Major Announcement from HDK!
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...We wanted you guys to see this first. This Press Release will be issued to the Gay Press later today.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: Hot Desert Knights, Inc.
Date: February 7, 2008
Subject: HDK Begins HIV Testing of All Models
Last Vegas, NV: Hot Desert Knights, Inc. (HDK), the leading gay bareback production studio, announced today that effective immediately all HDK models will be tested for HIV and other STD’s. All testing will be conducted through the auspices of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation (AIM).
Dr. Sharon Mitchell, Executive Director, of AIM said, “Myself and the AIM Healthcare Foundation are extremely proud of HDK and Mr. Bill Gardner for taking this ground breaking step in the area of HIV, STD prevention education and screening. AIM is enthusiastic about this relationship and are available in all 50 States. AIM has been providing the Adult Industry HIV and STD screening, medications and counseling for over a decade, and are delighted to be serving the Gay Industry in Body, Mind, Emotion and Spirit”.
According to Bill Gardner, president of HDK, “We are alarmed and shocked at the proliferation of new bareback studios, especially those from overseas, who are using increasingly younger models without providing any counseling or information regarding STD transmission to these models. It appears as if these studios care little for the health and safety of their models”. Gardner went on to say that, “After a number of discussions with Diane Duke, Executive Director of the Free Speech Coalition (FSC), regarding this trend of using younger models and taking more risks in bareback films, Ms. Duke introduced us to the Ex. Dir. Of AIM, Dr. Sharon Mitchell. As a result of these meetings with Dr. Mitchell and Ms. Duke, HDK concluded that it is possible to test models and provide a safer workplace while still maintaining our models privacy rights”.
In a statement from by Diane Duke of the Free Speech Coalition, “FSC’s role is not a regulatory one, but rather one that provides information and resources to assist adult businesses to make responsible decisions for themselves, the industry and industry professionals. We applaud Bill and HDK’s willingness to participate in this discussion and to implement policies and practices that protect performers at Hot Desert Knights. We hope to facilitate similar discussions within and among other adult entertainment businesses”.
In addition to HIV, Hot Desert Knights will also be testing for Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis A, B&C. HDK will then sero-sort accordingly. Because of sero-sorting , no model will ever be discriminated against because of his HIV or STD status.
Gardner concluded by saying, “We are happy to take the lead as the first bareback studio to provide testing and know that by doing so we are providing an environment of safer sex for all of our talent. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, other than HIV, can cause serious health problems for the talent in our industry and many STD’s can be acquired by the various sex acts performed in front of the camera other than anal sex”. “For that reason, we urge all gay studios to consider testing all models for STD’s if they truly wish to provide a safer sex work environment”, stated Gardner.
For more information please feel free to contact Bill Gardner at 760 416-1070 or 800 300-2002.
HDK Bill
that are bad news.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:57 amwanne have free bareback sex without testing.
Daniel,
You are still free to have all the free bareback you want and don’t ever have to be tested if you don’t want to.
Obviously, our news release only applies to guys we choose to film for Hot Desert Knights.
Go man! Do your thing!
HDK Bill
February 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pmHere’s one odd result: if one model is public about being HIV+, then all models who appear in films with him will be “outed” to the general public as positive.
Also, from a legal perspective, aren’t you opening yourself up to liability if there’s any kind of mistake/window period/etc where you label a model as “clean” and then he turns out infecting someone else?
February 8th, 2008 at 3:06 pmHi Mark,
Thanks for your comment and questions. I’ll do the best I can to answer them.
If one model is open about being POZ and the other model isn’t, the model who isn’t will have to make a decision as to whether or not he chooses to be in the HDK film. It’s really as simply as that. He makes the choice, not us. As we’ve said for the past 10 years we would never discriminate against anyone due to his HIV status but we could certainly understand if the POZ model choose not to participate. In that case there are many other studios he could choose to work for, some that use condoms some that don’t. That would have to be a personal choice.
As for your second question, and I’m certainly not an attorney but we have spoken to our attorneys regarding all aspects of our decision. All models are required to sign a release acknowledging the nature of the film and what they will be doing in a scene and they acknowledge the risks involved as well as acknowledge that they aren’t being ask to do anything i the scene that they have an objection to.
I suppose mistakes can happen during the testing procedure as well as what you refer to as the window period. However, the window period is far different today with current testing procedures than it used to be. We, meaning HDK, are not involved in the testing procedure. All testing will be done by the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation (AIM) and LabCorp. They, of course, have all sorts of legal forms that need to be signed by all persons testing through them. AIM has been doing it for a number of years and to the best of my knowledge have never had a problem.
Besides, isn’t it better that testing be done than no testing at all? With no testing, then we are simply reduced to believing what a model tells us his HIV status is and his status of other STD’s. Unfortunately, reality tells us some guys aren’t honest about their status or honestly don’t know.
Again, just my opinion, but from a legal perspective, I’d rather go into court being able to say that we did everything possible to protect the health and safety of the model, for the industry we are in, as opposed to just trusting what we were told. Every occupation has risks. Window washers, construction, truck drivers, etc. As long as we make sure that we provide counseling and the model is aware of the risks, and we do everything humanly possible to minimize the risks, somehow I just have to believe that any jury would agree with us.
As I have said many times, there is no such thing as “safe sex”, only “safer sex”. The change we have made provides for the safest work environment possible within our industry. Our industry of course being the bareback adult industry.
