New Gay Online Soap Opera

The City of West Hollywood has helped to fund a new show called In the Moment. This is the first episode and I'm interested to hear what you think of it. Watch at home as its probably not safe for work. Does it relate at all to Salt Lake's gay scene or would you say we are more conservative? I hear a lot of stories about guys being pressured not to use condoms in (and out) of relationships.


Find more videos like this on In The Moment

Stages of Love

New love is perfection in its essence. It makes your heart race thinking of your beloved. All imperfections disappear. The beauty of love makes logic no longer have value. Your heart guides you where it desires.

Young love grown with time is frightened. Imperfections that have always existed begin to appear from their veil. Every opportunity to flee acts as a catalyst that must be struggled against. The struggle is won or lost by the force of will. Win or lose, we grow.

Adolescent love heals the pains of growing. The perfection is lost but new strength is found. Through this time, the love is gentle and passionate. Fears begin to wain. Trust grows.

Mature love is flexible and strong. Knowing that the future is secure makes the love blossom. The perfection of new love returns. Difference is embraced. Mature love seems impossible to attain but is worth the work and effort. Mature love is true and lasting love.

-Michael Whitworth, local guy reflecting on his relationship.

Another AIDS Casualty

Dr. Ramon Torres was a hero on the front lines against the epidemic for over a decade. It was when the war began to be won that he got lost.

"It was a frigid morning last December, and the disheveled man standing before Judge James Gibbons had made his way to the second floor of 100 Centre Street in a thin nylon windbreaker, ill-fitting designer jeans, and a pair of torn jackboots—something out of an old S&M catalogue—which he had accessorized with a wide leather cuff snapped on his wrist. At first he was trembling, as if from the cold. Then the trembling subsided, and his eyelids fell. Dr. Ramon A. “Gabriel” Torres, a near-legendary doctor in the fight against AIDS, had fallen asleep on his feet."

Read the rest of the article here. It's a tragic story of heroism, the lure of meth to gay men and people with HIV, and the aftermath of the worst years of the epidemic. Kudos to Lifelube for the heads up.

Cowboy Kickoff BBQ!

Click on the posters to "embiggen!"

What Happens in Vegas.....Doesn't Always Stay in Vegas.

Hey boys...Going on vacation is suppose to be about getting away from it all, leaving our stress and worry behind...right? I'm all about letting my hair down and getting my groove on when out of town. An ad campaign I ran across recently is really HOT, and gave me something to think about for my next vacation.

Last year Swiss health officials did a study to find out why people put themselves at risk for HIV; especially when they know how to protect themselves. What they found out is that many of us are taking the idea of vacationing, to get away from it all, a little too far. Their study found a proportionate number of people who were recently infected with HIV had their only risk for HIV occur on a business trip or holiday.

I think on some level we have known this for sometime here in the states. This is evident when you look at programs in gay vacations hot spots; like Camp Safe in Rehoboth Beach. Camp Safe's entire focus is helping people "get off" while on vacation and not taking home any unwanted visitors. Kinda cool....

To increase awareness about taking condoms on vacation and wrapping it up while you're there, the Swiss put out a sexy and somewhat racy ad campaign. The campaign shows people having sex in odd locations, in the jungle, in a cave and even on Mars. The visuals remind people to pack a little something extra when leaving town...condoms.

What about us Utah boys though...what if we never go to a gay hot spot? Last October in Puerto Vallarta I never came across anyone in a boy scout uniform on the beach handing me a condom. I was just going down to relax and drink too much with friends...it never occurred to me, in my wildest fantasy, that my boy and I would end up with some random boy from Seattle naked in our room.

Just something to think about when your packing for your next trip out of town. Throw in a box of condoms...they'll help stop any unwanted souvenirs.If you would like to check out the website for the Swiss campaign you can visit http://www.stopaids.ch/.

