Again the total ignorance and arrogance of the Catholic church never fails to astound me. . .
Today Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Africa for his first visit as pontiff. He has said that handing out condoms is not the answer in the fight against HIV/Aids. He was Speaking en route to Cameroon, and he has said the Catholic churhes view is that the distribution of condoms "increases the problem" as The Vatican urges abstinence.
I find the Vaticans stance on the HIV epidemic in Africa (and the world) startling, especially in the face of overwhelming evidence that condoms are a vital aid in stemming the upward trend in infections. Being HIV+ myself I know that the use of condoms as well as a wider education program are the two key tools in bringing the HIV epidemic under control all over the World, not just in Africa.
How can the church show such ignorance? I guess in 50 years time, just as we have had with regards to the Holocaust the church will admit it got it wrong but by then millions more will have perished due to this disease. Remember the TV campaign from the mid-eighties? "Don't die of ignorance" Well I think the catholic churches ignorance is causing millions more to die!
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Sunday, 15 March 2009
A good day!
Well what a fantastic day today has been! In fact the whole weekend has been great! It has certainly felt that Spring has finally sprung here in South Wales!
Saturday was wonderful as we managed to get some work done in the garden. Clear the lawn and get the pots and bushes pruned all ready for the rapidly approaching Summer! His Knibbs really enjoys spending the day in the garden - food for his soul! Mind you there was one moment
of excitement! I got back from the supermarket to be greet by His Knibbs with blood all over his t-shirt! The numpty had flipped the garden strimmer to lengthen the cord and like a total idiot forgot to turn it off! The strimmer promptly took part of his knuckle off! Honestly it was like a scene from Saw when I walked through the front door! Fortunately it was not fatal! He just felt a bit of a tit due to his blatant disregard for the most basic Health & Safety issues! Anyways after I had called him all the idiots under the sun and a good spray of Elastoplast all was good in the garden again!
of excitement! I got back from the supermarket to be greet by His Knibbs with blood all over his t-shirt! The numpty had flipped the garden strimmer to lengthen the cord and like a total idiot forgot to turn it off! The strimmer promptly took part of his knuckle off! Honestly it was like a scene from Saw when I walked through the front door! Fortunately it was not fatal! He just felt a bit of a tit due to his blatant disregard for the most basic Health & Safety issues! Anyways after I had called him all the idiots under the sun and a good spray of Elastoplast all was good in the garden again!
Today was even better! Lovely warm spring sunshine so we took a stroll down on the beach as His Knibbs wanted to get a few photos to upload to Flickr. We walked the beach for a good couple of hours and were quite surprised just how many people had the same idea. Don't get me wrong our beach is well used by the locals, even more so since it was awarded the much coveted Blue Flag award last summer! Well we made our way towards the dunes first of all where we had some fun trying to get some decent photos with our somewhat modest little digital camera!Got to admit we got a few great photos. Especially of some small rocks poking out the sand that 
looked like a mountain range in the photo! Got to admit I am quite proud of that one! (",) Anyway after we had walked the dunes and enjoyed the warm sun and sea breeze we thought it be best to head back but we really wanted to take a closer look at the new beach art installed over the Winter. Our particular favourite is a 40 foot tall steel structure halfway down the promenade. The installation is called Kite Tail by a local artist by the name of Andy Rowe.
looked like a mountain range in the photo! Got to admit I am quite proud of that one! (",) Anyway after we had walked the dunes and enjoyed the warm sun and sea breeze we thought it be best to head back but we really wanted to take a closer look at the new beach art installed over the Winter. Our particular favourite is a 40 foot tall steel structure halfway down the promenade. The installation is called Kite Tail by a local artist by the name of Andy Rowe.All in all it has made for a lovey weekend and has put me in a great mind for the start of the working week! Roll on the Summer is what I say!
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Stigma - Fact or Fiction??
OK - been thinking (and talking) about the whole HIV thing and the stigma that goes with it.
I have to say, from my part at least - Stigma just is not there! Not from my friends, co-workers or family! Maybe I am lucky and the people I am surrounded with have good heads on their shoulders.
As far as the "scene" goes I am not too sure! Not being a "Scene Queen" anymore, I tend not to mix with the scantily clad disco bunnies so my status is not something I would usually bring up in conversation on, one of the few occasions I go out!
