HEALTH

Nail Polish Prevention: How Society Chooses to Address Sexual Assault

Since Undercover Colors went public earlier this summer, many have reacted to the company’s effort to aid in sexual assault prevention, which involves nail polish that changes color in the presence of “date rape drugs” slipped into someone’s drink, the idea being that a woman dips her finger into her drink to give it a stir and subtly procure information about the drink’s possibly insidious contents.

The North Carolina State University students who are developing the polish don’t actually suggest that it will solve the problem of date rape and other sexual assaults aided by drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, and benzodiazepines (those that the nail polish will detect). They plan to proffer it amongst a slew of “technologies” meant to “empower women to protect themselves from this heinous and quietly pervasive crime” known as sexual assault, according to the Undercover Colors Facebook page.

At first glance, this may seem (as it did to me, to be honest) like a cool, not to mention helpful, product. It’s empowering women by adding another tool to their self-defense kits! It’s subtle enough to prevent women from feeling burdened by it! It’s a health-positive fashion statement! Even women who are careful never to put down their drinks at bars or parties could consider this product helpful when it comes to the first or second dinner date, in which one might abandon her glass to go to the restroom without yet having gained full trust in her dinner companion.

After engaging in such reveries about the nail polish created to prevent sexual assault, it becomes easier to fasten on its many problems. First of all, it’s inherently gendered. Though I’m by no means saying that men do not and should not wear nail polish, the product is specifically aimed at women, sending the message that sexual assault happens only to women, or is only a women’s problem. It’s in part because of this attitude that sexual assault goes so frequently unreported amongst men.

Undercover Colors uses language like “empower” to suggest that it’s fighting the dynamic in which men traditionally have the upper hand over women. However, is the dynamic changing when it remains on women to have to work towards sexual assault prevention? In other words, it’s not a bad thing that, thanks to the polish, women have another tool to add to their anti-SA toolkits (sidled up to pepper spray in pink containers and purse-sized revolvers), but the product markedly keeps the responsibility of ending this kind of assault on the side of the potential victims.

As Undercover Colors puts it (again, in their Facebook mission statement), “Through this nail polish and similar technologies, we hope to make potential perpetrators afraid to spike a woman’s drink because there’s now a risk that they can get caught.” Is this really the best approach to stopping sexual violence, by scaring potentially violent aggressors into accountability (not to mention the, if small, possibility that they already can get caught—but no need to go into the legal system that’s overwhelmingly soft on these kinds of perps, police that have trouble taking these crimes seriously, and the stigma and shame associated with reporting them)?

Working on prevention that targets these possible perps would send a much stronger message than prevention tactics that tend to shift the burden onto women. For example, with the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, more of these institutions are implementing workshops and information sessions aimed at prevention. These hope to foster awareness and group discussion rather than encourage women to endure the possibility of sexual assault “discreetly,” in silence.

Also, by putting the responsibility on the side of the women the product aims to protect, it presents possible detrimental consequences for them. For one thing, bystanders who know that a woman is wearing her Undercover Colors may be less likely to interfere on her behalf if she’s in trouble. They might assume that this puts her in complete control of her ability to detect and avoid predators. However, alcohol alone often proves sufficient as a date rape drug, and it’s always worth looking out for your friends when out on the town. Let’s think even further forward, to the post-assault moment when ill-informed cops ask questions like, “Well, did you say no?/Is this what you were wearing?/Then what did you agree to leave the bar with him for?” Say technology like this nail polish becomes mainstream. Would police then ask survivors, “Why weren’t you wearing your nail polish?”

Of course, that’s looking at an extreme possibility, one that would come long down the line considering the Undercover Colors product is still in development. Regardless, it’s worth thinking about the implications behind any means of sexual assault prevention and asking what kind of overall dialogue it fits with, one in which sexual assault is a women’s problem, or one in which it’s a human problem. Naturally, we should aim for the latter.

