If you’re just coming out you need a good address book.
Turn to the listings in any gay magazine and you can make a note of the bars and clubs.
But where do you turn if you want to know about safer sex?
We can give you the basic facts. but for more detailed advice, make a note of these numbers. (If you’fe worried that someone else might see the names, you can always list them by their initials as NAH. THT and LLGS.)
Whichever one you call, you’ll get useful advice and information from people who are friendly and easy to talk to.
But what, briefly, does safer sex mean?
It’s any activity where there’s little or no risk of HIV transmission through exchange of blood, semen or vaginal fluid. That’s why it’s important to use a condom for penetrative sex with a woman.
But sex between men is often non-penetrative. For instance it might involve mutual masturbation which is safe as there’s no risk of HIV infection through blood or semen being exchanged.
This can easily happen during unprotected anal sex, making it very risky for either partner. So if you have anal
sex you should always use the strongest condoms such as
Durex Extra Strong, Mates Super Strong or HT Special.
It’s a good idea also to use a lubricant, but always
make sure it’s a water-based one like KY Jelly. Never use anything oil-based like Baby Oil or Vaseline as this will damage a condom.
If there’s anything else you want to know about safer sex, call one of these numbers.
And keep them in your address book. It’s very reassuring to know that help and understanding are just a phone call away.
Call The National AIDS Helpline free
EDU 4“ 01 ' ' O ’ on 0800 567 123, The Terrence Higgins J" 6 Trust on 071 242 1010 or London Lesbian I *2 7 4 and Gay Switchboard on 071 837 7324. (’moa‘
The “PA recognises (hr the above trademarks are the propertv of the makers or suppliers of the product.
The List 4—17 November 1994 15