HOWEVER!
Being a member on Gaydar I do spend some time in the chat rooms and I have come across quite a disturbing trend! I can only refer to it as "status chasing". Supposed guys with a negative status that are actively searching out the virus! WHY!!! HELLOOOO - do you not actually understand what HIV does to you? OK, so it is no longer the death sentence it was back in the 80's but it still screws up the rest of your life! I just don't get it!! Seemingly "bright" guy chasing the virus by seeking out bareback sex with people they know that are HIV+.
Two things here: Firstly - If I was to knowingly have unprotected sex with someone and they then become infected, I can go to prison! Secondly, these guys are chasing the virus with no real comprehension of what it is like to live the HIV. Whats happened to education in schools, the wider community and the Scene?
I am just baffled and concerned! Maybe the local bars should start trips to the local wards in the hospital where folks in the final days of their lives due the HIV/AIDS are being treated and see the devastation it causes. Maybe when they see the destruction of the disease they will realise the importance of the safe sex message. Realise the posters & leaflets actually have a message that needs to be understood!
So they get infected, the become part of the "HIV Club" , what are they expecting next? The mind boggles!
Let me finish up by saying this - the safe sex message is something they should listen to, understand and "Rubbering-up" should be the new Black for 2009! Well we can hope!
I have to say, from my part at least - Stigma just is not there! Not from my friends, co-workers or family! Maybe I am lucky and the people I am surrounded with have good heads on their shoulders.
As far as the "scene" goes I am not too sure! Not being a "Scene Queen" anymore, I tend not to mix with the scantily clad disco bunnies so my status is not something I would usually bring up in conversation on, one of the few occasions I go out!
HOWEVER!
Being a member on Gaydar I do spend some time in the chat rooms and I have come across quite a disturbing trend! I can only refer to it as "status chasing". Supposed guys with a negative status that are actively searching out the virus! WHY!!! HELLOOOO - do you not actually understand what HIV does to you? OK, so it is no longer the death sentence it was back in the 80's but it still screws up the rest of your life! I just don't get it!! Seemingly "bright" guy chasing the virus by seeking out bareback sex with people they know that are HIV+.
Two things here: Firstly - If I was to knowingly have unprotected sex with someone and they then become infected, I can go to prison! Secondly, these guys are chasing the virus with no real comprehension of what it is like to live the HIV. Whats happened to education in schools, the wider community and the Scene?
I am just baffled and concerned! Maybe the local bars should start trips to the local wards in the hospital where folks in the final days of their lives due the HIV/AIDS are being treated and see the devastation it causes. Maybe when they see the destruction of the disease they will realise the importance of the safe sex message. Realise the posters & leaflets actually have a message that needs to be understood!
So they get infected, the become part of the "HIV Club" , what are they expecting next? The mind boggles!
Let me finish up by saying this - the safe sex message is something they should listen to, understand and "Rubbering-up" should be the new Black for 2009! Well we can hope!
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Disclosed!
Seeing as there as been such a gap since my last regular entries, I still have a few follow up posts to make.
When I was discussing my disclosure dilemma I guess I failed to take into account the depth of friendship and maturity of my co workers! Anyways, one by one over the last few months I have discussed my status and have to say I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had! I should point out that I work in a very masculine industry, so disclosure of my HIV status was, in my mind, going to be an issue - where has my homosexuality never has been, not that I wear my sexuality on my sleeve anyway!
Anyway - the long and short of the matter is the guys I work with have just taken the news in their stride and have been so unbelievably supportive it was a little overwhelming!
It took a great deal of soul searching on my part - 10 months of it to be exact! But it has been one of the best things I have done. Now the guys show an interest in the condition and my treatment, not in an overly intrusive way though. I guess the fact that some of them are single (and all straight) and are quite sexually active with different partners, it has given them food for thought. So much so a couple of the guys are arranging to get tested themselves!
That makes me feel kinda good about myself as I have managed to raise awareness of the dangers of HIV and unprotected sex! More awareness means a lowered risk of infection and the more people who are aware of HIV and the fact that they are taking steps to avoid infection can only be a good thing. Now they have an awareness and understanding they will pass this on to their friends and the message gets out there!
A job well done!