HDK Bill
February 8th, 2008 at 3:54 pmThis is definitely a step in the right direction. Congrats on this new testing policy.
February 8th, 2008 at 6:57 pmThanks Erik,
Appreciate you comment and yes we do believe that this is the correct directon for HDK to go.
HDK Bill
February 8th, 2008 at 10:56 pmI commend you for this action. This could potentially also lead to less stigma surrounding hiv and those of us affected by it. Hiv-status should never need to be a secret no matter if you are poz or neg.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:35 pmPeter,
Thanks. You are so right. It is hard to believe that in this day and age there is still discrimination against those of us living with HIV/AIDS. What bothers me most, is that is seems that often it is those in our own community that appear to be the most discriminatory.
I can just scream everytime I read in someone’s profile that they are “clean and healthy and looking for the same”. Well, I’m clean…hell, I shower twice a day. And, I’m healthy…..my viral load is “0″ and my t-cells are at 850….Of course we all know that isn’t what they mean. When I see the “clean and healthy” crap, it’s like they are saying that those of us who are living with HIV are “dirty” and “unhealthy”. Really pisses me off. Perhaps we need some sensitivity training within our community. And, it’s a fact that our young gay guys need HIV/AID education since they don’t get it at home or in the public school system, a 25 year old today knows no one who has died of AIDS and most know no one living with it. They tell we that they think that AIDS is an old gay mans disease.
Anyway, why can’t they simply say; “I’m HIV- and only interested in meeting other HIV- guys”. That still hurts a bit but a hell of a lot better than “clean and healthy” and I can respect their desires.
Let’s hope that our small decision might help in eliminating some of tht stigma associated with this disease.
HDK Bill
February 9th, 2008 at 7:44 amThough I know you aren’t doing the testing, the next responsible step would be to get with AIM and announce specifics about which HIV test they are using. That way people can research that method and make sure they aren’t getting another type of test with a much longer window period, then doing something based on those results with a false sense of security.
February 9th, 2008 at 2:48 pmso does this that is movie will list which actor is pos and which one is neg?
February 9th, 2008 at 9:17 pmHello Bill and the HOT, SEXY, HORNY HIV+ / HIV- men (and young men) of HDK;
Questions like this (From Mark Question #3) have been thrown at me for the past decade, and it’s really rather simple. The “Quick Reply”:
Unless YOU (the maker of the product) state on the box or advertising the names and photo of the HIV+ and HIV- actors, it is impossible for the general public to know who is who or has whatever. HOWEVER, on the set, it might be a different story. BUT, here is the beauty of Serosorting: It supports the HIV / STD / Health Care agencies (etc) . WHY? You might ask, very easy…for the past 30 years WHAT has been the battle cry of the agencies?
Continued, regular HIV testing for HIV- people,
Encourage, support and empower those who are NOT tested, to GET tested,
Frank, open, honest communication about HIV / STD’s and STI’s,
HIV / STD / STI awareness, prevention and harm reduction,
To LOWER the stigma of HIV / STD’s, HIV testing and overall sexual health. Thus, Serosorting increases public awareness, sexual safety and HIV, STD / STI prevention and harm reduction,
SAFER SEX and HARM REDUCTION (A first in the history of HIV),
( And an unlimited number of benefits yet to be realized. I’ll leave it up to the CDC and other creditable HIV researchers to figure this out.)
Gentlemen, your future depends on many things, but mostly on YOU.
A few facts as “supporting evidence”:
1) HIV / AIDS has been with us for close to three decades, with no end in site.
2) The HIV – STD / Public Health agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” have stated (in writing and verbally) that: “WE WILL END AIDS!” “WE WILL STOP THE SPREAD OF HIV!” “AIDS STOPS WITH US!” and the like. Just as long as we (the general public) continue to give them money for HIV prevention, education, awareness, harm reduction, etc. HOWEVER, for the past decade they have REFUSED to:
A) Research Serosorting as a safe sex method (Yes, there are TWO other methods to Serosorting, and both involve safe sex) BUT the HIV agencies have refused to tell YOU this.
B) Inform the general public that Serosorting breaks the cycle of NEW HIV transmissions,
C) Provide HIV-(negative) Support Groups, Dating Websites, Magazines and the like. Are HIV- people an “At Risk” group?
3) EVERY person who is in a production is 18 years of age or older, THEREFORE (by US law / standards) that person is a legal adult, and LEGALLY responsible for themself.
4) Serosorting has been publicly known for the past decade, and TO DATE, global research proves that Serosorting STOPS new HIV transmissions. GOOGLE SEARCH – key word… Serosorting.
Therefore, what have we learned from this post?
1) The PORN Industry (Bill and your collegues) and an HIV+ longterm survivor the owner of an HIV+ sex venue Brandon’s POZ Party – NYC(me, tested in Fall 1983) are LEADING the nation in HIV prevention, education, awareness, support, harm reduction, empowerment (and the like). While the HIV – STD / Public Health agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” REFUSE TO. Bill, you and I are putting to pratice what the agencies are only TALKING ABOUT. You and I are praticing what they are preaching. BUT NO ONE IS PAYING US TO DO THIS! Therefore, are the agencies: Negligent? Involved in Accounting Fraud? Censoring our HIV Serosorting information from the general public? Why must WE do THEIR work?
WHY should we continue to fund the agencies, while it is becomming VERY clear that the agencies are NOT willing to stop new HIV transmissions?