Tyler Fisher has worked for the Utah AIDS Foundation, SLVHD, Harm Reduction Project, and Project Reality. Have a question about sex? E-mail him.

Gay Mormons to meet with LDS Church Officials

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- After decades of silence, LDS church officials have agreed to meet with a gay Mormon support group that has sought to forge understanding between the faith's leaders and its gay members.

"We're pleased the Church is opening up the possibility for dialogue," said Dave Melson, Affirmation's assistant executive director. "Affirmation has tried 5 or 6 times over the past 31 years to meet with church leaders. This is their second response. The first resulted in platitudes and nothing more."

Among the specifics Affirmation wants to address: the historical treatment of gays by the Church, including recommendations for aversion therapies to "cure" homosexuality; recommendations for more effective counseling methods; ways to avoid family break-ups; and a change in the honor code at church-owned Brigham Young University that can result in expulsion for sexually active gay students. The same standard applies to straight students.

"None of this requires a change in doctrine," said Melson. "They're good for both gays and the Church."

Your comments? Read the full story here.

Flag Football is back!

Click on the image to "embiggen!"

Mountain West Flag Football is starting its new season this Thursday! Open play runs from April 10-June 5 and is open to guys (and the ladies) of all experience levels. This is an easy way to get to know the game, learn the rules, and meet new guys. League play begins June 12th.

When: Thursdays @ 6pm

Where: Sugarhouse Park softball field

Click here for more info.

What Do Gay Men Need?

I'm Joshua Newbury, and this is my blog post. Hmm, I sound like I'm at an AA meeting.

What do gay men need?

That's the question I put forward at last week's Coffee Talk. What could everyday life be like if we lived in an 'ideal' society? The responses I got centered around several needs:

• Equality-gay men want the same rights as straight men, No more, no less. That includes freedom from discrimination because of our sexual orientation, freedom to marry the man we love, and little things like being able to hold hands in public without fear of being gay bashed.
• Family-we want to be able to experience love and relationships in an open and affirming environment. We need to feel like we belong in our family and we want to create our own families.
• Heroes-we need positive gay role models in our life, from older men who can share their experiences from the school of hard knocks, to athletes with the balls to come out before they retire, to "out" gay politicians and leaders from both polical parties. We also need media representations that move beyond gay stereotypes and portray being gay as simply one part of who we are.

Once we know what we need - more or less - how can we get it. We have to ask ourselves what we can change and what we are willing to achieve those changes. Do we need to run for public office? Risk our bodies or comfort? Do more of us need to come out of the closet? We have to think about what action we can-or are-taking to secure the things we need to be happy and healthy. That's social work 101, champs.

Josh is a student at the U of U and leads Village Coffee Talk discussions on Wednesdays @ 7pm @ SL Roasting Company.

The Eyes of Babylon

Friday, April 4th @ 8pm

Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center

Steven Fales (Mormon American Princess) has been kind enough to donate 10 free tickets to Friday's performance of THE EYES OF BABYLON, Iraq Veteran Jeff Key's award-winning, critically acclaimed autobiographical one-man play. The play, and Jeff, were the subject of the documentary SEMPER FI, which was shown at last Monday's Gay Movie Night.

If you would like a ticket, RSVP Jeremiah. First come first served. Click here for reviews.

Circumcision and STD's

Does circumcision reduce your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? Several years ago a study came out that said yes, circumcision reduces your risk of infection. Now, according to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, not necessarily.

Researchers undertook the current study in New Zealand to determine the impact of circumcision in early childhood on the acquisition of STIs by age 32. Information about STI acquisition was obtained at ages 21, 26 and 32. STI incidence rates were calculated, taking into account timing of sexual initiation, and comparisons were made between circumcised and uncircumcised men.

Up to age 32, the incidence rates for all STIs were not statistically significant: 23.4 and 24.4 per 1,000 person-years for the uncircumcised and circumcised men, respectively. "These findings are consistent with recent population-based cross-sectional studies in developed countries, which found that early childhood circumcision does not markedly reduce the risk of the common STIs in the general population in such countries," the authors concluded.

