“Living Sexually Responsible”

Using motivation from me finding out a year or two ago that I’d contracted Syphilis, I’ve tried my best to verbalize different options for the communities in which I represent. In honor of February 7th being Black (Minorities) AIDS Awareness Day, I think what is discussed in the video below is a major wake up call to people of all walks of life. In case you have too short of an attention span to watch it, I’ve decided to include a brief summary underneath the video.

Summary: Robert Wesley Branch recaps a situation he’s experienced with one of his friends. The friend (who we’ll call Reporter) has dated a guy for 20+ years. Branch states that Reporter has (unbeknownst to his lover) cheated countless times. In 2003, Reporter calls Branch and tells him that he’s found out that he’s HIV positive. Reporter also told his boyfriend about this status, and his boyfriend decided to stick it out with him. Fast forward. Sometime around 2008/2009, Reporter meets a guy in a grocery store and then begins to date him. The guy is not only married but has not one, not two, but three children. Oh, and to add more fuel to the fire, Reporter did not disclose to the married guy that he’s positive.

I can’t describe how annoyed I am by this situation. Even more annoying is the fact that this happens in both the homosexual and heterosexual realm regularly. Many of you who frequent my site, or know anything about me, know that I stand firm in advocating safe-sex practices and knowing your status. Over the course of these last few years I have grown increasingly aware of the lack of communication skills adults have, as well as their ability to be purposely dis-honest. Not only with others, but their self as well.

I live daily on the idea that the only person we can trust is our creator and our self. You have to take steps to make sure lines of communication are open, precautions are taken, and a solid foundation is built prior to making life changing (and altering) situations.

I encourage you all (regardless of race) to go out tomorrow and get tested. Find a friend, take a friend, possibly save (yourself) and a friend. You don’t have to be infected to be affected. It’s a cold world out there and we have to come together to help warm it up.