2) HOW do we STOP the spread of HIV? We get tested, we disclose our status to potential sex partners, and we have sex accordingly (BB, Safe, with HIV+ or HIV- people). The HIV agencies have forced this down upon us for three decades.
3) Do people lie about their status? Yes, some people do. However, where is the research data to support this? What is the percentage? Therefore, since research has proven that Serosorting breaks the cycle of NEW HIV transmissions globally, we must continue to Serosort if we wish to meet our goal: To STOP HIV. Therefore, for the first time in the history of HIV / AIDS, there is a single HIV Prevention / Harm Reduction strategy that meets the needs of those who are HIV+, HIV-, those who bareback (have unsafe sex, HIV+ only), those who have safe sex (HIV+ and HIV-), gay, straight, any race, any income level, any geographical location, any age, gender, political association and any occupation.
Serosorting, therefore, BREAKS the cycle of NEW HIV transmissions – guaranteed. Serosorting makes sex SAFER.
As for the stigma of HIV, it’s old news. I’m HIV+ since 1983, NO ONE who has been infected recently will EVER go through the HELL I (and others like me) WENT THROUGH. The HATE, the FEAR, the THREATS, the LOSS of loved ones. And if STIGMA is an issue, then the answer is simple…STOP HIV TRANSMISSIONS NOW.
I hope this helps Bill, thank you for letting me have my two cents…WE are doing their jobs for them, and we’re doing this for FREE. Therefore, They (the HIV agencies) are pissed, jealous, and nervous (because WE are doing what they are shouting about) and putting their jobs and careers on the line. WE are questioning their motives and WE are getting results. THEY are NOT.
Best Regards to the entire HDK Team and your customers;
February 10th, 2008 at 2:43 amRobert Brandon Sandor
FOUNDER
Brandon’s POZ Party – NYC
http://www.poz4poz.com
http://www.hiv-ub2.net
Congratulations on the change. I will welcome and be happy (and horny as hell) to buy videos of healthy, responsible and openly poz guys barebacking ONLY with other healthy, responsible and openly poz guys. That’s always been my policy and practice, with no fears, regrets or apologies.
February 10th, 2008 at 8:38 amI’m glad to see this, too. Maybe it’ll tone down some of the guys who viciously condemn bareback porn and the people who watch it.
February 10th, 2008 at 12:27 pmI am most pleased with your new policy. Well done. I wish others (are you listening Chi Chi) would be so proactive and stop with the holier-than-thou crap. It makes him sound like Bush and his Axis of Evil crap.
I share your antipathy to profiles that imply that those of us who are positive are somehow dirty. I might smell a little ripe after a workout, and I know I did when I use to play rugby, but I’m not generally contagious with an undetectable viral load.
The fact is that those of us who don’t hide it from partners are far less likely to infect someone than those who state they are negative. There is no incentive for me to lie when I tell someone I am positive, but there is a shitload of incentive for guys to lie who claim they are negative.
My profiles always give my positive status. Where possible, I also make clear that I will bareback only with someone else who is positive.
Again, I give you props for doing this.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:54 pmclaried: As a result of this policy, will movies now list which actors are pos and which ones are neg?
February 10th, 2008 at 10:29 pmI am an older man I am 69 years old. I lost a lot of friends to AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. Somehow I never contracted HIV. I met my late lover in 1987 and he was afraid I would reject him because he was HIV positive. I did not reject him and we had over 14 wonderful years together until he died in 2002 at age 46. Somehow I never got HIV. I am still HIV friendly. I play with HIV positive guys and take precautions.
I am glad to see you are doing this testing. I know some young bareback models and they told me that they have tried to be careful with the partners they are teamed up with especially when bottoming in videos. Now they should have a better idea that the top is not infectious when they are negative.
Thanks for the good work, I do not want to see my young friends get HIV.
February 11th, 2008 at 9:16 amI do believe this is a positive step. I believe very firmly in serosorting, and in fact always just assumed that anyone in a barebacking movie was poz (like myself). As the popularity of the films grew there were younger and younger models appearing, and it became obvious to me that there have been some models taking risks I never would have in my own life. I love Bareback porn but that particular element bothered me. Of course it was entirely possible that these young models were in fact positive and making the same choices I made in my sex life.
This just clarifies the issue of consent and disclosure which is critical in serosorting and in curbing the spread of HIV. Thanks for deciding to lead in this way.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:05 amWhat a BOLD step to take, but I congratulate you for taking it. I can remember back in 1987 when blood samples were taken from people with HIV. It was a stigma too. I was working for a VA Medical Center, and I inquired of my own associates, why wasnt everyone treated the same way. Funny thing, several months later the word came down from the lab with guidelines to that effect.
Today, there are many who are not aware of their status, and yet, enjoy bareback sex. I am one who enjoys porn that includes BB, would I do it myself, not quite sure, but still enjoy watching the videos. Again, congrat on the giant step in the industry. You are to be commended.
February 11th, 2008 at 6:42 pmThanks for everyone for writing with their questions and comments.
Sorry to take so long to get these posted on the site here but I had to leave Saturday to make a quick trip to Indiana and just got back this morning.
First, let me say and make it very clear that NO, HDK will never divulge the test results of our models to the public in any fashion. Any model chosen to be in one of our films will give us permission to share the results ONLY with whomever he will be in a scene with. Other than that, we will never release test results to anyone nor would we indicate the status of certain models in a scene. Models have an expectation of privacy. We all do when it comes to our medical history, treatment, etc. They have a right to expect confidentiality from HDK and they will receive it.
