Saturday is National HIV Testing Day!

Are you sexually active? We recommended that you get tested for STD's every 3-6 months, about as often as you get your oil changed. Its like a sexual health lube job! This Saturday is National HIV Testing day, so we are offering Saturday Testing!

Where: Utah AIDS Foundation (1408 S 1100 E)

When: 10am-2pm

Tests offered:

HIV Rapid Test (Free or Donation)

Chlamydia (Free)

Gonorrhea (Free)

Syphilis ($5)

Hepatitis C ($25)

Finally, Planned Parenthood will be back at UAF on Monday offering Hep A/B Vaccinations from 5-7pm. Cost is $10 (the series typically costs $120).

Sex Ed, Utah Style

Loved this comic from the folks at idrewthis.org: According to the Deseret News, the State board of education has revised its parental permission form for Utah's sexual education program.

The form, offered in seven languages, states public schools will teach abstinence before marriage and fidelity after marriage; require prior parental consent before teaching any aspect of contraception and/or condoms; and deliver information about communicable diseases, including those transmitted sexually, such as HIV and AIDS.

The form states what is not approved by the state board and can't be taught: intricacies of intercourse, sexual stimulation or erotic behavior; advocacy of homosexuality; advocacy or encouragement of the use of contraceptive methods or devices; and advocacy for sexual activity outside of marriage.

If teachers are not allowed to portray homosexuality in a positive light or talk about sex outside of marriage, where does this leave gay students who can't get married and already hear about the 'evils of homosexuality' from parents and church?

Sexytime Recap

Our mini health fest was a success! Over 20 guys were vaccinated for Hep B and 65 attended the dinner and discussion on HIV/STD's at Rodizio Grill. After seeing those STD slides during dinner, I for one will never be able to look at juicy sliced meat the same way again.

A big thanks to Planned Parenthood for vaccinating us and Glaxo Smith Kline for providing such an excellent meal and speaker. If you missed your chance to get your Hep B shot, not to worry. We'll be offering free vaccinations again in the coming months.

Btw, gayhealth.com is a great online resource for anyone wanting more in-depth sexual health info.

Do we treat HIV like Leprosy?

"Are you clean?"

More and more often I hear the word "clean" being used to describe oneself as STD-free. Ever see "clean only" on a guy's online profile? Much like lepers were considered morally and physically "unclean" 2000 years ago, this adjective perpetuates the social stigma experienced by those who have HIV or another STD. HIV is a disease that doesn't discriminate. It is not God's punishment for sex, and getting infected certainly doesn’t imply any level of moral inferiority.

In the movie Philadelphia, Andrew (played by Tom Hanks) who is stricken with AIDS says, "Look. I'm no different from everyone else who has this disease: I'm not guilty, I'm not innocent. I'm just trying to survive."

You can help destigmatize HIV by using the terms “STD-negative” or “STD-free” rather than “clean” when discussing this serious and sensitive subject. That makes it easier for guys to open up about their HIV status, leads to safer sex practices, and reduces the transmissions of STDs.

Submitted by Matt Gerber, Village and Utah AIDS Foundation Volunteer

May Village Sexytime Health Fest!

(photo courtesy FeastofFools)
Sexual Health is nothing to be scared of!

Its a double whammy sexytime night of joy! If you are gay and enjoy man on man lovin, then you should get vaccinated for Hepatitis B. Typically this is an expensive proposition, but we got your back. We've joined up with Planned Parenthood to provide you free Hep B Vaccinations on Monday, May 19th.

Come to the Utah AIDS Foundation for free Hep B vaccinations from 5pm-7pm and then join us at Rodizio Grill for a free Dinner and Discussion. Presenter Peter Prutch is a Nurse Practicioner from Denver, Colorado and will lead a balls to the wall Q & A on gay men, HIV and STD's. Come hungry and ready for an in-depth discussion on this important issue facing our community.

Village Sexytime Health Fest!

COST: Free!

WHEN: Monday, May 19th

Hep B Vaccinations

5-7pm @ Utah AIDS Foundation (1408 S 1100 E)

Dinner and Discussion

7pm-9pm @ Rodizio Grill (459 Trolley Square)
RSVP Jeremiah

Dinner and discussion sponsored by GSK!