(",)
When I was discussing my disclosure dilemma I guess I failed to take into account the depth of friendship and maturity of my co workers! Anyways, one by one over the last few months I have discussed my status and have to say I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had! I should point out that I work in a very masculine industry, so disclosure of my HIV status was, in my mind, going to be an issue - where has my homosexuality never has been, not that I wear my sexuality on my sleeve anyway!
Anyway - the long and short of the matter is the guys I work with have just taken the news in their stride and have been so unbelievably supportive it was a little overwhelming!
It took a great deal of soul searching on my part - 10 months of it to be exact! But it has been one of the best things I have done. Now the guys show an interest in the condition and my treatment, not in an overly intrusive way though. I guess the fact that some of them are single (and all straight) and are quite sexually active with different partners, it has given them food for thought. So much so a couple of the guys are arranging to get tested themselves!
That makes me feel kinda good about myself as I have managed to raise awareness of the dangers of HIV and unprotected sex! More awareness means a lowered risk of infection and the more people who are aware of HIV and the fact that they are taking steps to avoid infection can only be a good thing. Now they have an awareness and understanding they will pass this on to their friends and the message gets out there!
A job well done!
(",)
Monday, 17 November 2008
101 totally randon things about me!
I have spent quite a bit of time on the internet over the past few days {my new found obsession with Facebook bears testament to this}, anyways I was reading this blog written by a guy I stumbled across on Youtube and he had this list of "100 things". I thought, now theres a good idea. Something cathartic, a task to list 101 totally random things about me and my life! Some things people know other that they may not and some that I am sure the won't!
The result is posted here for all to see:
My totally random “101 things about me” list
I was born in 1972
I am drawn to shiny things
I sometimes enjoy a good cry
I am married to Mal
I have brown eyes
My right nipple is pierced and it is tattooed
I first got a mortgage 5 years ago (with another 20 to pay it off!)
I once had a job selling refills for condom machines over the phone
I really like the colour green
I would sleep with Madonna if I got the chance!
The way Mal say’s “look at me” when he does his Kath & Kim impression it really makes me smile
I am regular
I’d like to be a spy
I am no longer scared of fish
I think Mal is the best thing that has ever happened to me
I am no longer scared of dying
I pluck my eyebrows
My friends make me happy
I enjoy the music of Sade
I prefer wholemeal bread
Mayonnaise makes me gag
I am going grey – FAST!
I first had sex when I was 16
I have to watch the news every day
I am 5 foot 10.5 inches tall
I can be quite homophobic
I hate my teeth
I think I can speak French
I prefer fried eggs as opposed to scrambled eggs
I feel that I only really “grew up” last year when I was diagnosed HIV+
Football bores me
I know I was born Gay
I always wish I had studied History
I like apples
I love my animals like they are people
Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” makes me cry
I have experimented with recreational drugs
I once entered Mr Gay UK
I want to own chickens
I don’t talk about my feelings anywhere near enough
I have only ever slept with 2 women
I have lost count of how many guys I have slept with
I also like the colour brown
Paris is my favourite city
London is my least favourite city
I cannot bring myself to eat lamb
I wish I was more proactive rather than reactive
I panic if I am not wearing my watch
I find fireworks spellbinding
Dogma is my favourite movie to date
I am a sucker for a killer smile
I don’t know how I would cope if my waistline ever expanded over 30 inches
I am horny in the mornings
I have had my appendix removed
Adolphe William Bougerau is my favourite artist
I would like to give up smoking
I once stole a Mars Bar
I look at porn on the Internet
I am not convinced about the Climate Change arguments
My bed is my sanctuary
I would not recognise any of my siblings if they passed me in the street
I hoard things
I sometimes fart and blame the dogs
Gordon Brown makes me really angry
I think the smell of Cedar & Sandalwood is really sexy
I still don’t like needles
I always start things I never get round to finishing
The first record I ever bought was “clouds across the moon” by the Rah Band
I really enjoy my job
I think the word ‘lesbian’ is such a funny word
I have a secret crush on Jason Bradbury from the Gadget Show
I am looking forward to turning 40
I love frosty, foggy mornings
I only have five friends who I would trust with my life
I like shopping in Primark – I think it represent good value!
I am really bad with money
I would really like to visit Moscow but doubt I ever will
I know where I was the night Princess Diana died – I was out of my face in a nightclub!
