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In this age of AIDS, fucking, sucking, and even kissing are
essentially out until the plague is subdued, which may take a lifetime,
but at least you will have that lifetime.  Mutual masturbation, massage,
using toys, and using your imagination are ways to be safe.  Monogamy
is a possible reliever of this condition, but you must be sure your partner
is faithful.  This requires an old-fashioned device.  No, not the chastity
belt.  I'm talking about Love.  Genuine gut-wrenching, painful, beautiful,
consuming love and loyalty, as well as honesty and openness, should
preserve a monogamous relationship.

     If both partners fully realize the threat of AIDS, it is hard to
imagine one partner being unfaithful.  Cheating on your partner in the
age of AIDS is a double betrayal, because you put your lover at risk of
dying of a horrible disease.  But being realistic, it could happen.
That is a chance one may or may not want to take when he is in love.

     I visited the local gay bar the other night.  As I sat at the bar and
surveyed  the crowd (the place was packed!) I asked my friend how
many people he  thought had AIDS.  "About half!" he said.  I thought
he was kidding, but he wasn't.  As the night wore on he pointed out
an acquaintance of mine who  rumors said had HIV. I looked at the fellow,
a young, promiscuous rascal,  and began developing my theory of who
the AIDS plague will take and who  it will spare.  I plan to survive it; I
know that much provided I am not already infected from my less
cautious younger days (I did practice safer sex then).  How about you?
Will you survive this age of AIDS?

   I mention the plague because all of us need to keep very aware of
its presence, and not forget.  We can never be careless. We must always
have AIDS at the back of our minds.  This is not a completely negative
thing; monogamy and stronger relationships should result.  But, damn
it--we have to stop the casualties that AIDS is inflicting on the race;
it's taking out some of the most lovable people, while the Puritans
march merrily on.

   I do sometimes wonder whether HIV was hatched intentionally, in
light of its victims, and the cruelty of bigots.