About the D2K Campaign

This site was created for guys who have sex with guys. Some guys call themselves gay and some do not. The info on this site is geared for guys no matter what you call yourselves. We only want you to know good and true information so that you can stay healthy and keep those you care about safe!

Know the Facts about HIV

Guys in Maine know a lot about HIV and how it's transmitted, but a lot of guys underestimate their risk. They think that HIV isn't a big deal in Maine or it's only in the city.

These are the facts:

  • Around 150 gay and bisexual men tested positive for HIV in Maine over the past 5 years. In the past 5 years, more than 60% of people testing positive for HIV were gay and bisexual men
  • HIV (h-i-v) is the virus that causes AIDS.
  • AIDS is a medical diagnosis based on certain symptoms and conditions
As a guy in Maine, you can reduce your risk by:
  • Choosing not to have sex, or make an agreement with a partner who is HIV-negative to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it.
  • Always using a condom for sex and a barrier method, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex.
  • Not sharing needles or syringes for any kind of injection drug use.
  • If you or your partner is HIV-positive, talk with your health care provider about how to reduce your risk, including latex condoms or dental dams.
  • Getting tested and asking your partners to do the same.

For more information about HIV/AIDS, or to speak to a trained counselor, visit a testing site.


Talking about HIV and HIV status
The scary fact is that many men trust sexual partners to disclose their HIV status - and make determinations about risk based on what partners say. (Vital Statistics 2002, the sixth annual Gay Men's Sex Survey Z)

Many men may not even know that they are HIV+. Ask to know their status, but always wear a condom.

It's okay to talk about HIV and ask because knowingly transmitting HIV is not okay. By simply talking about HIV, asking, or telling other guys about your status - before you do anything that may put you at risk - you are helping to build a stronger and healthier community.

It's okay to talk about it. It's okay to tell and it's okay to ask because knowingly transmitting HIV is unacceptable. By simply talking about HIV and your status you are helping to build a stronger and healthier community.

Here are some tips to help you:

If you are HIV+:

  • The longer you delay it, the harder it can become.
  • Keep what you say as simple and as direct as possible.
  • If you are seeking other HIV+ partners, you've got to ask.
  • If a condom breaks, you've at least told him first of the potential risks. HIV is a fact of life these days, particularly gay men's lives, and responsibilities in any sexual encounter are always shared responsibilities. So, be bold and remember it's his problem if he can't deal with it.
  • Remember that you should give the person you're disclosing your status to some time to process the information. Whatever their reaction may be at first, whether negative or positive, be aware that reactions can change over time.
For more information visit POSITIVE ME a site for people living positively with HIV in Maine.

If you're negative:
  • Say it. Start the conversation.
  • Ask the guys you meet if they know their status.
  • If you meet guys online sometimes it's easier to ask about their status before you meet in person.
  • If you know your status and the status of your partner, it's easier for you to make decisions to reduce your risk.
If you are unsure: HIV is preventable
HIV is most commonly spread through unprotected sex and through injection drug use. It is spread through body fluids including blood, pre-ejaculation, semen, and vaginal secretions.

Sexual risk factors account for most HIV infections among men who have sex with other men. These factors include unprotected sex, STDs, substance abuse, and complacency about risk.
You can protect yourself by...

  • Choosing not to have sex, or make an agreement with a partner who is HIV- to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it.
  • Always using a condom for sex and a barrier method, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex.
  • Not sharing needles or syringes for any kind of injection drug use.
  • If you or your partner is HIV+, talk with your health care provider about how to reduce your risk, including using latex condoms or dental dams.
  • Getting tested and asking your partners to do the same.

HIV is treatable
There are currently no cure or vaccine for HIV. However, new treatments are available that have been found to be highly effective at keeping infected people healthy longer and in delaying the onset of AIDS.

Maine RCWA