Get Tested
The following are my thoughts from a few years ago. Much hasn’t changed and my views remain the same. There is so much more we can do as individuals, but just think about what we can accomplish – together, as a people united for the good of all humanity. Do your part to make a difference. Share the truth in order to find your real happiness. Get tested! – paerki
Today is World AIDS day. I don’t hear too much talk about it and feel it has become a back burner issue. I base this on articles, statistics, stories from friends and conversations from everyday people, especially when I am on the bus. This is further compounded by observations of chat room and other Internet banter, which exploits and encourages sexual promiscuity.
I am far from being a prude and have no problem with people getting their groove on, doing the late night booty call or cruising their next sexual conquest. However, I do have concerns when individuals are not willing to use protection. Many continue to bareback, forgo using dental dams and condoms.
I know of individuals infected with HIV/AIDS who continue their selfish act of sleeping around, and all in the name of a quick fix. I believe some of these people are consumed with sexual addiction; others are simply unapologetically obscene.
So many are interested in having their cake and eating it, too. More and more people are having sex on the side without getting the OK from their spouse/partner (as if they would ever say, yes). They want stability and sexcapades, but that doesn’t always work.
Some of my friends flaunt the approval of their spouse/partner for allowing them to stick their hands in a different cookie jar. They are eager to tell people how wonderful their relationship is; however, their body language speaks differently.
What is wrong with monogamy? It works, but only if you are willing to do your part.
I can understand partnerships growing tired, old and sour, and it’s because we’re not working hard enough. Our interconnections are always a work in progress. I think part of the problem is people take their significant other for granted. We make excuses, tell lies and manipulate each other. These are not relationships and definitely not ones of equality!
We must always attempt to look our best, be engaging, willing to shake it up a bit (and no, I’m not talking threesomes), explore new and creative options for keeping the love alive and most importantly, set time aside to nurture each other in the best of ways. When you take these simple measures, you won’t want to go anywhere else if it’s that good at home.
HIV/AIDS and other STDS are alive and well, and lurking everywhere. Drug addiction (both recreational use that lowers inhibitions and those hard core addicts who share needles) is still a grave concern. We need to keep ourselves safe and value the temple, which is our body. We must play an active role in humanity, by choosing a higher standard of morals, responsibility, as well as imploring advocacy.
We need to stop dismissing the real need for sex education in schools and the distribution of condoms (with a counselors guidance of course, and not from someone who is there to judge). Religious zealots need to stop being so hypocritical, pompous and unrealistic about sex. Religion helps, but it doesn’t save the day and there is much research to the contrary. Needle exchange programs must be utilized, enhanced and reworked when necessary.
Prudes of the world, stop living in a bubble. Everyone needs to be on board with a new approach, and just saying, STOP or NO is not the answer; it’s a hindrance, permission and at times a dare.
I wish more parents were involved in helping their children with the challenging changes puberty brings. It can be a scary, mixed up time, especially when those hormones kick in. I wish I had parents who were understanding and not so blind and scared. (This is not a judgment or a reference of fault, but a lack of understanding.)
I find some of the biggest offenders breaching moral code are those with a Bible in tow and a whole lot of judging. You need to stop lashing out because of your mistakes from the past. You can’t make up for it. Catchy slogans will not save your child, but words of understanding, love, respect and acceptance will help aid in their safety. No one is immune from contracting HIV/AIDS. Preaching abstinence is a push in the wrong direction. Education is key for better choices and stronger outcomes. World AIDS Day… What does it mean to you, today and every day?
