Dallas BraggFormer crystal methamphetamine user, I help men who have sex with men break free from the addictive patterns associated with Chemsex. Currently expanding my expertise by seeking to become a Certified

Empathy for guys with hiv #hiv #hivprevention

26 Jul 2024 · 1 min

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In this candid monologue, Dallas Bragg, a gay man who is a former crystal meth user and lives with HIV, urges the gay dating community to stop asking each other if they are "clean." He explains how such questions perpetuate shame, stigma, and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people already face. Bragg argues that the phrasing is harmful and suggests more respectful alternatives, such as asking about a person’s HIV status or the timing of their last STI test. He calls for greater empathy, solidarity, and a shift toward specific, health‑focused conversations rather than vague, judgmental language.

Chapters

Hey guys, stop asking other guys if they're clean. I recently dipped my toe back into the dating scene just after a few years, and first thing I'm asked if I'm clean. As gay men, we've endured enough shame, we've endured enough stigma, we've endured enough discrimination, marginalization. Why are we doing it to one another? Think about this. I'm gay, I'm a former crystal meth addict, and I'm living with HIV. And now you're going to ask me if I'm clean. Words matter. I'm not being politically correct here or easily offensive. I'm saying think about what you're asking me. So what do I say? No, I'm dirty. I have HIV. Just take me out in the field and fucking shoot me. Please, let's show some empathy for one another. You can ask, do you know your status? When was the last time you had an STI test? Something along those lines. Look at what's happening in the world. We have to have each other's back.