A little about CAMPsafe...

The CAMPsafe program (a program provided by CAMP Rehoboth) evolved from an HIV prevention initiative begun in 1995 to work with Gay and Bisexual men in Sussex and Kent County. The program was needed, was immediately embraced by the community, and has been successful in promoting the HIV/AIDS prevention message. The need for that message continues and CAMPsafe / CAMP Rehoboth remains committed to the HIV prevention effort. Over the years, however, many have wondered if all services provided to the gay/bi community will now forever be coupled with HIV/AIDS. Many have expressed a need for available, sensitive and culturally aware counseling services on a great range of sexual and other health issues not directly connected to HIV/AIDS.

And they were right to wonder. The history of our community is one of strength, solidarity, and compassion in the face of the incredible challenge of HIV/AIDS and all of the social issues that accompanied the epidemic. We were forced to focus all our resources to the fight or die. The price of that survival, however, was all the other services that a healthy community needs to thrive not just survive. Now we are hearing the call to re-invigorate many of those missed services. The Sexual Health Counseling service is now offered as an additional service of the CAMPsafe Program to help meet this need.

One of the things often commented on by community members is the lack of health professionals that know how to deal with gay/bisexual male sexual health concerns without immediately moving the conversation to the subject of HIV testing. Many of us just need good information about how to ensure anal health, or information on how to have sex most enjoyably with the least risk, or on negotiating comfortable sexual limits with partners, and on the use of sexual aids. Many of us need good information about the effects of drug and alcohol use on sexual experience, behaviors and decision making. Many of us just need a sounding board for exploring issues and our own decision making process.

We need information on how to prevent infection with STDs other than HIV - for ourselves and for those we love And we need this information without the historical and essentially de-valuing (and discriminatory) suggestions that we simply do not have sex or that do not acknowledge that the exchange of fluids many times has deep psychological meaning beyond the scope of procreation. And even though we are blessed with HIV/AIDS treatment options and providers of treatment within Delaware that are amazingly above national averages for quality and access, most of us do not and/or can not get these other needed services from traditional medical service providers or from traditional HIV/AIDS case managers and counselors. Sometimes there just isn't enough time in the appointment.

CAMPsafe's Sexual Health Counseling services will offer these services for gay/Bisexual men in a non-judgmental environment. You can ask anything about sexual health, sexual behavior, or health in general. If we do not know the answer, we will find someone who does or make sure you have a referral to someone who will answer your questions with sensitivity. You will not have to get an HIV test (though be assured, these are still available free of charge to those who request them). We will help gay/bi men to identify low and high-risk activities in their lives and help them move toward the health goals that they choose for themselves. The services will be offered at three locations: downtown Rehoboth, at the Sussex County AIDS Committee offices on Route 1, and in Dover.

Call CAMP Rehoboth at (302) 227-5620 to find out about walk-in hours or to make an appointment with me (Sal Seeley, the CAMPsafe counselor).

Website Wednesdays

Wednesday is for Websites....

Each Wednesday I will be posting websites that I have found interesting or amusing! Please feel free to share websites in the comment section that you enjoy.

Here is a great site that focuses on gay men's health issues. I found this last year while finding out some information on rectal microbicides.

There's Something About Oral.

Many of the questions we get here at CAMP are about oral sex. I think I have answered the question: "Is oral sex risky for getting HIV" a million times. Here is what I have read from other researchers and medical clinicians out there. This is what I have put together..

What about oral sex?

Oral sex isn’t a high-risk activity for HIV because the lining of the mouth is strong, and saliva also contains protective properties. Pre-cum – the clear fluid that oozes out when you’re very horny – can contain HIV but only in quantities so small they’re not considered to be a significant risk of HIV transmission for oral sex.

Getting cum in your mouth increases the risk. Neither spitting it out nor swallowing seems to make it less or more risky, it’s the length of time it's in your mouth that’s important (the shorter the better).Looking after your mouth will reduce the risk for oral sex.

The likelihood of oral HIV transmission increases if you have cuts, ulcers or abrasions in your mouth, a sore throat, tonsillitis or gum disease. This is because they create entry points into your blood stream. Flossing or vigorous brushing before sex can also break the skin on your gums.

There you have it...my opinion. What do you think?

Online Prevention?

I found this article today while looking through POZ magazine. What do you think? Do you think online prevention works or doesn't?

Testing Thursdays

One of the programs we offer here at CAMP is HIV Testing and Counesling. When I first started doing testing seven years ago, we did an oral test that had to be sent to the lab. Two weeks later you would get your results. What a difference time makes! Now we offer rapid HIV testing using a Uni-Gold test kit. What this means - you get your results in 10 minutes.

Call us today to get your test....

Is Monogamy For Me?

There is a joke I recently heard and it goes like this. “What do lesbians do on their second date? Answer: “Hire a moving van.” “And what do gay men do on their second date? Answer” What’s a second date?” Gay men can’t escape it! We are seen nothing more than animals wanting more sex. And we are to hopeless to have a relationship, let alone thinking about monogamy! Funny, but is it true?

Like many gay men, I grapple with the concept of monogamy or open relationships. Some days it depends on which way the wind is blowing or how I might be feeling at a particular moment in my life. I think it also depends on the level of commitment and security you need in your life. I have seen couples work at monogamy or open relationships. Some have worked, some have failed. What makes the difference is the level of communication you have with someone you love. For me, this trust is important because having unsafe sex outside the relationship can open your life up to other problems.

There are countless stories of men infecting partners because they broke an agreement or practiced unsafe sex outside of their primary relationship. When we are with someone, there is an amount of trust involved. Issues around trust play a major part in all relationships. However, negotiating sex is one of the most important things- especially if you are considering an open or closed relationship. Many couples fail in the earlier stages of their relationship agreement that includes talking about past sexual history, sexual health concerns and current preferences in terms of relationship style. It is not sexy to talk about this stuff when you are in your honeymoon period. But before you know it, time has passed and the conversation becomes more difficult to have; especially when one partner may have brought and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) into the relationship.

I feel you need to have an open conversation with your partner and see if monogamy is for you or your lover. If it isn’t – they need to know so you can make informed choices about the future of your relationship. If you decide to be open, having an STI and HIV check together can bring clarity and openness to the relationship. Negotiation will have to be done when and if condoms are used with other people. This will protect not only you but your partner.

Relationships are a constant source of learning and difficulties arise. I know that first hand! Gay men often throw in the towel at the point where things are difficult. By talking and negotiating monogamy or an open relationship, you can strengthen the relationship and make for a stronger couple.