Dear Editor:
With these statistics about HIV/AIDS among young Black gay/bisexual men, a radical solution ought to be implemented. It is simple, free and effective: frottagenon-penetrating, face-to-face, male body-to-male body friction of penis to partner's belly to orgasm.
This simple, free and effective way of same-gender lovemaking ought to be mantra #1 in the prevention effort. "Wear a condom, get tested, wear a condom, get tested" is not working as a primary message.
It is extremely frustrating to be 57 years old, to have tested negative for HIV in July 2011 and to be a man who has been very sexual with both negative and positive partners since 1972 witness this very effective method of HIV-infection prevention be kept off the table by prevention specialists.
Success in using frottage as a primary or exclusive means of sexual expression during this deadly epidemic can greatly improve these dismal statistics. An appropriate boundary for men to stay negative for HIV is: no anal sex in any position, no exceptions.
Sincerely yours,
Max Smith
Chicago