Stay HIV Free - Always Use a Condom!

A graphic public service announcement on HIV/AIDS has been released by the New York City Department of Health. The ad features individuals with HIV suffering from not only HIV alone but other diseases that can accompany it due to higher risk.

HIV/AIDS has been spreading rapidly in the gay community and elsewhere, especially among those who are under 30 and were not around or old enough to witness the epidemic during the 1980's.



For a brochure on this campaign click here.

Be safe. Be smart. Be with a condom at all times.

Word of the Gay: "Bubble Gum Machine"

A "bubble gum machine" is a term used to refer to condom dispensing machines.

National Condom Week 2/14-2/21

In honor of national condom week this post is encouraging safe-sex and proper condom usage. Condoms while not full proof are extremely effective at reducing your risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Facts:

-You must use a new condom for every sex act (oral, anal, and/or vaginal).

-Use only water based lubricants with latex condoms. Oils, jelly, and other lotions can damage and render the condom ineffective.

-Pay attention to the expiration date on your condoms and make sure to store them in a cool and dry place.

-Those allergic to latex can opt for a synthetic condom.

How to promote National Condom Week:

-Dedicate your facebook status, blog post, or tweet about it using the hashtag #condomweek

-Try to get your school, community center to provide free condoms and lubricant.

For more information on condoms please visit AVERT.

Tell CVS to Unlock Access to Condoms

In CVS stores across the country, condoms are kept locked in glass cases. Public health advocates criticize this practice, saying it creates a barrier which could decrease condom use.

Even more worrisome than CVS's practice of locking condoms is where those locked cases are located: locked condoms have been found disproportionately in minority areas.

With the disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS among LGBT communities of color, it is appalling that CVS is making condoms less accessible to those who may be uncomfortable or fearful to ask an employee to unlock the case.

Sign the Cure CVS petition and tell them to stop this discriminatory and harmful practice by unlock the cases!