What is your opinion? Do you wish everyone was circumcised or do you love your foreskin?

Routine Testing-It Ain't Happening!

This just in from the New York Times:

STD screening is a critical part of health care for sexually active gay men, but few present annually for testing as CDC recommends. In addition, when gay men do present, many doctors fail to screen them for STD's.

Not only are we not getting tested but we are aren't getting all the right tests:

A study by CDC's Dr. Kristen Mahle found that among asymptomatic gay men, many were not tested at all anatomical sites of exposure, so that more than one-third
of rectal gonorrhea infections and more than a quarter of throat infections were missed. Gonorrhea tests should include specimens from all possible sites, including the throat, rectum, and genitals.

Anyone care to share why they do or don't get tested and where they recommend getting tested?

Gays are Worse than Terrorists?

Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern has let the cat out of the bag. The gays are bent on destroying America and they are even more dangerous than the terrorists! Join us at coffee talk for an in-depth discussion of "Gay Agenda."

Click here for more info on Sally Kern's anti-gay rant.

Utah Sees Drop in HIV Infections

Good news on the HIV Prevention front here in Utah. According to the latest stats from the Utah Department of Health, our state has seen a 12% drop in new HIV infections in the last year and the number of people with HIV whose illness progressed to AIDS has dropped 22%.

So who is getting infected in Utah? Men who have sex with men (62%), Injecting drug users (16%), Men who have sex with men and inject drugs (10%), and heterosexuals (6%). The numbers speak pretty plainly that if you are having unprotected sex with other men or injecting drugs, your risk of getting HIV is exponentially higher. Click here to check out UDOH's other statistics.

Rockin Rollin to Wendover

Click on the pic to "embiggen!"

Winter Picturepalooza!

With WinterPride, Ski and Swim, and the Oscar Night Gala, Utah's gay scene has been hopping, and we've got the pics to prove it! As always, a huge thanks to photographer and volunteer extraordinaire David Daniels for his amazing pics.
Click on the links to see the full album..

Utah AIDS Foundation Oscar Night Gala

WinterPride/Ski and Swim Ice Skating

WinterPride/Ski and Swim Opening Social

WinterPride/Ski and Swim Interfaith

WinterPride/Ski and Swim Ski Day

Ski and Swim Water Polo and Swim Meet

Ski and Swim Dessert Parties

Love Makes a Family Exhibit

Closing Social

Buttars vs. Black Babies

Much has been made of anti-gay Senator Chris Buttar's racist remarks made on the senate floor last week, with the NAACP calling for his resignation and even Republican Governor Huntsman saying that Buttars should listen to his constituents if they ask for him to step down. 

Now several prominent political columnists are taking a critical look at Buttars' anti-gay voting record and painting an unflattering portrait.

Here's Paul Rolly from the Trib:

"Sen. Chris Buttars and similar homophobes lurking through the Capitol's halls and meeting rooms could, if ultimately successful, cause considerable damage to numerous classes of people in Utah, all in the name of protecting us from their own imagined boogeyman...Buttars has said he fears a "homosexual agenda" and will stamp out any effort that he believes would be a step toward equal rights for that class of people."

Bob Bernick Jr. from the Deseret News:

"But Buttars should think long and hard before he files for re-election in March. In fighting for what he believes is right, there is little doubt that Buttars has also hurt any number of Utahns with his words. Language can be a weapon that can harm the soul and heart — whether it is meant to or not."

Your thoughts? 

Gay Friendly and HIV+ Friendly Utah Doctors

Are you out to your doctor?
You may think it is none of his or her business, but there are several benefits to coming out to your doctor:

• In the sexual health arena, gay men are at higher risk for certain sexually transmitted infections (STI's), especially HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis. Talking with your doctor about your sexual history can help him make testing recommendations, including anal pap smears.


