The 'sexual revolution' of the 1960's has been stopped dead in its tracks by the AIDS epidemic. The danger of contracting AIDS is so real now that it has massively affected the behavior of both gay and straight folks who formerly had elected to lead an active sexual life that included numerous new sexual contacts. The safest option regarding AIDS and sex is total abstinence from all sexual contact. For those who prefer to indulge in sexual contact, this is often far too great a sacrifice. But it IS an option to be considered.
For those who wish to have sexual contact with folks on a relatively casual basis, there have been devised rules for 'safe sex'. These rules are very strict, and will be found quite objectionable by most of us who have previously enjoyed unrestricted sex. But to violate these rules is to risk unusually horrible death. Once one gets used to them the rule for 'safe sex' do allow for quite acceptable sexual enjoyment in most cases.
Condom in the shape of an AIDS ribbon. AIDS awaren...
English: A poster promoting the U.S. military's WW...
Sexually transmitted diseaseNote that even when one is conscientiously following the recommendations for safe sex, accidents can happen. Condoms can break. One may have small cuts or tears in ones skin that one is unaware of. Thus, following rules for 'safe sex' does NOT guarantee that one will not get AIDS. It does, however, greatly reduce the chances. There are many examples of sexually active couples where one member has AIDS disease and the other remains seronegative even after many months of safe sex with the diseased person. It is particularly encouraging to note that, due to education programs among San Francisco gay males, the incidence of new cases of AIDS infection among that high risk group has dropped massively. Between practice of safe sex and a significant reduction in the...