How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
I’ve always been a very sexual person striving for long term relationships. At the age of 18, first with John for seven years. My next partner was Matthew for three years, who died of AIDS at the end of 1991.
How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
My sex life, or the lack thereof, hasn’t really changed that much. I can actually count on one hand (no pun intended) how many sex partners or one night stands I've had in my entire life time. I would say though that my attitude toward sex and potential partners has changed a bit.
My sex life has always been a challenge for me. I contracted HIV my first time having sex. So I don’t know anything other than honesty with my status. Although it wasn’t always cut and dry.
How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
I was much more aware about being safe. I was still a little shell-shocked after first testing positive so I didn't want to share my status unless I was asked. But I made sure that my partners were safe. Today I am much more forthcoming about sharing my status. It’s a part of me but does not define who I am. Other than that, my sex life hasn't changed much.
How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
Since my diagnosis in 1990, I learned to be responsible and very careful. I never looked at an expiration date before; now it is all we search for. Monogamy is practiced in faith and love. I walk in the light of the Lord, with the man that has been gifted to me by my Father; than roam in the darkness for unseen pleasures.
How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
My sex life has changed in so many ways since becoming HIV positive in 1985 but most of these changes have affected everyone because HIV changed the way we date and have sex. I didn't have sex for quite awhile after sero-converting and, once I resumed dating and having sex, I made sure to use condoms every time.
How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
Since I became positive my sex life has changed considerably. I have a lot fewer sex partners now than I had when I was negative. I’m not certain why – there are many factors, including my gender identity, my HIV status, and just maturing to be more selective with my partners.
How has your sex life changed since you became positive?
I’ve learned to have safer sex and be more cautious. My sex has been wonderful despite the fact that I had to use protection. I have been with spouse for over 25 years and we have everything we need with our sex life. I would encourage people who are recently positive to read a lot about sex. Just because you are positive doesn’t you can’t enjoy sex. There are lot safe ways to having sex and really enjoying yourself.
With all of the prevention information currently available, why do HIV rates continue to increase?
I think that, unfortunately, there are probably almost as many answers to this question as there are new infections. People's choices are obviously very personal, and I think the reasons behind them are often quite complicated.
With all of the prevention information currently available, why do HIV rates continue to increase?
I think the cause is lack of education and having the attitude that "it will never happen to me". I think some people just don't live in the reality that it can happen to them. Also a lot of people who are high tend to behave more irresponsibly. I often wonder if people, especially gay men, tend to think that the meds we have these days are so good that no one dies from it anymore so its okay to have unsafe sex. IT'S NOT.