• The stress of being a gay man in an unaccepting society can take its toll on our physical and emotional health, and many of us self-medicate by turning to drugs and alcohol. We use tobacco and illegal substances such as meth and poppers at significantly higher rates than the general population, and your doctor can be a great resource for helping you quit.

If you are recently diagnosed with HIV, finding a well-qualified doctor is imperative. A doctor with years of experience treating HIV can help you decide the best time to begin treatment and make sure you get the right mix of medications.

Some men, traumatized by a positive HIV diagnosis, neglect to seek treatment, especially in the initial stage of infection when no symptoms manifest. If you find yourself in this position, a Utah AIDS Foundation Case Manager can meet with you and help you find the resources that are available to help you. Also, Cornerstone Counseling offers free counseling and support services for men who are HIV+ and would like support (801-355-2846 ext.111).

Are you looking for a gay friendly doctor or have you recently been diagnosed with HIV and want a doctor who is well versed in treating HIV? Here is a short list of doctors who have self-reported as being LGBT friendly. Another great resource listing doctors, dentists, and therapists can be found here on the Utah Pride Center's website.

HIV Treatment Providers Shortlist
Tim Odell, MD
University of Utah Madsen Clinic
555 South Foothill Blvd.
(801)581-7790

Mark Oliver, MD
1160 East 3900 South #1F
(801)261-9651

Larry Reimer, MD
University of Utah Health Sciences Center
Division of Infectious Diseases
30 North 1900 East
(801)585-2031

Harry Rosado, MD
University of Utah Health Sciences Center
Division of Infectious Diseases
30 North 1900 East

Wanda Updike, MD
1060 East 100 South, Suite L10
(801)328-1260 Ext.104

Gay Friendly Medical Providers Shortlist
Christopher Gay, MD
Madsen Health Clinic
555 South Foothill Blvd.
(801)581-8000

Jacob Prunuske, MD
Sugarhouse Family Health Clinic
1138 East Wilmington Ave
(801)581-2000

David Moore, MD
1002 East South Temple, Ste. 508
(801)531-8634

Beth Hanlon, MD
24 South 1100 East #304
(801)328-1260

Susan Edwards, MD
2295 Foothill Dr.
(801)486-3021

Gay Movie Compendium

GAY MOVIE SURVEY
We are putting together our 2008 Gay Movie Night schedule and want your input! What films are you dying to see on the big screen? We asked the guys at Coffee Talk and here's what they came up with. More stars means requested more times.

The 24th Day
A Room with a View **
Adam and Steve
Amnesia:The James Broughton Story
Angels in America ******
Beaches
Bent **
Big Eden
The Birdcage ***
Bound **
Boys in the Band *****
Brokeback Mountain ********
Broken Hearts Club
The Bubble
Bulgarian Lovers *
Chicago
Confusion of the Genders
Connie and Carla
Die Mommie Die *
Dona Herlina and Her Son
Double Indemnity *
Eating Out
Edge of 17
Eight Men Out *
Garcon Stupid *
Get Real
Glue
Gone With the Wind
Gypsy
The Hunger
Hush Hush, Sweet Charlotte
It's My Party
The Laramie Project ***
Latter Days
Lover Come Back
Making Love
Mame *
Maurice ***
Naked Boys Singing ****
O Fantasma *
Outing Riley
Pecker
Personal Best
The Philadelphia Story ***
Pillow Talk **
Porn Theatre *
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Queer Duck
Raspberry Reich *
Rent *
Rope
Send Me No Flowers *
Serial Mom *****
Some Like it Hot *****
Sound of Music
Times Have Been Better *
Tootsie
Transamerica ******
Turnabout
Urbania
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf *
The Women *
Yossi and Jagger *
You'll Get Over It

Any omissions you would like to see on the big screen? Add it in the comment box!