Image: http://positivelife.org.au/

POLL :: As The AIDS Committee of Toronto’s One Night Stand discussion series continues – this time with a focus on dating when one person is HIV-positive and the other is negative – it begs the question:

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LIVING ON THE EDGE :: The stigma of having HIV/AIDS can be challenge enough for many. Randy Filby is rising to that challenge, coming out – and heading up – as an HIV-positive person in his effort to raise money for the upcoming AIDS Walk.  I got the full details from him:

Help Randy achieve his goal – click the link and search ‘Randy Filby’.

Live on the Edge peeps!

xo

Rick

SURVEY: We’re torn as to how to congratulate The AIDS Committee of Toronto on the ASO’s 30 years of service to our community. Thirty years of HIV/AIDS almost feels like a smack in the face, but that’s quickly diminished by thoughts of the countless men and women who have worked together under the ACT umbrella for three decades, doing what they could and had to do in the face of a devastating disease.

So congratulations indeed, ACT, but more than that: thank you.

In honour of the ACT Volunteer Appreciation party tonight (featuring Shaun Proulx Media Toronto Pride parade float fave Nirvana Savoury), we’re asking:

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Pride always has been in my life. I remember when I was my teens my mom going to various Pride events. She used to tell me about the Pride Parade, describing to me the massive floats, lavish costumes, vibrant colours and fabulous music.

My mom volunteered at ACT and Casey House for seven years as a Buddy to those with AIDS. I learned from her the impact AIDS has on those who suffer from it, and for those who love them.

A vague memory I have is staying at one of my mom’s friend’s apartment on Queen Street West just above where the Black Bull is now. I could clearly see the CN Tower from the room I slept in. The apartment belonged to Jeff, a man my mom cared for who had AIDS. I was around eight years old but I remember Jeff’s apartment so vividly for the warmth, space and the waterbed. remember looking out at the CN tower and marvelled at how it could stand so tall.

Another memory of my mom’s time volunteering at ACT is Michael. He had a dog, a greyhound named Lucy and they lived in East York. Michael had a great garden which was laden with herbs and spices that smelt so wonderful. My mom was close to Michael. Once he passed away I remember my mom telling me how she was there with him in his home as he breathed his last breath.

I’ve learned a lot from my mom. She is a strong woman to have been a Buddy to those who needed it most. My mom is a true living angel for the care and time she gave to ACT and to those she now cares for as a personal support worker.

As an adult I experienced Pride and all its glory with one of my bffs Erin, and Deko-ze along with many of our friends.

Because of all the stories my mom told me about Pride all I ever wanted to do was be on a float never did I think I’d host stages or events. I’ve since hosted Central Stage in 2009 and 2010. And now will host Labatt’s South Stage for the Dirty Disco Collective Sunday July 3.

Thanks to the strength of my mom I live without fear or stereotype. Although I am straight I prefer being around the LGBTTQ community; its here I belong.

Although Pride is a celebration in who we are, we should be celebrating who we are all year through. After all: we all piss, shit, laugh, cry, eat and need love.

Join me, and Dream Big!

More Miss Raquel

Still a bit baffled as to why my years-ago photographic entry into SNAP! was never chose as competition-worthy, last night I pulled noted photographer / SNAP! executive committee member Nelson French aside at the media launch for this year’s edition of the AIDS Committee of Toronto fundraiser to demand an explanation:

SNAP! Lot 33 - Nelson French: New World Venice

Oh, SNAP! you little minx of a fundraiser.  Ten years old you say?

Well you look terrific.  Who did your shots?

Remember that image my friend Rico and I submitted to you?  Just perusing today through my advance catalog of photographic inspiration all up for auction March 27th, (LOVE page 6!) I’ve got to tell you I’m embarrassed we even thought to send it such a dreadful submission.

I apologize: I apologize for even being part of such a bad photo shoot, apologize on behalf of myself, Rico, and, in fact, every other idiot out there with a camera who thinks they’re making art.

But in a weird way that photo is testimony to how much you’ve grown in one quick decade; evolving into the spectacular demonstration of artistic aplomb you are today is a long way from twits like me and my pal sending in this. (Really?  A photo he shot of me smoking a joint, Soap Opera Digest by my side like a Mormon with a Bible?)

We called it ‘It’s Been A Bad Day Please Don’t Take A Picture’ because it was taken January 3^rd some year and I was still recovering.  A guy the radio started singing, It’s been a bad day, please don’t take a picture, and so Rico, inspired, shot up off the couch and began snapping me within a thick cloud of smoke.

Suddenly we were so clever, submitting away, two copies, as required.  God we were high.

