We have come to the homophobic conclusion that when gay men engage in intercourse without a barrier we label it psychotic barebacking, but when straight people do it we call it sex.
Treating My Facial Wasting with Artefill
My dismay over my facial wasting pitted two strong emotions against one another: my pride in being a longtime HIV/AIDS survivor, and my shame for looking like one.
In My Humble, Closeted Opinion
How could I march in a gay pride parade with “No One Knows I’m HIV positive” emblazoned on my t-shirt but I couldn’t come out in a room of eight men?
Probing My Anal Phobia
My conundrum: exploring the pleasures of my tush while fighting the terror that something stinky might be going on down there. I suspect I am not alone in this anxiety.
The Private War That Killed Spencer Cox
When legendary AIDS treatment activist Spencer Cox died on December 18, 2012, the cause of death was AIDS-related complications, which is understandable if post-traumatic stress, despair, and drug addiction are complications related to AIDS.
The Night Don Lemon Hugged Me
Don Lemon, who remembered our first visit and never mentioned the circumstances, who knew this interview meant growth for me, a sort of redemption perhaps, and who even knew a little about overcoming shame himself, reached out in a simple gesture of support.
On Board the 2012 HIV Cruise Retreat
The protective walls that often surround those of us living with HIV came crumbling down, replaced with new relationships, email addresses and phone numbers. By the time we docked back in Ft Lauderdale, hugs were long and new confidants had been established.
On Being Among Instinct Magazine’s “Leading Men of 2012”
If you have the privilege and ability to share your story of life with HIV – or as a gay or lesbian person, or as someone living with disability or hardship – I urge you to do it. The rewards may not be immediate but are nevertheless held in life’s cache.
Is there Pride in being HIV Positive?
During the 2012 Atlanta Pride parade and festival, Mark S. King takes in the sights with his usual humor and asks a simple question: if HIV is nothing to be ashamed of, is it something to be proud of?
The Truth is Bad Enough: What Became of the Happy Hustler?
Kearns’ story includes a bizarre intersection between us that I found so revelatory and disturbing that I had to actually put the book down for several days while I reexamined an entire section of my life.