*Image credited to The New York Times, Samantha Rapp

Underwater Spin Class: Your New Favorite Workout

by Jessica Klein

Rushing from work, I came ill prepared for my first ever aquacycling class. Wearing an entirely cotton outfit, I entered the Tribeca studio, Aqua (located at 78 Franklin Street), thinking that only my lower legs would be submerged as I participated in the workout. I had taken too literally an image sent by one of the women organizing the class, which pictured someone pedaling that cut off at the knees. After filling out forms attesting to the fact that I was not too ill or old to partake in the class (indeed I was neither, though I did ponder with some trepidation my irregular and minimal exercise regime), I received my aquacycling shoes. Rubbery and tight fitting, they resembled something one might wear in a hospital and flippers without the part that actually helps you swim.

Manhattan Digest, Spin Class, Aqua Cycling — Credit to: Dove® Men+Care™ Hair.

As I entered the room where our class of six, young women would cycle for half an hour, I realized my mistake. I clearly hadn’t done my research, and the seats of the bikes sat at least an inch below the pool’s water level while the shiny, silver handles jutted out just above. I immediately regretted my choice of clothing as I stood chest-deep in chlorinated water, struggling to adjust a seat with knobs that appeared distorted thanks to the rippling blue. To jump right in, just as I did into the water under the pleasantly dim lighting of the aquacycling studio, the class was a challenge. I was repeatedly instructed to make impossible figure eights with my arms, and I almost floated away while attempting underwater pushups. My seat never seemed to be in the right place and, at one point, my left pedal strap came undone. Nonetheless, I flapped my arms and peddled my legs with the best of them (who were, encouragingly, beginners, as well—but in your head, you’re always the only one doing it wrong when it’s your first time in aquacycling class; trust me). Yet, against all odds, I had a blast. Aquacycling was unlike anything I had ever experienced, yoga and kickboxing being the only organized fitness classes I’d previously attended. Our aquacycling instructor, a spin class teacher and veteran swimmer, had clearly found a calling in leading this class. With equal parts firmness and encouragement, she counted down the length of our “sprints,” showed us how to “fly” on a submerged stationary bike (by getting off of the seat but keeping your feet in the pedals while making water treading motions with your arms behind the bike), and made sure we always sucked in our stomachs, which turned out to be necessary if you didn’t want to float away while you “flew.” At no point during the class did I remotely fear drowning. When the class ended and I emerged from the pool, my legs all of a sudden turned to lead. Our instructor assured us that we would not be sore the next day from this workout, since it took place in the water. Though naturally dubious at the time, I have to admit she was right. It’s two days later, and I have yet to feel that usual post-exercise pain. I just feel very self-satisfied for trying something new that required above average movement. The instructor also warned us that we would be more dehydrated than we imagined back on land. As it turns out, sweating in water doesn’t feel like sweating, and to my surprise, I gulped up the remains of my water bottle in record time back in the locker room. Right about then, a nightmarish thought occurred to me. I had made a greater mistake than simply wearing the wrong clothes to class—they were also my only clothes in the building. I was soaking wet in cotton and hadn’t brought a change. Regressing to high school-level mortification, I laughed quietly to myself while blow-drying my shorts and contemplating a run back to my apartment. Yes, I felt that energized that I wanted to run after half an hour of cycling through the weight of water. This was rendered impossible by the large gift bags we walked home with thanks to Dove® Men+Care™, the aquacycling class’s sponsor. I took the free stuff with a smile, nodded approvingly at the scent of the shampoo (which I decided to use myself in spite of it’s “manly” designation), and hugged my fellow aquacyclers goodbye. Something about going through the unfamiliar but exhilarating activity served as a bonding agent, supplying me, too, with all the endorphins necessary to walk twenty blocks home soaking wet.

Aqua Cycling, Dove® Men+Care™ Hair, Manhattan Digest — Credit to: Dove® Men+Care™ Hair

Aqua Studio NY is located at 78 Franklin Street in Tribeca. The first NYC cycling studio to hold classes in a pool, it’s open seven days a week and offers a variety of classes ranging from beginner to way more intense. On the pricey side, trial classes cost $34 while single classes go for $40 and packages including 5 to 30 classes range from $190 to $990 (respectively), with options falling in between, as well. For more information, call the studio at 212-966-6784, or visit the website.