Moving on, SNAP! I am stunned by the leading edge images up for bid this year – some of them the most beautiful photographs I’ve ever seen. In particular, I love Lot 4 to pieces and bits, Globe De Mariee by Carole Suety:

Keep growing, kid and ignore snap-happy fools like me.  Each year you bring art, beauty and gorgeous people together like one big glam squad, all to fund raise for the awesomeness that is The AIDS Committee of Toronto and that’s just damn hot. See you March 27^th.

xShaun

P.S. Rico and I didn’t win.

P.P.S. Don’t you think Jeff Harris on this year’s jury is hot?

- Shaun Proulx

All that glitters is gold.

All that sparkles is Blond.

I was lucky enough to chat with David Blond, one half of the fashion duo The Blonds, last week. David and Phillipe Blond have created some of the most mind and eye popping pieces to have ever seen the runway. The duo were in Toronto last Friday for Fashion Still Cares, a glamourous fundraiser for ACT.

You might have seen their pieces on some of the most famous and influential women in the world. Their work transports people to a brighter, happier, care free place. Their lines are all about having a fucking blast and letting people know that life gets better with every blink of the eye. “YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!” was David’s response to that. It’s true…Blonds do have more fun!

~

Nate: I have to start by saying your work mesmerizes me and I’m so happy to be chatting with you. If I had a magic glittery wand that could make the world BLOND with the flick of a wrist, instantly putting every woman on earth in one of your creations I would. Don’t you think Blond world domination would solve so many of the world’s problems?

David: Thank you! That’s the idea. Sometimes people ask how we make the garments and the first answer is “magic!!!”. There is always a bit of magic in each piece we create and I think it’s all positive. We’d like to inspire all women to be a little Blond and if women ran the world it would be a much more lovely place we think…

Nate: Your pieces have become staples in pop culture. Your celebrity clientele Rolodex includes the likes of Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue (my favourite piece of yours! She was born to wear that corset in the “Get Outta My Way” music video), Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Jessica Parker (as Carrie Bradshaw *gasp*), Kim Cattrall (as Samantha Jones *gasp again*), Rihanna, Deborah Harry (BLOND-ie! Get it?), Britney Spears, Fergie, Dita Von Teese, Paris Hilton and last but not least, Miss Piggy. Phew! Out of the icons I just mentioned (or didn’t mention), who was your favourite to work with?

David: Each client always brings out something different in us. They are all amazing, modern day showgirls that set the standard for glamour and beauty.

Nate: If there was a new celebrity client you could work your magic on, who would it be and most importantly why her and not me?

David: Willow Smith is our current obsession. Anyone who loves their hair that much is definitely a kindred spirit to the Blonds!

Nate: Your designs are very glamourous. Most pieces are covered in rhinestones, crystals and anything else that screams glam. Where do you find your inspiration when it comes to designing?

David: Everywhere and anywhere, but most of the time it is women, art, animation, music, and film that are huge inspirations.

Nate: Walk me through your creative process. I assume we’re walking down a ruby red studded brick road.

David: Phillipe and I brainstorm and throw ideas around till we agree on something. This usually takes awhile… Then he will sketch and sketch and sketch… We figure out how to produce the idea and then just do it! Typically when making a complicated piece from scratch it can take from 4-8 weeks to produce.

Nate: I’ve always noticed many of your pieces contain an element of bravery. I can also imagine feeling super brave while wearing a corset made entirely of bullets! In light of the recent gay youth suicides, what would you say to the gay kids of the world who don’t feel very brave.

David: We would tell them to remember that they are very special! Please hang in there and to rise above it. Because it will get better and we’re proof of that! These kids are so much better than this and we all have to get together and make it stop.

Nate: Do you have a favourite Blond creation?

David: One of our favorites is our diamond corset dress (see left, credit © Dan Lecca). It encompasses all that is Blond!

Nate: Any plans for a men’s line? I’d buy two of everything.

David: I’m sure “Blond Boy” will be coming out soon!

Nate: You two are currently in town for the AIDS Committee of Toronto “Fashion Still Cares” fundraiser. Why is raising money and awareness for this cause important to you?

David: We’re very passionate about this cause and feel that people need to wake up and realize this fight isn’t over. These events are extremely important because we still need to keep doing something about this epidemic until there is a cure.

We’d also like to thank Kenny Roosevelt and The Roosevelt Room for putting together an amazing event benefiting the AIDS Committee of Toronto and inviting us to be a part of it!

Nate: I couldn’t end this chat without asking: what’s Phillipe wearing for Friday night’s fundraiser?

David: Something sparkly!!!

What Phillipe wore! Taken last Friday at The Roosevelt Room for Fashion Still Cares in Toronto. (© All rights reserved by vitaminwater_canada)

For more information on The Blonds and their magic, visit their official website!