As for the type of HIV testing which is conducted by AIM, simply go to their website at http://www.aim-med.org/ to obtain more information.
All of us at HDK really appreciate the positive comments you guys are sending to us here on the blog, on the HDK site and by private email. It means a lot for you guys to affirm the decision we made. We believe the decision we made is correct but it’s always nice to have others agree. And, yes, it was a bold move and one which we talked about for quite some time. But having made the decision and now hearing from fans and customers, we are even more convinced that we made the correct decison.
A special thanks to Robert Brandon Sandor for his detailed explanation of Serosorting, the effects it is having on our community and the apparent refusal of the AIDS Healthcare Organizations to acknowledge the positive aspects of Serosorting.
It is our hope also that the rest of the gay adult entertainment community will begin testing. Perhaps the best way to make that happen is for you to write to them and suggest that they follow our lead. If you go to any of their websites nearly all of them have ways to contact them. We would urge you to make your feelings known to them. This is true for bareback or for condom only studios. The condom only studios believe that since they use condoms they don’t need to test. Obviously that train of thought is erroneous. Their are other STD’s which can be transmitted other than by anal sex. And, if a model is already HIV+ and acquires certain other of these STD’s, such as Hepatitis C, it can be devastating or even life threatening to the model.
Please write to the other studios and make you feelings known.
Many, many thanks,
Bill
February 12th, 2008 at 9:56 amHot Daddy,
Thanks for you story. It’s heart warming to see that their are still guys like you out there that are not afraid of this disease.
I am amazed at the “aids-phobia” that still takes place in our community, epecially among guys old enough to know that you can’t “catch it” casually. Those of us who are positive are often rejected making us feel dirty, perhaps useless or defective in some way.
Your story of you and your lover was very touching. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Bill
February 12th, 2008 at 8:33 pmHi Bill, I have a couple of questions about this announcement.
1. HDK previously made the following statement: ” HDK explained that testing was not done for several reasons but primarily because testing can create a false sense of security among models since it depended on what the date of testing was and what type of sex the model participated in between testing and filming.”
I would like to know how the position has stated above has changed. My understanding is there is still a window period of between 6-12 months **at least** for antibodies to HIV to appear in the human bloodstream after infection.
2. You also state “We are alarmed and shocked at the proliferation of new bareback studios, especially those from overseas, who are using increasingly younger models without providing any counseling or information regarding STD transmission to these models.”
I would like to know what evidence there is to back up this assertion that no information regarding STD transmission is being given to these models — or is this just an assumption?
3. I read the comments from “Brandon” with interest, however I do not believe sero-sorting is practical as a methodology of eliminating HIV transmission for the simple reason that many many people either don’t know, or lie about their HIV status. For this reason it is impossible to accurately serosort.
February 12th, 2008 at 10:46 pmGentlemen;
Eventhough this is a bareback blog / company, with respect to everyone, I would like to give an honorable mention to the condom film owners, in hope that THEY will follow HDK’s lead.
The HDK Team (from Bill to the production crew, to the models and the customers) has taken a step forward in HIV / STD prevention, awareness, harm reduction, education, empowerment and support – just to name a few. Therefore, I would like to add this little push forward as well – What is being done NOW at HDK CAN be applied to the condom films and companies too.
There are THREE forms of Serosorting, and TWO involve safe sex, the two are:
1) When HIV+ people (gay, straight, men, women) have safe sex with other HIV+ people, NO HIV-(negative) person gets infected with HIV.
2) When HIV- people (gay, straight, men, women) have safe sex with other HIV- people, NO HIV-(negative) person gets infected with HIV.
Therefore, Serosorting makes safe sex SAFER by breaking the cycle of new HIV transmissions. Thus, the safe sex films, through Serosorting – CAN be safer and more confident in their producing their product and safty of their staff (the models).
And it’s just good public relations too
Thank you for your attention to this Chi Chi.
Best Regards;
Robert Brandon Sandor
Negligently and with discrimination, the HIV agencies, “experts” and “professionals” have NOT told you this.Why are the HIV agencies”experts” and “professionals” AFRAID to stop HIV?
February 13th, 2008 at 2:07 amSorry, one last note…
As the adult entertainment industry moves forward, testing the boundries of what is acceptable behavior (cum in ass, bb, group sex, etc) we must realize an important fact:
The companies (BB and safe sex) are now allies, not adversaries in the fight against STDs, HIV and other sexual health issues. Only by working together WITH the general public in mind, can we achieve any realistic sexual health / safety goals.:D
Thanks;
February 13th, 2008 at 2:23 amBrandon
Alex,
Thanks for writing and for your questions and comment.
To answer your first question; at one point in time the method for testing was called the HIV ELISA test. The HIV ELISA test looked for HIV antibodies in the blood. On average, it generally took between 6 weeks to 6 months, and in some guys up to 12 months, before the HIV antibodies were detectable. Today, a different test is used. The test that AIM uses and that will be done on our models is called the HIV/PCR DNA test. This test will generally detect HIV within 10 to 14 days after exposure. That it as good as it gets with existing technology. Is it perfect? Of course not, but then, not much in life is. It is the best test available and it is considered by many to be the “gold standard” for testing in the adult industry. AIM has been using this test since it became available and their has been no widespread outbreaks of HIV in the straight adult industry among those studios who use AIM for testing. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll have a test that will detect HIV within 24 hours after exposure. Until then, we will use the best that is available to us.