Denim Day 2014: Wearing Tight Jeans Doesn’t Mean Consent

by Jessica Klein

Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, early spring marks the time for NYC to speak up about a problem that plagues more women and men than most would like to imagine. With statistics that point to approximately 237,868 survivors of sexual assault each year in the United States, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and a rate of one sexual assault in the U.S. per every two minutes, it’s important that we have a month dedicated to spreading knowledge of such a devastating issue that affects so many.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014, focused on a particular event concerning the month’s overall message. The day gave people a chance to reflect on one of the legal systems many failures to prosecute for sexual assault. Having grown out of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction, “Denim Day” got its name because the victim from the case worse tight jeans on the day of her assault. Thus, the presiding judge decided that the victim must have helped her attacker remove her jeans before he raped her, which, in the court’s mind, indicated consent.

Though we’d like to think that nowadays the courts know better than to equate tight jeans with consent, Denim Day serves as a reminder of such attitudes that help rapists get away with their crimes and re-victimize those who have already been violated. On Wednesday, the 23^rd, people were encouraged to wear jeans as a symbol of discontent with the Italian Supreme Court ruling and the thinking that lead to it.

In New York City, Denim Day took a number of different forms. The NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault, in conjunction with St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Crime Victims Treatment Center, Start Strong Bronx, YWCA of Brooklyn, and other organizations from around the city held a Denim Day press conference hosted by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Council Member Julissa Ferreras. Located on the steps of City Hall, the conference stressed the importance of men speaking out against sexual assault, which keynote speaker Police Commissioner William Bratton helped support.

Meanwhile, at Beth Israel hospital, a table set up in the main lobby held informational pamphlets, papers, and pins surrounding the day’s message. Glitter glue signs attested to attire, behavior, and time of day never serving as excuses for sexual assault. For example, a sign read something like, “I have the right to walk down the street alone late at night without the fear of getting raped.”

People’s reactions to the information varied. One of the most disappointing came from a man who sympathized with rapists, noting that rape is a stupid action to take because “it could ruin the guy’s life.” As this was certainly not the message passersby were meant to take from the table, it is important to note that the positive responses outweighed such misplaced sympathy. One hospital worker took a pamphlet about services the BI offers regarding sexual assault, planning to share the information with patients of his who had suffered from that particular trauma. Others showed equal enthusiasm, grabbing pins for coworkers and expressing thanks for spreading the message.

Jean brand Guess also showed their support by providing information on their website and requesting people take the pledge to wear jeans on April 23^rd. The Columbia University dining hall even served a cake, decorated with roses, in solidarity of the message usually espoused by wearing jeans. Though intentions behind the cake were reportedly positive, the gesture was ultimately deemed inappropriate and the cake was taken away, unsurprisingly untouched. Sporting denim and spreading a message that condemns rapists and those who let them get away with their actions, of course, remain the best ways to show support. With about a week left in April, there’s still time to raise awareness for the month’s cause (and there’s always time to continue to do so indefinitely).

Back On My Feet’s 2 Year Birthday: Continuing the Run towards Self-Improvement

by Ryan Leeds

Back on My Feet's Uptown group celebrates its graduates. Photo courtesy of Back On My Feet. — Back on My Feet’s Uptown group celebrates its graduates. Photo courtesy of Back On My Feet.

THE STORY

Even in the often quoted “city that never sleeps”, the hours between 5 AM and 7 AM are considered sacred moments of slumber for most individuals . For nearly two hundred New Yorkers however, these pivotal hours have provided profound life transformations through the incredible non-profit organization called Back On My Feet (BoMF). This unique running club began in Philadelphia in 2007 by founder Anne Mahlum. Mahlum convinced the administration of a local homeless shelter to offer a running program to its residents. The group’s mission was (and still is) to provide hope to those experiencing homelessness through group running. It quickly caught on and has since expanded to 10 other cities. This month, the New York City chapter is proud to celebrate its 2 year birthday, with many fun events in store. Since April 2012, 193 members of the chapter have gained employment, found housing, enrolled in education, or accomplished a combination of the three. In New York, there are four branches: Uptown, Times Square, Bowery, and Brooklyn. Three mornings a week at 5:30AM, each team meets, completes a warm-up , forms a circle of serenity, and executes the planned run. At the end of each run, the teams reconvene to their circle of serenity. Each meeting point is a shelter or half-way house and their teams are comprised of both residents and non-residents (volunteers). In addition, all of the locations offer treatment programs as many of the residents have experienced issues with alcohol and/or drugs.