InterACTion:

Sex. Drugs.
Love, lust and everything in between.
HIV and STIs.
Bars, baths and beyond.
Tell us what you think as we discuss a wide range of issues relevant to the health of gay men.
Don’t just sit there – InterACT!

OK… IDK… ROTFLMAO, may b its JMO, and IANAL, nor a FISH but possibly an OF, NEway… OMG, IAC does NE1 out there no what I mean?

(Think YOU know what all of these letters stand for? Share your response in ‘Comments’, below.  I dare you!)

Phew… that took a minute for me to figure out!  Being online and reading someone’s cyber lingo can be a difficult task. It seems there is an abbreviation for just about everything. Some of these abbreviations can be confusing. I mean, I think I know what they mean, so I go ahead and use them too. It just seems to be the online culture, and let’s face it: regardless of age and internet savvy, we all want to fit in… to some degree, at least.

So what happens when we don’t really understand a term and we are too embarrassed to ask for clarity? We may end up being embarrassed anyway – or worse – get into some difficult situations.

Doing online outreach and reading chat room posts and bulletins, I realize that I am not alone. Recently, there was an interesting dialogue taking place on one of the sexual networking websites about “PnP” (party and play). That’s when I realized I was making assumptions. I thought PnP was simply using drugs while having sex. Okay, be honest: did you just think, “Well that’s what it is, stupid!” Well, welcome to my world. In fact, PnP is a much more complicated term than just figuring out what the letters stand for. For some, it means ‘poppers and pot’; for others, it means ‘clubbing and fucking.’

For those of us not in the know, partying generally refers to drugs that reduce inhibitions and are often taken in combinations. It could mean doing cocaine, smoking a joint, having a few drinks then doing crystal meth before hooking up with someone for a few hours of ‘wild sex.’

So what’s the big deal? You tell me. There were certainly a lot of views expressed in the bulletin board I read. What if a guy asked you online if you were into PnP and you responded, ‘yeah,’ thinking you’d have a joint? Well, you could be in for quite a surprise! Maybe this has already happened to you. What did you do?  What did you think? Start talking, below!

- Harry

InterACTion:

Sex. Drugs.
Love, lust and everything in between.
HIV and STIs.
Bars, baths and beyond.
Tell us what you think as we discuss a wide range of issues relevant to the health of gay men.
Don’t just sit there – InterACT!

Really, I want you there, papito!

Is there anything better than a man who knows how to use his tool? Of course there is! Pleasure is a realm where every part of your body is important, especially those doors that keep the secret of forbidden delights. Oh, dear! Just thinking about it, I start to shake.

I have to admit that I’m curious about anal sex. I would like my papi to explore me, but every time we try, it’s really hard (and not in the good way)!

That’s why I’m going to attend the Phoenix workshops being offered at ACT. This is an amazingly explicit series of sessions, where gay men learn all there is to know about masturbation, anal massage and man-on-man intercourse.

I’m excited! I know I’m a great lover, but I want to enhance my skills, keep myself healthy, and – of course – I want to give my the key to the back door!

So guys! Book your spot! I want to tell you my stories, and I know all of us will learn something useful and interesting. I’ll be there, but you won’t recognize me. I will be in my boy-next-door costume.

Ciao!

Phoenix Workshops: Eroticism, Pleasure and Harm Reduction

For more information and to RSVP: contact Carlos at 416-340-8484 ext. 247 or crivas @actoronto.org

Open to all gay and bisexual men.

- Rita

InterACTion:

 Sex. Drugs.
Love, lust and everything in between.
HIV and STIs.
Bars, baths and beyond.
Tell us what you think as we discuss a wide range of issues relevant to the health of gay men.
Don’t just sit there – InterACT!

Ooooh… Scary stuff! Well, actually it is – when you consider we’ve seen a dramatic increase in infectious syphilis over the past seven years in Toronto. But what makes it scary? I mean, syphilis has been treatable for nearly a century, so why should we even care? Do you care? Are you concerned about the curse?

Well, having an active sexually transmitted infection can increase your risk of contracting HIV by up to nine times. Did you know that if you are already HIV+, syphilis can not only increase the possibility of transmitting HIV to an uninfected partner, but if left untreated, it can progress to advanced (tertiary) syphilis in as little as 12 months? Now that is some scary shit.

Add to the mix that many people either don’t recognize the primary symptoms of syphilis, or have no symptoms at all.

So how do you avoid it? Well, the risk can be reduced by using a condom for anal and oral sex. I know, I know… Broken record… Use a condom, same old story. But it is still the most effective way we know to reduce risk. There are other ways, too. But you are a mature and sophisticated blog reader. You tell us: how have you avoided syphilis in the past? If you did get syphilis, how did you know/find out? What did you do? Where did you go for help?

- Harry