Regarding your second question about no counseling or information about HIV to younger models from overseas. You ask for “evidence”? Your question sounds a bit argumentative. The only “evidence” I can provide is the fact that I’ve been to Eastern Europe and seen for myself what occurs on the porn sets. I talked to several American producers who have been there and have films made for them there, and they all say the same thing; most “studios” do not provide any information regarding HIV transmission, testing or avoidance. I’ve also talk to the owners of some of the companies and many will readily admit that no testing is done or discussions of HIV take place. Do some of the studios provide counseling and information and also provide HIV testing? Yes, some do, a very small minority. By far the majority, especially in Eastern Europe do not. A majority of the studios shooting in Eastern Europe are less than two or three years old. Many of them made one or two films and then vanished. Most of them do only shoot and then sell the footage to American companies. Frankly, it’s a given to those of us in the industry as to what is happening with majority of the bareback porn coming out of Eastern Europe. As for “evidence”, you can choose to believe what I’ve just said, or make a trip over there and find out for yourself.
Lastly, you make a comment rather than a question. You state you read what Brandon had to say and that you don’t believe that Serosorting is a practical methodology for eliminating HIV transmission. That is your opinion and you are entitled to it. I think that Brandon covered that very subject in Comment # 22 so I will defer to it and to Brandon to respond if he so chooses.
From my situation, however; I believe that Serosorting is a very practical tool when done in combinations with actual testing. By testing we eliminate the “I don’t know” and the ” lying” about ones status.
Is our system perfect? Of course not. Does perfect exist? Not that I’m aware of. It what we are doing the best way to go about helping to protect models on a bareback set? Yes. Could we do better? Only if we to close down and not make any more films. Or, we stopped producing bareback films and go to condom only films. But then, that isn’t a very practical thing for a bareback studio to do is it? And, even if we did start making condom only films would our models still be exposed to a certain egree of risk? Of course they would. Condoms break and condoms slide off during anal sex. Many models have told us stories of that happening on other sets. Could we make condom sex safer on the set than it currently is in the gay adult industry? Sure, simply by testing each model, then Serosorting and then using condoms. That of course would be safer than they way the majority of condom studios do it today. BUT, even if we did that, would it be 100% safe? NO! 100% SAFE sex does NOT EXIST. The only safe sex is no sex and that simply isn’t gonna happen.
The world isn’t perfect. All we can do is try to do what we believe is the right thing to do and that is to keep trying to make it “SAFER”.
Again, thanks for writing,
Bill
February 13th, 2008 at 7:44 pmGentlemen;
To reply to Allen, post #21, comment #3:
Comments like this are common, and suggest only one thing – There are still people who no longer have confidence or faith in society to do the right thing. I, on the other hand DO have confidence and faith in society and mankind in general, regardless of the horrors I had to live through (being HIV+ since the fall of 1983).
When we here or say: WE WILL STOP HIV / AIDS! WE WILL END HIV! What do we REALY mean? WHY do we shout this? Why do we defend this? Allen, do YOU want to stop HIV? If you answered YES, then you want to stop HIV. Please show weblinks to support your comment that Serosorting does NOT stop new HIV transmissions.
To help you (are anyone) with this, here are the facts;
There are THREE forms of Serosorting, and TWO involve safe sex, the three Serosorting strategies are:
1) When HIV+ people (gay, straight, men, women) have safe sex with other HIV+ people, NO HIV-(negative) person gets infected with HIV.
2) When HIV- people (gay, straight, men, women) have safe sex with other HIV- people, NO HIV-(negative) person gets infected with HIV.
3) When HIV+ people (gay, straight, men, women) have unsafe sex with other HIV+ people, NO HIV-(negative) person gets infected with HIV.
Serosorting PERMOTES:
* Continued, regular HIV testing for HIV- people,
* Encourage, support and empower those who are NOT tested, to GET tested, (Allen, I belive this was your concern in your comment)
* Frank, open, honest communication about HIV / STD’s and STI’s,
HIV / STD / STI awareness, prevention and harm reduction,
* To LOWER the stigma of HIV / STD’s, HIV testing and overall sexual health. Thus, Serosorting increases public awareness, sexual safety and HIV, STD / STI prevention and harm reduction,
* SAFER SEX and HARM REDUCTION (A first in the history of HIV),
( And an unlimited number of benefits yet to be realized. I’ll leave it up to the CDC and other creditable HIV researchers to figure this out.)
Therefore, Serosorting makes safe sex SAFER by breaking the cycle of new HIV transmissions.
Allen (and others), with all due respect, please prove these three strategies wrong, and please provide weblinks so everyone here can learn from this.
Gentlemen, your future depends on many things, but mostly on YOU.
Respectfuly;
February 14th, 2008 at 2:23 amRobert Brandon Sandor
Hello/ I will HIV+ 3 years in June and I turn 27 over the summer and I have this strong desire to do professional porn, done a fw amaeur porn scenes bu wanna try the REAL thing. I would like to audition as a model. I’ve tried out for DARK ALLEY, TreasureIsland and poz4poz porn and havent’t heard fro anything. Where/ how can I audition for HDK?
