BREAKING THE SILENCE =

Gay Men and Bare Back Sex

Bareback or Unprotected Anal Sex

Some experts blame the current progress made in HIV research and greater life extending HIV medications for the increased perception that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is controllable and no longer the concern it was in the 1980's. This has led to alarming apathy for the transmission of HIV and loose safe sex practices.

Over the last few years the number of gay, men who have sex with men (MSM), bisexual and Down Low men (DL), engaging in unsafe anal sex (or bare-backing) has increased dramatically. Many online and telephone chat rooms are flooded with men requesting unprotected sex without disclosure of their HIV status; Reports of gay men’s sex parties where Safe Sex practises may not be a high priority or lost in the heat-of-the-moment; And an alarming new phenomenon called Bug Parties, where people intentionally bareback to transmit HIV.

What is bare-backing?

Bare-backing is the act of having penetrative anal sex with another man without a condom and water soluble lubricant. Bare-backing is also known as ‘skin-to-skin’.

Why do gay men bareback?

1. Increased Apathy Over the Transmission of HIV. Some gay men no longer fear HIV. They may believe the virus is unavoidable or that the virus has been controlled, resulting in longer lives for those infected.
   
   Unfortunately, HIV is still alive and well. The spread of the virus continues to increase despite better medications available. Remember, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. HIV meds only prolong the development of the virus into full blown AIDS. HIV medications do not cure or protect you from the virus.
2. Anxiety Over Contracting HIV. An alarming number of men are either deliberately transmitting the virus or willingly receiving the virus. These men are called gift givers and bug chasers respectively. Bug chasers willingly try to contract HIV because they have such high anxiety over catching the virus anyway (believing it is just a matter of time before they are infected).
   
   This is a false belief. Many gay men live long and healthy lives, without contracting HIV.
3. Some Men Are Already HIV Positive. Some HIV positive gay men believe that since they already have the virus there is no need to have protected sex with another HIV positive man. However, when two HIV positive men transmit and retransmit the virus to each other it is possible for them to create new strains of HIV. In the case of the gift giver, they believe that each person makes their own choices when it comes to safe sex. So if another man wants to bareback with them, it's their decision.
   
   With sex comes the responsibility to protect yourself and others. Always discuss your sexual history and HIV status before sex. Safe sex should still be practiced even after this discussion.
4. Some Men "Live for the Moment." There are gay men that have either adopted or already had a fearless mentality. They live for the moment and accept whatever consequences result from their actions. They accept the risk of disease if bare-backing feels like the right think to do at the moment.
   
   Sure, sex without a condom may increase your pleasure or seem more spontaneous, but the risks far outweigh any moment of ecstasy. A moment of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of illness.
5. Low Self-Esteem. Gay men with low self-esteem sometimes follow the direction of a more confident sex partner or friend.
   
   To your disbelief, a gorgeous man may be sharing your bed - a moment you thought might never happen. Looks and charm do not entitle someone to put you at risk. We've all heard it before, "I can't get erect with a condom on..," or "Just for a little while..." These lines are for his pleasure only, not your protection. Don't let a sex bully dictate your future health.
6. Drug Use. Using drugs like marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, heroine, ecstasy, or crystal meth, can impair judgement and has been shown to increase the chances of having unprotected sex.
   
   The moment of a drug high may seem unforgettable, but a majority of men remember little, including sex, after coming down. Don't be caught in a situation where you have to remember an encounter that may have given you an unforgettable disease.

What are the negative effects of bare-backing?

1. You Can Contract HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Bare-backing can dramatically increase the chances of contracting HIV and other STIs like syphilis. Some STI's can lead to live changing conditions and eventually death. Protect yourself, even if a guy tells you he's HIV and STI negative.
2. You Can Infect Your Partner. There is never a good time for giving when it comes to sexually transmitted infections. If you do have an STI, you can play a great part in efforts to control viruses and diseases by playing safe.
3. You Put Your Life in the Hands of Another Person. And sometimes that other person is a stranger. Your body is your temple. A few moments of pleasure are not worth a lifetime of pain or suffering. Play safe!

All rights reserved.
Research data courtesy Gay Life.com
Re-Edited by DENI