Are you??????

[MeghanAndrews]

This is an ANONYMOUS poll! I was at a conference the last few days discussing strategies for Transgender HIV education and healthcare and got to thinking...I know what the results of our disenfranchised brothers and sisters look like, what does a population like Susan's look like? I think it's a good subject and really asks us to question our sexuality and how we express it. You can either vote and comment or vote and not comment, but please, vote! Meghan

[HelenW]

I've been with the same woman since 1982 so I doubt I need testing.  I've never been tested, as far as I know anyway.

hugs & smiles
Emelye

[Jessie_Heart]

this is a topic very close to my heart my oldest brother died of aids and my mother has aids this is a very important topic!

[Steph]

I was tested negative.

steph

[Janet_Girl]

Back in 1990,  I got bit at work by a shoplifter.  For the next 7 years I was tested at my employers expense.  And I was negative.  And seeing that I was with the same person all of that time, till the present.

I will get tested again before SRS.  And maybe if my doctor wants it, before my orchie.

Janet

[MeghanAndrews]

I'm negative. I will admit, I have done some pretty dumb things that could have gotten me hurt in more ways than one. I've never had unprotected sex without being in a committed relationship, but other stuff that was just really dumb. I see the results of not using protection every single day at my work. I see the tears, the crying, the pain. It's easy to get HIV, don't kid yourselves. I think many people think 'it's not my disease" but it isn't just a gay disease. We need more education and less stigma, we need support and less judgment.

[Cindy]

Hi
I run a lab that screens HIV samples. I'm tested regularly and am negative. I also see the horror of this disease. In USA, Europe and Australia things are quite good with maitenance therapy prolonging life. Small comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
In Africa and parts of Asia the death toll is appaling. Testing is limited and therapy virtually none existant.

Thanks to the Gates Foundation there is some hope.

Sorry for the rant.
Cindy James

[Dorothy]

I got tested before my GRS and my result was HIV-

[tinkerbell]

Those of us who work in the health care industry are tested for HIV seropositivity periodically.  My results have been non-reactive.


tink

[RebeccaFog]

Shoot. I just realized that I'm assuming I'm negative.  I haven't been tested. I should have answered that.

But, I've been with the same person for 20 years.  No fooling around. I have had blood tests for issues in the past related to lack of energy and those types of symptoms. It turned out the symptoms were depression related.

It is an important topic.

[milliontoone]

I haven't been tested in the last few years but I have been with my partner for over a decade and we always play safely when with others.
I did have bloodwork done a few years ago and they automatically screened me for it then so I know I was all clear then.

[lacitychick21]

I'm negative. I will admit, I have done some pretty dumb things that could have gotten me hurt in more ways than one. I've never had unprotected sex without being in a committed relationship, but other stuff that was just really dumb. I see the results of not using protection every single day at my work. I see the tears, the crying, the pain. It's easy to get HIV, don't kid yourselves. I think many people think 'it's not my disease" but it isn't just a gay disease. We need more education and less stigma, we need support and less judgment.

I think it depends on what circles you're in. I know plenty of people who take it seriously -- but that's just my circle.

[Hypatia]

I tested negative.

[tekla]

I was tested a few years ago as part of a health survey of TG persons in the Bay Area and they paid me $25 bucks to do it, so....

Negative

[Hana]

I'm a virgin... so i'm guessing negative.

[V M]

The last time I was tested I tested negative. Luckily the person I had been with tested negative also. Unfortunately, the rumors and controversy surrounding that, caused us to break up. Partly out of fear of such things I haven't been with anyone since 

[Sophie90]

I've never had the opportunity to pick it up, so, negative.

[mmelny]

Being a single person, even though not exceptionally active, I still get tested regularly.  The key is prevention and knowing and avoiding activities that have risk, eh?

It's not easy being single,  and being 100% pristine in these matters.  I just do all that I can to be safe.

*huggs*
Melan

[Lisbeth]

Last year I was tested for everything under the sun... all negative.

[Genevieve Swann]

I don't remember how many times I've been tested. When I lived in Panama testing was required every 90 days. As a non-citizen of the country Immigraions required me to  renew my status every 90 days which including HIV testing. I'm also a Navy veteran and the VA does it free. It's always good to know. Did you know there are people who are immune to HIV. If both parents are genetically immune to smallpox there offsprng are immune to HIV. Some people who have ancestors who were exposed to the bubonic plague are also immune.