February 17th, 2008 at 4:13 amTesting the models really is a great move on HDK’s part. There are many guys out there that may want to be models but don’t even know their own HIV Status. By getting them tested, you may not only be doing your best to lower the model’s risks, but also saving and/or preserving lives. I have learned this first hand from testing our own models.
We had a model we tested find out he was HIV positive. Before getting tested he didn’t know he was positive and we found out he was engaging in a lot of unsafe sex. Now he is getting treatment and will change his unsafe behaviour as to not infect others. Who knows how many in the gay community could have gotten infected by him if we hadn’t tested him? How many years can he now add to his own life by getting proper treatment?
A truly great move for HDK and all involved!!
All Good Wishes,
DannyZ
February 17th, 2008 at 10:32 amBoykakke Films
http://www.boykakke.com
Danny,
Thanks for the comment and your support of what we are doing. When we first started talkng about testing models that was one of the issues that came up…how many guys out there have never been tested? I think what we are doing is going to help prevent the HIV virus, as well as other STD’s, from being transmitted to other guys and, if the gay industry would start testing, it has the potential to really slow down the spread of HIV and other STD’s.
I think the thing I’m most surprised about is the fact that since our announcement hit the gay press, and it hit it hard and fast, not ONE major gay studio has said a word….Chi-Chi and Keith Webb from Titan, ARE YOU LISTENING???? I’ve heard from a couple of friends that Keith from Titan has even made the comment that we must have some type of ulterior motive. What the hell could be “unlterior” about trying to stop the spread of HIV and other STD’s.
As everyone knows, C1R (Chi-Chi’s studio) and Titan have been the most outspoken spokesmen against bareback films. Yet, neither one of them test any of their models for anything. Do they really think that a condom is going to stop the spread of all STD’s when the models are doing other things in front of the camera (and before the camera is turned on)that place the models at risk of catching some other STD such as Hepatitis C?
For years they kept saying that what we were doing was wrong. That we didn’t care about the health and safety of our models. Hmmm, I’m beginning to wonder how genuine their complaints were…or were they just losing money to bareback sales and it turns out they were more concerned about losing money than protecting their own models?
C’mon Chi-Chi, Keith and Chris at Raging Stallion, put your money where your collective mouths have been! STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO THE RIGHT THING, START TESTING! It’s time that every gay studio starts testing.
Bill
February 17th, 2008 at 1:51 pmHey Bill
It’s your fav pornstar lol. Just joking. I think this is a big step and a great one at that! Miss ya
JS
February 17th, 2008 at 6:57 pmHey Jarod,
Good to hear from you again. Thanks for your support on the testig issue. Glad you agree. We’ll be filming again soon so expect to be hearing from us.
Bill
February 17th, 2008 at 8:55 pmGentlemen,
Regarding Bill’s comment: “For years they kept saying that what we were doing was wrong. That we didn’t care about the health and safety of our models. Hmmm, I’m beginning to wonder how genuine their complaints were…or were they just losing money to bareback sales and it turns out they were more concerned about losing money than protecting their own models?
C’mon Chi-Chi, Keith and Chris at Raging Stallion, put your money where your collective mouths have been! STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO THE RIGHT THING, START TESTING! It’s time that every gay studio starts testing.”
Bill’s comment in #28 hits the nail right on the head, and not only applies to the other porn companies, but also to the HIV agencies and organizations as well.
For DECADES these porn companies and HIV agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” have shouted: WE WILL END AIDS!” “WE WILL STOP THE SPREAD OF HIV!” “WE WANT MORE FUNDING TO DO OUR WORK TO FIGHT HIV!”
However, for HDK’s Serosorting HIV prevention and harm reduction program, how much money is Bill and HDK RECEIVING from: The CDC? The HIV Agencies? The HIV “experts” and “professionals”?
Therefore, the other porn companies and HIV agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” will be VERY happy to take YOUR money for outdated HIV / STD strategies; but BILL and HDK are producing results and opportunities for YOU (the general public).
Bill and HDK are “Putting Up” while the porn companies and HIV agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” are “SHUTTING UP”!
Bill, you can now hold your head VERY high whenever you walk into a room packed fill with your colleagues, and HIV agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals”. Why? Because YOU are doing what THEY are afraid to do. You have proven that we do NOT need Congressional Support or Funding to stop HIV / STD’s; we only need to have faith and trust in ourselves.
We are all that we have left to fight HIV / STDs, because as we are now realizing, the HIV agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” have squandered 30 years of funding and manpower. Bill has “put up” and we see the others “shutting up”.
Thank you Bill and the HDK Team;
February 25th, 2008 at 3:23 amRobert Brandon Sandor
FOUNDER
Brandon’s POZ Party – NYC
http://www.poz4poz.com
Brandon,
Thanks for your comments. And, I believe you are correct. Thus far we have heard nothing from the gay condom studios with the exception of an article by Chi-Chi posted on http://www.thesword.com where she disagrees with testing.
The GOOD news is that we have been contacted by one of the other MAJOR gay bareback studios who wanted answers as to how we were doing the testing and information about how to get in touch with AIM. It appears as if they are seriously considering following our lead.
If they do, that will really put pressure on the gay condom studios to “put up or shut up”.
All of us are tired of the fighting back and forth about bareback vs condoms. We are hoping that ALL gay studios begin testing. By doing that then the gay studios will be the leaders in the adult entertainment industry thus, forcing the straight studios, who by the way, only about 5% use condoms, to start testing.
