Corbin Fisher - Bareback Sex???

[Diverdan]

Test...Test...Test

 

Unfortunately, a lot of younger gay guys... those under 35 and especially under 25 do not want to get tested. There is a lot of recent research and analysis about incidence in major cities available now, but as most of the studies report, a sizable percentage that have HIV don't even know it and don't want to know! I agree that the graphic portrait of full blown AIDS scared the sh.. out of a lot of people, both men and women. Maybe it is time for some reality checks again. Even if the average length of life after diagnosis of HIV is 22 years, that's not 22 years of fun and easy living. It is a life of constant monitoring of viral loads, taking medication, paying attention to your nutrition, etc. I lost a lot of good friends to AIDs and broke up with a bf after I found out he was bb in a bath house. He first denied it, but several of my friends had seen him and we had a serious confrontation where he finally admitted that he loved to bottom bb. I was always very careful, even with him, and although when we broke up he was still negative, I have lost touch with him and don't know what happened. We all need to do what we can with friends, colleagues, escorts we know and especially with young men to help them understand the consequences of casual and unprotected fun.

[Luv2play]

. HIV is not something we can manage, not yet. Research continues, but every 'breakthrough' is more about media blitzing than actual advance.

 

I don't know where you have been for the last 15 years but HIV has become a manageable chronic disease, much as diabetes is, just ask any HIV specialist. The anti-retroviral drugs available developed since the late '90's have turned what was once a death sentence to a life sentence, that is, as long as you take the drugs you can contain the ravages of the virus.

 

To be sure, there still is no cure for AIDS but there is effective treatment and that message has to get out too. Otherwise people will not get tested when they think they may be at risk. People need to know that if they do test positive, they are not condemned to die in the next two years.

 

The other point to make is that the drugs being developed to treat HIV are continuing to come to market and are able to treat infections that become resistant to the first line of treatment. It seems some people are operating with knowledge that is seriously outdated.

 

Rather than take the opinions of people here, if someone is truly interested in learning about AIDS they should read up on what the medical profession has been up to the last decade. The international conference on AIDS avoided the US for years because of the US's policy of excluding infected people from visiting from abroad. This has changed so maybe Americans will get caught up with what is going on in the world.

[Diverdan]

I would hardly classify " HIV as a manageable chronic disease, much as diabetes is" I have many friends with HIV, and although they have a "life", it is certainly not one that they would choose again. None of them believe that the fun they had was worth what they are dealing with now. I have worked in the health care field my entire life and there is only one solution to the problem... don't behave in a way that will allow the HIV virus to enter your system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope and pray that a "cure" will be found one day, but it is highly unlikely given the mutation that has already occurred with the HIV viruses. Most folks don't like having diabetes either, but for most it is inherited, although for some it is related to diet and other factors. But one does not "catch" diabetes in the same manner as one can "catch" HIV, hence protection and caution is the only safe route.

[Luv2play]

For one "who has worked in the health care field your entire life", you show appalling ignorance.

[Luv2play]

Most folks don't like having diabetes either, but for most it is inherited, although for some it is related to diet and other factors. But one does not "catch" diabetes in the same manner as one can "catch" HIV,.

 

This is also erroneous. Most diabetes in America today is Type 2, which is acquired later in life, not the hereditary type which is Type 1. Many are getting this disease because of lifestyle, particularly obesity, which is rampant in America. Again, I find it incredible that you are in the health care field and don't know these things.

[seeker630]

They recently released a DVD compilation of bareback scenes from various movies titled 'Skin on Skin' - a phrase that sounds much more innocent than 'bareback' or 'raw'.

[jimboivyo]

I don't know where you have been for the last 15 years but HIV has become a manageable chronic disease, much as diabetes is...

 

It's statements like this that give a younger generation hope that their barebacking will not cost them much in the long run. What an irresponsible thing to say.

 

HIV/AIDS kills. Plain as day. You may live longer now, but will most likely not live as long as you normally would. What you face having it are crippling medical bills, gastrointestinal issues, facial wasting and a slew of other problems. The antivirals are often just as tough on your system as the disease itself. Putting a happy face on this is impossible. It's just not manageable in the way that diabetes is.

 

Luv: You make it seem as easy as taking a handful of pills. It's not. That's the problem with gay kids today- They think they can take a pill for everything and be fine. Not the case.

[KMEM]

Not defending any claims about management of AIDS or any disease but, in fact, diabetes is not as manageable as some think. It depends upon a LOT of effort by the person who has it. Even then, the average life expectancy of a diabetic is less than the average.

 

What does seem manageable to me is avoiding AIDS. Sure, there are things one can do to minimize the chances of having diabetes but there are things one can do to virtually eliminate the risk of AIDS or so it seems. Of course, nothing is foolproof.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[Luv2play]

I am not making irresponsible statements. I am merely making factual statements. I have not said anything about barebacking being a sensible practice.

 

I also don't believe in making wild statements that may have been true 20 years ago but are no longer factual. You need to get up to date on the literature on AIDS and HIV treatments. You are living in the past.

