[tymejumper]

The info I have states that actually over in Africa, it is considered a straight disease. I work with HIV patients, and have a few friends that are. It always surprises me that people are so afraid of getting it from hugging or kissing. I supose, as Scott pointed out, you could get it from kissing, but the risk is so low to be laughable. There are a few main ways for you to contract HIV

Unprotected sex. Use a condom every single time. Body fluids spread it.

Sharing needles. Don't. Can't say this enough, if you have to shoot, then at least use a clean needle. Or flush it with bleach. HIV is a very delicate virus and dies almost instantly upon contact with surfaces that are not body fluids. Bleach kills it instantly.

Anal sex. Only unprotected anal sex, cause ya know what? hetero couples do that also. Use a condom, enough said.

Gay people are not at a higher risk than heteros. I truly believe its the fact that this newer generation of gay men have grown up with HIV the 'treatable' disease that they give it no thought about barebacking and risky behaviors. Many also feel that they are going to get it, thanks to the lies that have been propegated by the government (read right wing conservatives) about how those dirty sick morally depraved gay people have brought a disease into the straight society...blah blah blah......so they do not take steps to avoid it like they should. Apparently it is spreading in the young african-american crowd because being gay, and black, is considered a terrible thing. More so than what white gay people have to go through(double minority)many black young men are on the LD and they don't use protection.

Lesson to be learned. Use a condom. Every time. No excuses.