Thanks again,
Bill
February 25th, 2008 at 6:57 amHey Bill,
One of the things that needs to be remembered is that serosorting ALONE does not prevent the transmission of HIV. Brandon is someone who shouts very loudly about serosorting, but then only barely mentions that it’s 100% guarantee relies on use of condoms. Thus, Brandon is preaching for serosorting WITH condoms. Since HDK is a bareback porn, it is therefore a little confusing that Brandon would put forth so much effort to spam your website with gushing comments about serosorting. Brandon throws HIV+ sex parties in Palm Springs and makes a fair amount of money off them, so his interest isn’t entirely altruistic, but somewhat capitalistic as well and you might want to keep in mind that he’s essentially using your website as a free space to advertise himself and his parties. Much of what he’s already written was a cut and paste speech that I’ve seen on other websites.
From HDK Bill_______________________________________________________________________
Hi Sid and thanks for writing.
Just for the record, Brandon is not spamming the blog. All comments have to be approved by me before posting. Brandon and I have known each other for many years and we’ve talked about Serosorting for about as long as we’ve known each other. Serosorting works under certain circumstances and the most important circumstance is when Serosorting is combined with testing, which of course, is what HDK is doing and which Brandon has pointed out in several of his comments.
I realize that Brandon’s thoughts and, sometimes his comments, are somewhat controversial, but then it is from such controvery that change takes place. Remember SILENCE = DEATH and the group ACT UP?
Brandon is posting here with our permission in hopes that it will generate more and more discussion in regards to testing and Serosorting.
Best wishes,
Bill
March 6th, 2008 at 1:14 amSorry to be so long winded, but I hope this might clear things up…
Bill and Gentlemen;
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this issue, this is something (as you are just now beginning to realize) that the HIV agencies and organizations refuse to discuss – breaking the cycle of HIV transmissions.
For starters, I would like to clear up some small “miss-understandings” about me, my parties and my Palm Springs event.
1) I have been HIV+ since late 1983 and have heard 30 years of the same story: “We will stop HIV, we WILL end AIDS”. Well, what’s stopping you? Just do it and stop the Bullshit! I’m fed up with the talking about it…I DARE ANYONE to stop HIV.
2) Since my first HIV+ sex party more than a decade ago, I have ALWAYS offered condoms at my party. HOWEVER, I have always allowed guys to do as they wish, and if they choose the bareback, I did not stop them. BUT, the general public AND the media deliberately choose to promote my party as a bareback only party. Thus, the BAREBACKING ONLY Serosorting Strategy was born and welcomed by the HIV experts and professionals, and they legally began to promote barebacking as a result. Is that fair to ME as a party host and the founder of The HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Strategy called Serosorting?
3) And finally – Please contact the owners of Camp Palm Springs to confirm this: I DO NOT accept money from / for the Palm Springs party. In fact, I am CHARGED a room fee for my stay. I also have to pay my own car rental, meals, air travel from New York City (JFK) to LA (BUR), and to make matters worst…I have to buy my own lube and poppers! I DARE ANYONE to prove my wrong.
So, I am VERY grateful for Bill, XBIZ, the local press here in NYC and mostly my party guests who attend my NYC parties and the Palm Springs event. WHY? Because of one simple fact: THEY prove Serosorting WORKS and that the HIV agencies, organizations, “experts” and “professionals” deliberately REFUSE to discuss this matter.
But we’re discussing this HERE, now in the open and without fear. With this fact, I can (and we ALL can say) that the reason why HIV is still here today is because: The HIV agencies and organizations are: NELEGENT, CENSOR AND DISCRIMINATE against HIV information, therefore the agencies are involved in ACCOUNTING FRAUD and ENDANGERING YOUR LIVES as a result.
HDK IS educating YOU and bringing HIV / STD prevention and harm reduction information out to YOU. Why? Because the HIV agencies and organizations gave up on you long ago.
There are three ways to Serosort, two involve safe sex. You are fully aware and defend the barebacking method, and for that – and I thank you for showing the world that it works (just Google search – key word: SEROSORTING).
BUT – You can NOT Serosort unless you get tested for HIV, therefore, Serosorting promotes regular HIV testing AND COMMUNICATION which means disclosure to potential sex partners. Do YOU have sex alone or with others?
And why must Bill and HDK do the work of the HIV agencies and organizations? Is Congress supporting Bill for this? Is the NIH funding Bill for this?
No, I didn’t think so. But they DO support and fund the HIV agencies and organizations, right?
Please, show the general public supporting evidence to prove me wrong or stop HIV. I welcome it.
Respectfully;
March 12th, 2008 at 2:12 amRobert Brandon Sandor
FOUNDER
Brandon’s POZ Party – NYC
Just to clear up some of Brandon’s misconceptions:
Brandon continually asserts that serosorting stops the prevention of HIV “100% guaranteed”. This is simply not true. The only 100% guarantee is a choice that keeps one person’s fluids out of another person’s body. Beyond that, it’s simply a matter of minimizing risk.
Serosorting WITH condoms minimizes the risk more than serosorting WITHOUT condoms. Using condoms without serosorting minimizes the risk more than serosorting without condoms. Thus, what Brandon refuses to admit and constantly obfuscates, is that using condoms is the stronger force in HIV prevention, that serosorting alone doesn’t do it and only acts as reinforcement when condoms are present.