CRITERIA

Aside from the daily subway paper am New York and the occasional free coffee coupon from Starbucks, recipients of BoMF have come to realize that there are few handouts in life. In order to qualify for help from the program, each member must have 90% attendance. After 30 days, they are eligible for the “next steps program”, which consists of financial literacy and job preparedness. After 90 days with 90% attendance, they are eligible for financial assistance. BoMF will grant them the option to remove a one time roadblock, helping them to achieve a personal goal. The roadblocks range from a security deposit for an apartment to paying parking tickets so that they may obtain a CDL license. Funding for these opportunities are provided through corporate sponsorships and via fundraising.

JOHN’S STORY

Anthony (L) and Half marathon finisher John (R) from Back On My Feet's Uptown team. Photo courtesy of Back on My Feet. — Anthony (L) and Half marathon finisher John (R) from Back On My Feet’s Uptown team. Photo courtesy of Back on My Feet.

John has been running with back on my feet since November 2013. A U.S. Army veteran, he moved to New York in 1989, shortly after a three and a half year service commitment. Plagued by a long battle with substance abuse, he sought recovery at Samaritan Village in Queens. It was there where he discovered the group that would become his destiny. “Every morning, I would sit on the porch, smoke a cigarette, and drink a cup of coffee. I saw this group and I asked someone what it was about. It just looked like something I wanted to be a part of. So I joined.” Aside from drills in the Army over 20 years ago, John didn’t have a physical fitness routine. “At the beginning, it was a lot of discipline. I wasn’t used to waking up that early and being around people who were more excited than me at that hour!”. He continued, “But i just kept doing it and now, it’s like nothing to get up when the alarm goes off at 5:00 AM.” BoMF took John out of his comfort zone. “It challenged me to do something that I said couldn’t be done. Then I realized after a short period of time, that it could be done. The only person that could do it was me.” He added, “This group has really encouraged me.” Their support and his own self-confidence has served him well. Just last month, John completed the New York City half-marathon- for someone who only recently reignited an exercise routine, the 13.1 mile trek was quite an accomplishment. “It started as a joke, but then I became serious about it,” he says. “I started doing long runs on the weekend, starting at 8 miles and then continuing to 10.” Humbly, he acknowledges his fellows from his BoMF Uptown group. “They helped me to overcome my fear and taught me that it didn’t matter where I placed in the half marathon. The important thing is that I finished the race.” John continues to lead the morning warm-ups as Team Captain: “I like feeling that I am part of something and contributing to the group.” He observes, “Running is the easy part; discipline is the hard part.” John will continue that daily focus as he prepares for his first ever marathon in NYC in November. His professional mission is a practical venture: “Run in the morning. Work during the day. Rest at night.”

2 YEAR BIRTHDAY AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hugs are abundant at Back on My Feet. Photo courtssy of Back On My Feet.

As BoMF NYC celebrates two solid years of tenure, it has some engaging activities planned for April and beyond. On April 9th, all four branches met at the Delancey Street offices for their Birthday run. They also launched the 180 challenge, encouraging non-residents to fund raise $180 per person for the organization. On May 1st, BoMF welcomes the entire NYC community to a group run in Central Park. Participants will meet at New York Running Company’s Columbus Circle location at 6:30 pm for a fun run, a scavenger hunt, and some mingling. On May 31st, BoMF will proudly partner in the 5k Color Run, to be held at Citifield in Queens. Non-residents and community individuals are strongly encouraged to volunteer.