[leigh.bess.toad]

Unfortunately, and I do REALLY mean unfortunately, I think there is truth to both Dan's and Luv's side. How many of us know friends, colleagues whatever, who are HIV+ and have been for many years, have never progressed to AIDS, are probably healther than many of us who are HIV- because they are so acutely aware of everything about themselves. Young people today (damn, I sound like a grandparent - you younguns) -- those who did not live through the sheer terror of the early years of AIDS will never know that level of fear and panic those of us who did experienced and will never forget, of seeing so many of the people we love die. I wonder if in some way it isn't the typical youthful rebellion against what their "elders" teach. But this time we fuddy-duddys teach it out of fear because we remember what was. The current generation see it as no big deal because it isn't an immediate death sentence as it used to be.

 

But it is a big deal. Managing all those meds every single day for the rest of your life without fail can be an enormous burden, both financially and emotionally. Yes, AIDS is more manageable medically, much like diabetes. But trust me, diabetes is not a walk in the park, either Type I or Type II. And I have seen kids who have not even reached their teens receive the diagnosis of Type II diabetes. We know that the average lifespan of a diabetic is considerably shorter than a non-diabetic. The increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, loss of limbs, etc. is so vastly increased it staggers the mind. So please don't make any attempt whatsoever to minimize the effects of either diabetes or HIV.

 

I too am concerned by the increase in the number of BB participants, however I am afraid I am less sanguine about the chances of changing anything until something tragic happens. It seems like nothing will happen until a big name is hit. We've already seen Mason Wyler announce he's HIV+ and I don't know if he's actually done any BB movies. Does anyone know that? I know he spoke of wanting to do BB on his website, but I don't know if he ever filmed any. Unitl one of the CF or Chaos Men or some such company's stars contract HIV, I fear it will do nothing but grow.

 

All I ask is that here everyone PLEASE remain civil. I know this can be a very passionate topic.

[Diverdan]

I am neither ignorant nor not up to date. But, clearly there is a difference of opinion about behaviors and the consequences of behavior. I am looking forward to the International AIDS conference in DC, which will finally be back in the USA since we have changed our VISA requirements that were imposed during the BUSH era. Perhaps the media coverage of that conference will help penetrate the minds of those who insist on behaving irresponsibly. HIV and AIDS, Diabetes and a lot of other medical problems may be "managable", but ask anyone who has a such a problem and most would give anything or do anything not to have to deal with the consequences. Help us educate the young men and women of this country to practice prevention, and all of us who post here have contacts to help do just that. This is my last post on this subject.

DD

[justaguy]

I have to admit that Luv2play is right--I am reacting with the mentality of someone who went through the first wave of devastation. I really don't know what 'managable' may or may not mean. What I do know is that I've seen enough personally to think that it can't be worth the risk, at least in terms of my personal behaviors.

[Guest Tristan]

taboo the peter twins has barebacking between the 2 twin brothers. that's been released on dvd directed by Lukas Ridgeston under the bel ami label. that ones on dvd. Not sure if there's others

 

Joseph, thanks for the post. You're right. I guess Bel Ami rationalizes that they just BB with each other. That's pushing the envelope. The rationalization totally falls apart if either of the twins is barebacking with a third person.

[josephga]

I did some checking bel ami also has skin on skin 1 and 2 both directed by lukas

[RockHard]

Life ain't easy for some.

 

HIV and AIDS, Diabetes and a lot of other medical problems may be "managable", but ask anyone who has a such a problem and most would give anything or do anything not to have to deal with the consequences.

If only this were true. In some instances it is true but there are too many gay men who don't care about life let alone a healthy one. There are too many gay men who only care about condom-less orgasm and how and when to get the next one.

 

Many people who are diagnosed with lung cancer continue to smoke in spite of doctor's orders. Many people who have diabetes take their medication but they don't manage to lose weight, change their diet, or fix what is wrong in the first place. Some people simply can't cope. A lot of people with diabetes don't find out about it until it's way to late. People who cling to food as a way to cope with life tend to remain in denial a very long time without ever visiting a doctor.

 

Too many people dream of a magic pill that will make everything alright or at least justify why their behavior doesn't need to change.

 

Depression is no fun and there are a lot of people who struggle to find any meaning in life. I can think of many reasons why some gay men cling to a bareback experience, play Russian Roulette with their health, put other people at risk of HIV infection, and can't reach orgasm anymore unless and until some other guy shoves a tree trunk up his ass. Life is complicated for some and many gay men carry around a lot of self-destructive baggage.

 

I'm very sorry to hear that Mason Wyler is HIV+, which I did not know until I read this thread. I always thought the guy was crazy and a lot of fun, and a brilliant cock sucker. Now I see he was a little too crazy and his idea of fun too dangerous. I wish him the best.

[josephga]

I heard a few weeks ago about Mason Wyler. He says on his blog that he is not surprised that he had contracted HIV. He says he is solely responsible for his health. Well aware of the risks and dangers associated with bareback sex but ignored them. He says he can only hope that he makes smarter decisions in his future. Some people are saying that he was knowing having sex and not telling people his status He went on to say I am a sex fiend. I am NOT a monster. So to the people who are spreading rumors that I have done otherwise, STOP. You are not saving anyone's life by talking about me so STOP. That's from his on line blog