I was once a Special Police Constable
I often wish Mal were the same size as me so I could borrow his clothes more!
I once appeared in a Gay porn magazine
I can’t stand children
I wish I found it easy to express my emotions
I am in favour of Capital Punishment
I shave my chest
I also shave my balls!
I only really like carrots if they are roasted
I drink more than is good for me
I enjoy smoking a joint
I think there might be a God – just not the one I was taught about
I used to chew my nails really badly
I am grumpy in the mornings until I have had a coffee and a cigarette
The only birthdays I ever remember without fail is my own or Mal’s
A cuddle from Mal is the best thing in the whole world
I wish I took more exercise
My greatest fear is dying in a fire
Madonna’s “Blonde Ambition Tour” in July 1990 at Wembley was the best live concert I have ever been to see
I am lazy
Lilies are my favourite flowers
I buff and file my nails
And finally, I really enjoying walking barefoot on the beach
So there you have it! 101 totally random things about me! I have to say a big thanks to Alec Sarkas who's blog inspired my own list, so cheers Alec and keep up the good work (",)
Well that is it for another day so, be good and above all be safe!
Damn! It's been a while part two! (A message from the HAART)
OK, time to pick up where I left off!
You may recall me ruminating over the pros and cons of my medication for the HIV. Well back in October 2007 I started my regime of HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment) medication with some trepidation! I was dreading the anticipated side-effects as well as the burden of adhereance!
Well I am pleased to say none of my fears came to pass! I had (and have had) no noteable side-effects from the drugs and the adhereance as now become a part of my daily routine! Best of all the medication reached the first goal of treatment, an undectableable viral load (VL) within 2 months! When I started my VL was around 2000 pm/pml so to get it down to below 50pm/pml in such a short time was fantastic! My CD4 count is taking a little longer to recover however. Currently I am sat around the 385 mark. This is an improvement from the 285 when I started but that increase has taken just under a year to achieve.
Don't get me wrong, I was not expecting any miracles from the meds so I am more than pleased with the numbers so far. It only bodes well for the future if you ask me (",)
I have to say that very first night, when my alarm went off at 9pm and I poured my glass of juice for me to take the drugs with was an odd occassion! I was suddenly hit by the fact that this is now my life, for the rest of my life! I will be doing the very same thing at the very same time every night at 9pm! It was quite odd the have that certainty there right in front of me!
You may recall me ruminating over the pros and cons of my medication for the HIV. Well back in October 2007 I started my regime of HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment) medication with some trepidation! I was dreading the anticipated side-effects as well as the burden of adhereance!
Well I am pleased to say none of my fears came to pass! I had (and have had) no noteable side-effects from the drugs and the adhereance as now become a part of my daily routine! Best of all the medication reached the first goal of treatment, an undectableable viral load (VL) within 2 months! When I started my VL was around 2000 pm/pml so to get it down to below 50pm/pml in such a short time was fantastic! My CD4 count is taking a little longer to recover however. Currently I am sat around the 385 mark. This is an improvement from the 285 when I started but that increase has taken just under a year to achieve.
Don't get me wrong, I was not expecting any miracles from the meds so I am more than pleased with the numbers so far. It only bodes well for the future if you ask me (",)
I have to say that very first night, when my alarm went off at 9pm and I poured my glass of juice for me to take the drugs with was an odd occassion! I was suddenly hit by the fact that this is now my life, for the rest of my life! I will be doing the very same thing at the very same time every night at 9pm! It was quite odd the have that certainty there right in front of me!
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Damn! it's been a while...
OK - I know it has been an age since I last posted! So much has happened too! So where do I start?
Well back in December, me and "His Knibbs" finally got round to making honest men of each other and we celebrated our Civil Partnership! It was a really nice and quiet affair with our close friends and family there to bear witness to our union. 
We then took off to Paris for a few days for our "Honeymoon" The picture is of our wedding cake, beautifully made by a very close friend
We then took off to Paris for a few days for our "Honeymoon" The picture is of our wedding cake, beautifully made by a very close friend The CP seems like such a long way off now as we are coming up to our 1st Aninniversary on December 1st!
All in all it has been a good year - the usual ups and downs, but I will bore you with those later (",)
So for now, I bid you a fond farewell. Be happy, be safe but above all - Love Life!
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