Gay Community Heeding A.I.D.S. Warnings (Press, 12 June 1985)
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Summary: Gay Community Heeding A.I.D.S. Warnings (Press, 12 June 1985)
A survey conducted in Wellington from March to May 1985 has indicated that homosexual men are heeding warnings from the A.I.D.S. support network and modifying their sexual behaviours to reduce the risk of contracting the A.I.D.S. virus. Phil Parkinson, administrator of the Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre, reported that the survey included 98 respondents who demonstrated a good awareness of "safe sex" guidelines. Respondents were questioned about their sexual practices and how these practices had changed in response to A.I.D.S. Contrary to popular belief that anal intercourse is predominant in gay sexual practices, the survey revealed it was less common among respondents. In fact, only 52 per cent engaged in anal intercourse actively, while 45 per cent took a passive role in it. The more frequently reported sexual activities included cuddling, mutual masturbation, kissing, oral sex, and massage. The survey also highlighted relationship dynamics, revealing that 38 per cent of the participants were in monogamous relationships, and 25 per cent were celibate. Among those involved in casual relationships, only 16 per cent were considered at risk for exposure to the virus. Importantly, all respondents in this at-risk category were aware of the safe sex guidelines and were actively applying them to their practices. Additionally, the survey found that 46 per cent of respondents had been blood donors previously. Respondents were also cognisant that homosexual and bisexual men should refrain from donating blood due to the heightened risks associated with A.I.D.S. Parkinson noted that these findings provide a hopeful indication that the gay community is taking significant steps to mitigate its vulnerability to A.I.D.S. He attributed this progress to the efforts of the A.I.D.S. Support Network and its late coordinator, Bruce Burnett, whose dedication has reportedly saved many lives.
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