World Aids Day (12-1-08)

World Aids Day is observed every December 1st. The AIDS epidemic has killed more than 25 million people around the world, including many dear and beloved members of our queer community. In addition an estimated 33 million people are living and suffering with HIV worldwide. Many lives have been claimed, many have been affected, and many people remain in the dark and do not know their status.

Click here for a national listing of HIV & STD testing resources.

It is vital to get tested regularly to ensure that you are not HIV positive, this very serious disease poses a risk not only to yourself but also to potential partners. It only takes one time to get the illness and there is no cure. Regardless of ones status it is imperative to always use protection.

HIV can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, and oral sex, and through the use of dirty and/or used needles. HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk.

Please always make sure to use protection, via condoms, female condoms, and dental dams for oral-genital contact. No question is ever too stupid when it comes to dealing with sexual health, and please visit AVERT for comprehensive information on HIV/AIDS for specific countries, sexuality, and more.

On this day let us contemplate the millions of lives who have been and are currently affected by HIV/AIDS. Please use protection, educate yourself and educate others!

Stay safe, and please feel free to use the comment section to ask any questions, we are all here to help one another and no question can be deemed invalid when it comes to our sexual health.

Equality Utah - Petition for Gay & Transgender Utahns

"Throughout the recent election cycle, the LDS Church has demonstrated its willingness to participate in political issues by asking its members to do all they can do, including donating their means and their time, to support California’s Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution and eliminated gay couples right to marry by defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

The LDS Church has articulated it is not “anti-gay” but rather pro-marriage and it “does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.” On November 5th, Elder L. Whitney Clayton stated the LDS Church does not oppose “civil unions or domestic partnerships.” In response to these statements, Equality Utah is drafting legislation for the 2009 General Session of the Utah Legislature to address each of the issues mentioned by the LDS Church."

Help urge the LDS church to stick by their statements and help in the effort to pass equality legislation in Utah.

Click here to sign the Equality Utah petition.