Jean Hartig serves as Director of Communications and Corporate Relations for the New York City chapter. “There is an opportunity for runners, joggers, and walkers alike to share in an activity that has brought them so much joy.” She continues, “To be able to share that joy with those experiencing a life transition helps create community. Ideally, we want to build that community beyond the morning runs.” While the primary focus is on running, there are all levels of participation. Hartig explains, “The goal is really to get outside, circle up, talk to each other, and become more active.” She has witnessed the positive affect BoMF has had on so many. “When there is that activity to look forward to and that team to be held accountable to, changes happen in our members.”

Whoever said second chances can’t happen, should log on to the site, lace up their sneakers, and look at the results.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: Back On My Feet

WHEN & WHERE: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.: 4 locations in New York City. For specific information, log-on to http://nyc.backonmyfeet.org

WHY: Haven’t YOU ever hoped for a second shot?

North Dakota Woman Will Give Out Anti-Obesity Flyers to Trick-Or-Treaters

by Blair Kaplan

Some unsuspecting children in Fargo, North Dakota will be receiving an evil “trick” this Halloween!

A woman named Cheryl, called into a Fargo radio station WRIG this week to discuss her plan that will undoubtedly terrorize some trick-or-treaters in all of the wrong ways.

Cheryl elaborated that she plans to hand out letters to children she finds to be “moderately obese” in the hope of forcing parents to get in on the effort to end unhealthy eating habits.

“I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight…I think it’s just really irresponsible of parents to send them out looking for free candy just ‘cause all the other kids are doing it,” the woman said.

Although Cheryl appears to believe in the age old notion that “it takes a village,” I wonder if she was ever taught that “if [she] has nothing nice to say, [she] shouldn’t say anything at all.” It is one thing to discuss her feelings on obesity with parents (although it is arguably none of her business how they choose to raise their kids), but seeing as how many trick-or-treaters can and will read these letters, she is not aiding the “village of Fargo,” but rather shaming children into feeling very poorly about themselves; something that the rest of society will also have to attempt to fix.

Shame on her for making what should be a fun and positive experience for these kids into an embarrassing, shameful memory. In her quest to combat childhood obesity, she is doing more harm than good. If she wants to help bring an end to the consumption of sugar and sweets by children, why not simply refuse to give out candy altogether? As far as I’m concerned, considering the selectivity and sensitivity with which Cheryl has decided to refrain from giving out candy, she might as well choose who gets candy based on race, gender, and sexual orientation. She is sending the wrong message to our youth; there are more positive ways to go about her mission.

Let’s hope that someone casts a spell on Cheryl’s bad behavior and maybe for Halloween next year she can forgo the tin-man costume and dress up as someone with a heart.

Kim Kardashian & the Focus on Celebrity Post-Baby Body is Worrisome

by Blair Kaplan

The ongoing attention that the media has granted to Hollywood’s finest post-baby bodies worries me. A lot. Our society has always held harsh criticism regarding women’s bodies, but the criticism of women’s bodies amid one of the most natural acts of life, demonstrates that we have now reached an all-time low.

Just about every other article written about pop-culture these days seems to focus not on the charitable work of celebrities, or more realistically on their careers (can you imagine focusing on those?!), but on “who wore it best”, who has the “best bikini body”, and how beautiful women like Kate Middleton, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, and Malin Akerman look mere weeks after giving birth.

As if this weren’t bad enough, celebrities are now often weight-shamed while pregnant with their offspring. Jessica Simpson and Kim Kardashian are both examples of famous mothers-to-be whose bodies were analyzed and criticized for their “with-child” figures, often called names such as “fat” and “disgusting.”

While we have almost always been a society vastly concerned with what is on the outside, often basing our values of ourselves and others on physical appearance, this unhealthy perception that flat tummies and full lips make us better people, has only grown more concerning in recent years. Open a magazine or turn on a television and you will be hard-pressed not to understand, or to even buy into these negative feelings yourself.

Some defend such critiques with the age-old notion that celebrities are “different,” that they “signed up” for such scrutiny, or that their bodies and their weight are their job; that we shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to such unrealistic standards. Yet this extreme focus on our bodies is constantly in front of our faces.

