Sex....do you know? As many people know, I belong to quite a few online sites, sexual and non-sexual. And everyone knows that HIV/AIDS and the research involved with it is pretty close to me from my past starting when I was only 17/18yrs old.

The sexual practices of gay men has traveled down a roller coaster track over the last twenty plus years to become a veritable Molotov cocktail of sex, drugs and alcohol, with maybe an occassional addition of condoms. The 1980's saw the rise of HIV/AIDS amongst the gay population, and then it started dropping some. Today, however, many younger members of the population are becoming involved yet again with taking the Molotov and HIV is once again on the rise amongst gay men under 25.

I don't say this to condone or be hypocritical. I know my sexual practices, and I know the risks that I have run over the last ten years since I was out, bothe figuratively and literally. I have remained involved with the research for medications and the eventual hope for being a cure. My friends have learned that I am there to support them when they get the news their results are positive, as I would hope they would be there for me when mine finally come back that way. (Yes I say finally because I know there is only so long before it finally shows within my system...I cannot deny it like so many of my friends want me to do.)

I know there are a few tests being conducted in person today which also include an HIV and STD test. If you don't know your status, please find one of these test groups and participate....please make yourself aware.

There is also an online study that truly allows anonymity and takes roughly 30 minutes, depending on how you answer the questions. There is a series of questions to answer and a 5 minute video at the end to watch and answer a couple of questions afterwards if you like.

Please do your part to help track the changes that have been happening within the gay lifestyle. If you know that you are negative and wish to remain that way, please play smart if you don't play safe. If you are positive, please tell your partners - they will respect you more for that. And if you don't know your status, please get tested. It does help in the long run.

To participate in the online study, please visit http://www.healthsolutions.org/research/5part/

Remember...the only one who can truly take away your humanity and your life is you. Please get tested on a regular basis.  ¶ 6/01/2008 09:10:00 AM