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.


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.

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?

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.

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.

All of the six video blogs produced by “My Fabulous Disease” during AIDS2012 (the international AIDS conference) in Washington, DC, July 21-27, 2012.

In this farewell video posting, I pay tribute to the people on the front lines who are the very essence of this conference. They are the ones with the “star power,” and they fill me with renewed commitment and energy that might possibly last until AIDS2014 in Melbourne, Australia.

You’re about to meet drag queens who make their living handing out condoms, sex workers demanding an end to criminalization, young prevention workers from far-flung corners of the planet, a stunning photo exhibit from the Ukraine… the list goes on.

The people included in the video can speak for themselves, and quite eloquently. Maybe it was the emotions of the event — anger, nervousness, pride — but it was an exhausting day. I felt the residue of grief for lost friends in a way I haven’t experienced in years.

With all the talk about the devastating effects of HIV stigma, I found validation in the unlikeliest of places: the Gallery Place subway station. With Lamar Rogers and Jack Mackenroth.

On the first official day of AIDS2012, the schedule is light but the party is rolling, with an outdoor concert steps away from the AIDS quilt featuring Weyclef Sean and Cornel West (!), dancing dignitaries, and a somewhat surprise ending!

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