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Lets’ discuss sex! When a person becomes HIV positive they feel they can’t have sex any more or there sex life should be non-existent. Well we recently asked the Sexpert Dr. Rachel Ross the sexologist a few questions about sex. Check out the questions below via hugffingtonpost.com

Should I only...

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Let's talk about Sex!

Lets' discuss sex! When a person becomes HIV positive they feel they can't have sex any more or there sex life should be non-existent. Well we recently asked the Sexpert Dr. Rachel Ross the sexologist a few questions about sex. Check out the questions below via hugffingtonpost.com

 Should I only have sex with other HIV-positive people? If you practice safer-sex techniques, you can have an intimate and sexual relationship with anyone. However, unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse with another person, whether he or she is positive or negative, is not advised. Even if your partner is also positive, you’re both still at risk for other STIs and possibly becoming infected with a second strain of HIV, including a drug-resistant form. When you have sexual contact with another person you should always think to protect yourself and avoid reckless sexual behavior. The only way to really take good care is to take precautions to ensure that you don’t do anything that could negatively affect your health. In order to do that, you have to practice safer sex with each and every sexual partner. Do I have to worry about other STIs? Yes you do. Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are more likely to cause serious pelvic inflammatory disease in HIV-positive women. And human papillomavirus (HPV), another STI, appears more likely to cause precancerous anal and cervical lesions in people living with HIV. What’s more, these and other STIs can be more difficult to treat if HIV is also present. Also know that certain STIs—like herpes, chancroid and syphilis—can make it easier for you to transmit the virus if either you or your partner has them. Can I really be infected with a second strain of HIV? Yes. There have been reports of HIV-positive people becoming infected with additional strains of HIV, including drug-resistant forms of the virus. While it’s not known how frequently such “superinfections” occur, there is a risk with potentially serious consequences. If I keep my viral load undetectable using HIV medications, can I have unprotected sex? If you’re infected with HIV, you can transmit the virus to your partner(s)—period. That said, studies indicate that maintaining an undetectable viral load while on antiretroviral therapy greatly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. But while the risk might be lower, it’s still a risk. Is it true that I need to disclose my HIV status to someone before we have sex? Yes, you should. A number of states in America have HIV disclosure laws that make it illegal to have sex without first disclosing your HIV status. There have even been cases where people have been prosecuted for not disclosing their status despite the fact that HIV was not transmitted. And sadly the number of criminal cases due to failure to disclose is growing. Even though it is the responsibility of both partners to protect themselves, the U.S. government currently places the burden of protection on the infected partner—so be careful. 

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What decides What makes a women?

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The M Project of Westchester!

Are you a young guy who likes to mess around with other guys? Do you enjoy giving back to your community? Well, here at The Mosaic Center we work together to create a community of leadership, friendship and healthy living for life. We strive for the best and while doing so build and support one another as we head towards greatness. The young men of Lower Westchester County needs to come together as a community and support one another in all aspects. We are all fighting a battle, and j…oining The M Project of Westchester is one way that we can continue to fight this battle of equality. Joining The M Project of Westchester will allow you to meet other young men with similar interests and who share the same goals and views as you, while earning the respect of your community. Being a part of The M Project of Westchester will allow you to meet tons of new people, travel places, make life long friends along the way, and you can do all this while helping your own community. Do you know any young men of color that would be interested in being part of The M Project of Westchester? We are located at 137 South 4th Ave. Mt. Vernon, N.Y. and we could be reached at 914-699-1025 or via e-mail at pwillis@hudsonvalleycs.org

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Stop by the Mosaic Center this week to see what fun activities we have in store for you! #CHAPSny

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This weather is getting pretty hot and steamy. When things are getting hot- go for a swim, have some ice cream, and also use a condom.

www.mychaps.com

https://www.facebook.com/gay.westchester

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Make sure to join CHAPS at the mosaic center located at 137 S 4th Ave. in Mt.Vernon, NY 10550. When you bring a friend to get tested you will receive a FREE Metro Card!!!

  www.mychaps.org

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/gay.westchester

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The Normal Heart

With last night's premiere of HBO's The Normal Heart it’s a good time to remind everyone that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is not over. This amazing film recalled many things about the 'introduction' of the disease, but the most staggering statistic came at the end. There are 6000 new HIV/AIDS infections reported EVERY SINGLE DAY worldwide.  Even closer to home, the CDC reports that there are 1000+ new... infections reported monthly among America's youth (ages 13-24).  The work of organizations like ours, CHAPS, and HVCS is far from over. Congrats to Ryan Murphy, HBO and the great cast of "The Normal Heart," and of course to Larry Kramer. Be sure to check it out and share your thoughts with us!

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Make sure to join us this Thursday for our #TBT party! All MSM in attendance will receive a FREE METRO CARD and if you bring another MSM you will receive a McDonalds Card! I hope to see you here this Thursday 5/22/14

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CHAPS staff would like to congratulate Michael Sam for being the first openly gay person drafted to the NFL. We are so happy and proud for him, this is a huge accomplishment and we all should support him. What are your thoughts about Michael Sam being drafted into the NFL?

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April showers bring May flowers...Condoms flowers that is!! #CHAPSNY Make sure you stop by the Mosaic Center located at 137 South 4th Ave Mt.Vernon NY 10550. Also follow us on twitter @CHAPSny and www.facebook.com/GayWestchester

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Smile its a beautiful day today! Make sure to stop by the Mosaic Center and pick up your FREE Condoms and LUBE! We are located at 137 S. 4th Ave Mt.Vernon, NY 10550.

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Larry King tells Dave Rubin how gay rights are a civil rights issue, reminisces about civil rights in the 50's and 60's, and makes his predictions for the 20...

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Gay Football Player

In the last week a college football player Michael Sam "came out" the closet and there were mixed reviews. He had the support of his teammates and other college players, however when a news out let interviewed a few coaches and players who are currently in the NFL the support wasn't there. Many of the coaches felt that the players were not ready to have a openly gay player in the locker room with them while changing and showering. While others felt the league need an openly gay player to take a stand. With football being a physical sport and one of the most popular sports in the USA do you think a openly gay man would be accepted into the league? If you don't watch football would you watch it to support Michael Sam?

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Let's stop Gay bashing!

Everyday we are hearing about more and more cases of gay bashing in our society, and it needs to STOP! As time has progressed we have witnessed many people “coming out” and taking a stand on being gay, however in some ways that has also increased the gay bashing. Bullying individuals because of his/her sexual orientation is a major problem we are facing in our community. It happens in schools and in the community everyday, so I ask what can we do to change help change this for the better?

 As a gay African American male growing up it was hard to “come out” because of the name calling and bullying I seen going on around me, it wasn’t until someone stood up for me when I realized that it was okay to be myself. So, I ask if you seen someone being bullied or called names because of his/her sexual orientation would you say something? Sometimes that is all it takes

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Please join us for a FREE excel training on Wed., Jan 23 from 7-9pm! Please make sure to bring your laptops to the training.

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Join us on Fridays for Zumba!!! It's FREE of charge and will start at 5pm on Friday 1/17/14. We are located at 137 South 4th Ave. Mt.Vernon. NY. 10550.