Final Zine 60.pdf - Project Neon

Knowing your own and your partner’s HIV status
is an important part of maintaining one’s overall
health. However, because one advertises their yearold
HIV status in an online profile or in person does
not necessarily mean it is accurate and frankly it’s a
big risk to take.
Additionally, someone is HIV negative can have
another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
present. Anal and/or oral sex without condoms
can still spread infections such as syphilis and
gonorrhea.
Dear Dr Dick,
Be sure to talk more about this with your partners
and even your doctor to settle on a decision that
works best for all parties.
Best,
Dr. Dick
Like so many other gay and bisexual men in Seattle
I spend a great deal of time online looking for hookups.
It seems that is where all the HOT guys hang out.
When I hookup with guys from websites I practice safe
sex. However recently I met two guys online that I am
considering barebacking with. That’s cool if all parties
involved are HIV negative right? Both of guys have
posted the following statement in their online profiles:
"HIV NEG as of November 20, 2008."
So here my question: is it safe to bareback
with them?
Hooked on the Man Hunt
Dear Hooked on the Man Hunt,
Thank you for your question!
The short answer is, no, barebacking (intentional unprotected
anal sex) is a very risky sexual practice and
it may be more risky with someone who tested negative
nearly a year ago than with someone who’s known
to be HIV+ and who’s viral load on anti-retroviral
drugs is undetectable. Barebacking can easily transmit
HIV, along with several other sexually transmitted
infections.
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