Shout Out: Sex Positive 

Someone is posting comments using my name that I don't believe, and that I didn't write. I did not post the comment posted by "Angie", and I really don't know why my name was used. If someone has something to say, please use your own name. I did see the movie, and I did read Richard's book, and if you are interested in my opinion, my opinion is that they were both wonderful and accurate.

Like this film but believe Safe Sex is a choice. Our life style was killing us in the gay community? Thought thats what the virus was doing? Was Ryan White's lifestyle his fault too? HIV doesn't know judgement? I believe in Safe Sex but dont want it preached to me. I'm intelligent enough to get the facts and make my own decision. Also HIV is not the only sexually transmitted disease out there. Larry Kramer is my hero and believe people were not ready to hear about safe sex back then.

So, yes, let's be truthful. The reason Richard (and Michael and Dr. Sonnabend) were vilified was because they were forcing gay men to come to terms with the fact that incredibly promiscuous sex was making people very sick. And no one wanted to hear that. Thing is, they were right! Promiscuity and other lifestyle factors was the root of the evil. Also, I'm not sure if Mr. Coppola has actually seen the film. It's not 'selling' anything in particular, but is allowing a fascinating life of struggle and redemption to be told. Whether Berkowitz is a 'victim' or not isn't the point, because he lays it all out on the line with a truth and honesty that is revolutionary in these times of deceit. I don't want to hear about 'death and disease.' Google the CDC. They have hundreds of films you can watch. And if they are 'promoting' Richard's beauty ('from 25 years ago') or not, it is a nice bit of icing, isn't it? I dunno, you sound a little jealous.

I was moved when I came across this homage to me. I didn't know if it was bad manners not to say thanks, or self-aggrandizing if I did. As I said in SEX POSITIVE, I became an avid reader of the Advocate when I came out at 17 in 1973. It lifted my self-esteem and propelled me to activism--and writing. Being a public figure makes you a public target, but I hope people will go see SEX POSITIVE and not be dissuaded by an attack from someone who hasn't. I'm looking for an intern to help me put my safe sex writing on the web as a free archive. I'm happy to let my 26 year body of writing speak for itself. The invention of safe sex was a collaboration of Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, Michael Callen and me. I've never claimed otherwise. The reason we were shut out of community debate is documented in SEX POSITIVE with archival footage and bears little resemblance to what's stated below. Lets pray for a kinder day when we gay men see--and treat--each other, like the brothers we are meant to be.

Rich has a great story to tell but lets be truthful. He is not a victim. He also admits he did not invent safe sex. The reason the Gay Community turned against him was because his denial that the HIV virus existed. Had he said HIV plus his multi factorial theory can cause AIDS I think the response would had been very very different. I'm also bothered that this film tries to sell the sex side of Rich's S and M hustling.That story Rich admits he'd like to forget. This film also promotes Rich's very good looks from 25 years ago. Rich is a credible writer and activist. What I'd love to hear Rich talk about is his struggle with death and the disease process and his relationships. Thats something we can all relate to. Sometimes the truth is a very painful process for a writer. As it can be for all of us. But Bravo to Rich for all his efforts to try to get his message out. I wish him the best.