Back from a week in Paris… more to come!

Rating 3.00 out of 5

An array of potential formats for microbicides:
gel, ring, cream… exist also in suppository and foam.

Reacting to a peripheries post on microbicides, Cheryl Overs commented “These [definition of microbicides] are a hint of the skewed propaganda about microbicides and an insight into the absence of consideration of how they will affect the millions of sex workers worldwide. Sex workers will lose any hope of using a 99% effective product against STIs, HIV and unwanted pregnancies, condoms” adding that, “The idea that sex workers will buy and use a combination of different …

Why is it that history repeats itself all over the world again and again? According to the Chinese News agency Xihua, “Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered on Monday to halt condom advertisement on televisions, saying that he does not feel the advertisement help curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS, but a promotion of condom sales.”
And why? No guess.
“On several occasions, Hun Sen has criticized TV spots for some parts, damaging the country’s culture, tradition and even considered harmful to public health.”
But according to the Avert Website, “Cambodia’s national HIV prevalence …

Riding bareback:
personal choice vs. social responsability?

The recent decision by the IML’s (International Mr. Leather) executive committee to ban retailers at the group’s annual convention from displaying or selling any pornographic photos and videos which portray or promote unprotected sex, also known as barebacking, triggered a heated debate in the gay and HIV blogosphere. The most quoted response came from Tony Valenzuela who in part elevated the debate above that of accusation of fascism and censorship writing:
“Maybe the better question isn’t whether or not IML’s new policy is censorship – it …

Reporting for IPS, Johanna Son paints a sharp picture of how gender and sexual ideology combined with conservative and religious forces oppose two sexual health technologies in a controversial fight.
“Why is Viagra so desired and condoms so repulsive in many cultures?” asks Michael Tan a reproductive health activist and chair of the University of the Philippines anthropology department.
Paradoxically, whilst one is broadly accepted socially for improving and extending male’s sexual performance, that’s Viagra, the other is shunned away for encouraging promiscuity. Whilst one is an essential tool in the fight …