negatives out of your potential pool of sex partner. But pairing off with someone of your same status, while still practicing safer sex, definitely reduces your chances of catching HIV, or something else.

Just because you're serosorting doesn't mean condoms and lube should fall out of the picture, but it can be another important tool for maintaining your health whether you're Positive or Negative.


What Do You Think?

One more...

Here is another picture from the nor'easter today! I am finally dried out. Quiet this evening.

Days Like This...

Being in Rehoboth does have it's advantages...but on days like this...its amazing to see how awe inspiring Mother nature is...

How risky is.....

How risky is rimming?

There is no risk of catching HIV from rimming. You can catch other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) from rimming. Some of these are: Hepatitis A, gut infections and even worms (YUK!).

Friday...