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I'd like to see a larger conversation about this rhetoric. It's extremely insulting to come across these phrases 'disease and drug free' and 'clean'. It's not a rare thing, it has become the norm, the acceptable internet slang. To imply that people are walking around with untreated syphilis or something is a joke. To equate HIV+ people with drug abuse is also a joke. It's clear what the meaning is, I'm HIV-, you be too. Nothing wrong with that. I prefer meeting HIV+ people and I'm clean and sober and I prefer the same. HIV+ people are marginalized in the gay community like never before. I have the perspective of moving from San Francisco to the Midwest, the contrast is shocking and I will probably move on because of this one issue. I am not wanted as a sexually active member in my local gay community. Those of us who are open about our status receive blame and hostility because of so many people who are closeted about their status. The younger generation seems to be walking around in denial, infection rates going up, barebacking like crazy. The more we are referred to as 'diseased' and 'unclean' the more HIV+ people will hide or lie about their status. It goes on where I live like a sickness, denial and lies, both sides share some guilt. I don't know what the solution is but this rhetoric goes on unquestioned for the most part and I'm tired of it, I am convinced that it contributes to a toxic environment in which infection rates are going up.
A similar phrase that bothers me is "clean" to indicate that you do not want guys with STIs, as if being HIV-positive made someone "unclean" - it's insulting besides just being wrong.
Rich
I am HIV NEG & D/D Free. I will BLOW & SWALLOW CUM for a POZ DUDE without a second thought. I have enjoyed being FUCKED UNPROTECTED, BAREBACK-RAW by POZ Gay / Bi Men, without having yet been "converted". Am I afraid of being POZ'D? No. I am expectingh it, longing for it, and hoping for it. Mission District; San Francisco, CA
April 6, 2010