We could blame the media outlets and the magazines for reporting on such insulting topics. It’s not as if the media has never been blamed before. And maybe the media is partially at fault for their exposes on cellulite. But it is also arguable that the media is a reflection of society; that the media is simply showing us what it is that we want to see. After all, the media would lack all power if we decided not to buy into what it is that we are being sold. Though it may be easier said than done, we have to figure it out soon, because we may be doing more damage than we realize.

While the adults in our society go about their normal routines, the effects of their behavior often unknowingly trickle down to our youth. Little girls are not only listening to what the magazines and television shows are saying about their idols, they are letting it affect their self-worth.

If you, like many, feel skeptical of the media’s harm to our kids’ self-image, take a good, hard look at these scary statistics. According to an article posted on September 11, 2013 on the The Daily Athenaeum, 50-70% of healthy 6-12 year old girls think that they are overweight, and 42% of first through third grade females want to lose weight. Even more alarming is the statistic that 81% of ten-year-old girls are afraid of gaining weight.

According to a 2005 Dove Global study, 92% of girls say that they wish they could change one thing about their physical appearance, with body weight ranking the highest. Not only do girls wish to change their appearance, they are avoiding certain activities including even going to school or giving an opinion, because they feel badly about their looks.

In the past, women have used their intelligence and creativity, innovation and strength to change the world. Florence Nightingale was instrumental in changing the nursing profession; Marie Curie helped to invent the first X-ray machine and won the Nobel peace prize – twice; Helen Keller campaigned for the blind and deaf; Rosa Park’s refusal to sit at the back of the bus led to some of the most important civil rights legislation of American history. Women are capable of achieving greatness, yet with a focus on the physical, our society is silencing tomorrow’s voices.

The question remains whether or not these ideals are what we wish for our daughters. It would be naïve to believe that this is something that we can change overnight; this alarming trend wasn’t something that came about instantaneously. But we can start with ourselves, and we can lead by example.

We can refuse to buy into the idea that our bodies define us. And we can love ourselves as we are. We can focus on the notion of health and intelligence, gratitude, and selflessness; Center our attention on our bodies of work and not simply our bodies. Skinny does not equal healthy, and beauty is subjective. We are hurting the greatest tool our society has to offer: our youth. And if we are going to have any chance of fixing it, we have to start by loving ourselves. After all, little eyes are watching.

References
1. http://www.dove.us/docs/pdf/DSEF%20Discussion%20Guide%20for%20Mothers.pdf
2. http://www.thedaonline.com/mobile/opinion/battling-body-hate-achieving-a-healthy-body-image-1.3059168

PORN STAR – a journey [SPECIAL REPORT, HIV AND STI’S]

by Charlie Harding

MY THOUGHTS ON THE RECENT HIV OUTBREAK IN THE PORN INDUSTRY

I know many of you were looking for part 3 in my Porn Star series, but given the recent issues in the industry, I think this week it makes more sense for me to address it and weigh in on it all.

To recap, there have been four performers in the industry who recently tested positive for HIV. Rod Daily, his girlfriend Cameron Bay and Patrick Stone have all come forward publicly with their diagnoses. A fourth has chosen to remain anonymous, but recently participated in a news conference last Wednesday, via phone. According to Stone, his test may be a false positive, and he is waiting to confirm his status. The fourth performer stated during the conference that he had tested negative and was cleared to perform in scenes just two weeks prior to his now positive diagnosis.

So here’s the deal. HIV is obviously a risk when working in the porn industry. The question becomes what to do about it, and how to protect the performers. I’m going to talk specifically about the gay porn world, as it has a different “set of rules” than the straight world, with the majority of the gay studios requiring condom use. I’m also eliminating bareback studios from my discussion, as they as well have established their own requirements as to what performers they use and the risks involved.

TRUTH #1 ONLY A HANDFUL OF STUDIOS ACTUALLY REQUIRE PERFORMERS TO TEST FOR STI’S OR HIV.