Brandon is a liar, plain and simple. He talks openly about other people’s HIV when they are not out about it themselves, thus violating their privacy. He doesn’t tell the whole truth about HIV infection and what truth he does speak is often misrepresented so as to “logically” lead to incorrect conclusions. It’s difficult to believe that Brandon doesn’t charge for his parties, considering the costs of running those parties.
Brandon is spamming on this board not out of any genuine concern for HIV, but because, by ingratiating himself to HDK, he hopes to get more poz guys attending his parties.
He is a liar and a fraud.
He’s been caught in his lies several times by other people and been kicked off of websites for his failure to adhere to the terms of service and for his lies.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:47 pmHi Sid,
Thanks for your comment but let me clear up a couple of things you said.
You said that Brandon is; “spamming on this board not out of any genuine concern for HIV, but because, by ingratiating himself to HDK, he hopes to get more poz guys attending his parties”. Frankly, that is not true. No one spams this blog. I read and approve or dis-approve every comment made on this board.
As for Brandon trying to get more poz guys to attend his parties, that is pure horse hockey. Brandon’s has been hosting his parties for years, both in NYC and in Palm Springs. I can tell you that every party he hosts in Palm Springs sells out. Every room at the resort for this years party was booked within two weeks of Brandon announcing the dates of the party. Frankly, I don’t know if Brandon charges or doesn’t charge for attendance to his parties. Whether he does or doesn’t is immaterial. He is providing a service to many guys. If his parties weren’t providing a service he would have stopped hosting them years ago.
I hosted monthly parties in Palm Springs for many years. They averaged between 150 and 200 guys each party. I charge a $20 donation to get in. I provided snacks, paper towels, cleanout facilities, heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, and water, ice and soda. Back then I heard many guys comment that I was making a bundle. After all, $20 times 200 is $4,000. Well, let me tell you, after paying for all of the supplies, spending an entire day getting ready for the party, then working like hell during the party to make sure everyone was having a good time and then spending the following day cleaning up after 200 guys fucked and fisted all night….well, if you think I made a profit, you’re nuts.
Of course Serosorting with condoms is better than Serosorting without condoms. And, Brandon has stated that many times by explaining the 3 different types of Serosorting that guys can do.
This entire thread started because HDK decided to start testing our models. We always Serosorted, but we did not do testing. We believe that Serosorting AND testing is a better way to go and no one can convince me otherwise.
Brandon and I have been friends for nearly 10 years so for you to say that he is attempting to “ingratiate” himself with me or HDK, is just plain wrong.
For many years Brandon has worked hard to attempt to help to stop the spread of HIV. But, because he hosts POZ parties, he opens himself up to attacks.
The same can be said for HDK. Since we make bareback films we have been attacked for years as CAUSING the increase of HIV. Nothing could be further from the truth. To believe that some guy is going to watch our films and then run out and participate in unsafe sex is to ignore all of the other valid, proven reasons we are now seeing an increase in HIV among younger gay men and people of color. If you want to blame the increase of HIV on something or someone, blame it on the Bush Administration who refuses sex education in the public school system to include anything but abstinence. Blame it on the pharmarcy comanies who are making 100’s of billions of dollars a year on HIV meds and who have no reason to find a cure. Or, blame it on the AIDS organizaton who constantly conduct fund raisers to “support those living iwth HIV or AIDS”, while spending 70% or more of what they raise on administrative salaries.
Just my two cents worth,
Bill
March 29th, 2008 at 10:15 amHello Sid;
With all due respect, thank you for your comment about me and my work. However, please do not continue to post statements about anyone (including me) without first knowing what it is you are talking about, and without backing your statements up with supporting evidence.
Serosorting breaks the cycle of new HIV transmissions – 100% GUARANTEED. This is a commonsense scientific fact.
No on can Serosort unless they get tested for HIV. Therefore, as more people (gay and straight) Serosort, we see and national increase in HIV testing as a result.
And finally, Serosorting makes safe sex safer. Do condoms “fall off” during sex? Do condoms “break”? YES. Therefore when people Serosort and have safe sex, they still protect themselves.
Anyone can disagree with me on this, it is YOUR RIGHT to do so. But please provide supporting evidence to support your statements. Otherwise, no one will take you seriously. And please do not get Bill involved in our little tit for tat, we do enough of this on the DudesNude website, so please show some respect to Bill and his blog.
Everyone should keep this in mind: He who has it in writing, has the truth. A good example of this is supporting evidence.
Thank you Sid, Bill and all the readers of this blog;
March 31st, 2008 at 1:47 amRobert Brandon Sandor
FOUNDER
Brandon’s POZ Party – NYC
Brandon’s POZ Party – Palm Springs
http://www.poz4poz.com
http://www.hiv-ub2.net
Hello “Sid”, Bill and the readers of this blog;
As Bill has mentioned above, the Brandon’s POZ Party – Palm Springs party, at the resort is in fact SOLD OUT. Yes, the entire resort is sold out due to the overwelming interest (support) for my party. Threfore, my Palm Springs party is the largest HIV+ sex party in the nation.
It is also the “dead season” in Palm Springs, a time when tourism is down and local business is in a decline in overall sales revenue. BUT, I SOLD OUT meaning that I have in fact helped the local economy, and for the one weekend I’m in PS – I helped them make money!
Now THAT is newsworthy and something to be proud of.
Brandon
March 31st, 2008 at 2:01 amToo bad they STILL charge me for my hotel room, my rental car, my flight, my food, my cocktails, my lube, my poppers…