Safer Sex 101


Sex is an integral aspect of life. Yet, no absolutes exists for it. Not everyone agrees on what is erotic or sexually hot. Hopefully the information in this section will help you think through some issues surrounding sex between men.
Many gay and bi men have always felt anxious or confused about sexual issues, and many of these feelings may have nothing to do with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. After all, much of society is homophobic and disapproves of gay sex - HIV or no HIV. Many of our own feelings about the sex we have may be affected by the homophobia around us.
As a sexually active gay or bi man, you will feel most comfortable about your sexual decisions if you've really looked at your own feelings about the sex you enjoy. Confronting them will help you make better decisions - decisions that will make you happier about the sex you have, decisions that you can live with, especially related to the level of sexual risk with which you are comfortable.

No type of sex activity, besides masturbation, is 100% safe from the transmission of HIV. Risk of HIV infection or STDs exist any time you engage in sexual activity with another human being. However, some types of sex are riskier than others. You can minimize your risk of infection by practicing safer sex.
Gay and bi men have adopted a number of strategies to reduce their risk of HIV inflection. Prominent among them are celibacy, monogamy, and condom use.  Regardless of the strategy you chose, talking with friends can help alleviate the discomfort and fear sometimes associated with sex.
Practicing safer sex is not always easy. So find a group of friends who care about you and are willing to talk openly about sex and encourage each other to have safer sex. Remember, only you can decide what's best for you.

HIV and AIDS - Sexual Activity Risk