With all the focus on these four performers and their recent infections, most folks don’t realize that the MAJORITY of performers work for studios that use condoms, and because they film safer sex, don’t require testing. The only reason we have heard about the recent performer infections is because they all worked with studios that required testing. I have worked with 4 studios total during my year and a half career, and one of the four required me to test and submit results for approval before filming. Now don’t get me wrong, the other three studios have very specific policies set forth stating that if a performer would like their scene partner to be tested prior to filming all you have to do is request it. This allows the performer to set the level of risk he is willing to accept, and act accordingly. During my 20+ scenes and estimated 30 scene partners, the majority have been with a testing studio, but I never have requested tests from my other scene partners. I did my research, decided what would work best for me, and did what I was comfortable with. I own my level of responsibility and the risks I am willing to take.

TRUTH #2 THERE ARE MANY PERFORMERS IN THE GAY PORN INDUSTRY THAT ARE HIV POSITIVE.

If you read the recent interview on manhattandigest.com with me and my poz/undetectable partner, Scotty Rage, you know that I am a very HIV neutral person in my daily life. That being said, I was never concerned about working with HIV positive performers. I always walk into every scene ASSUMING everyone is HIV positive, and only do what I’m comfortable with. Given that I have a high risk of infection with my career, I have also gotten on TRUVADA as a PrEP program. Don’t know what that is? You should! Google it and learn about another level of protection you can offer yourself if you are HIV negative. I’m not here to out performers are positive, as to me it’s a non-issue, but I will say that I know for a fact that at least 4 of the guys I’ve had sex with were all HIV positive. I know because they all disclosed it to me during conversation (not through second hand knowledge) and I wouldn’t be shocked if there are more as well. Let’s be realistic and blunt here for a second… in “real life” there are HIV positive people in every social situation or friend group in which you participate, the adult industry is no different. Unfortunately, within the industry and today’s society, someone’s public disclosure of their HIV status can be a career killer, as the general public doesn’t want to know about the performers “dirty little secret.”

TRUTH #3 IF YOU WORK IN PORN, YOU WILL PROBABLY BE EXPOSED TO STI’S AND HIV NO MATTER HOW OFTEN PERFORMERS TEST.

It is a well-known fact that HIV antibody tests have a “window” of about 2 months prior to the test date in which someone can seroconvert to positive, but still show up with a negative test. It all depends on how quickly your body produces the antibodies that react to the viral protein. Therefore, someone can claim to be negative, and actually have the active virus in their system. This is how you can have a performer test negative one time and then a couple weeks later test positive. The infection could have occurred during the two week window, or it could have occurred earlier, but no antibodies had been produced in the body before the first test. I have always said when I disclose me status that I “tested negative as of [insert date],” rather than claiming HIV negative status. You really can’t guarantee that you are negative if you are sexually active within a few months prior or after your test. Again, this is why all performers should decide what they are willing to do and what level of risk they are willing to assume, and stick to it! Another reality: porn performers have sex with other people outside of filming. Thus we can all be exposed to things that we bring back to set. Given that a multitude of performers also escort, their level of exposure grows with every additional time they have sex. Something else to think about: Just because a performer uses condoms on set, doesn’t mean they do in their personal life… Just like the fact that “regular folks” who claim to only perform “safer sex” don’t always do it.

TRUTH #4 THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND CONSUMERS DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT HIV AND THEIR FAVORITE PERFORMERS.

Porn is a fantasy. Scenes are put together and edited to provide a seamless experience for the consumer and the hottest visuals possible. Ever noticed the “magic pants” (when a performer pulls his pants down for oral or rimming and then magically they disappear… there’s just no sexy way to take off pants over boots or sneakers!)? Consumers don’t want to think about STI’s and HIV and dirty bottoms and the non-sexy things that can be associated with sex. Buyers pay for a FANTASY, not a reality. So performers being too open about their real lives lose a bit of their Idol or Star status and more often than not end up disappearing. Just like no one wants to know about their famous mainstream movie stars using the bathroom or popping pimples, no one wants to hear the day-to-day drama that porn stars also face, sometimes as a result of their involvement in the industry.

SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? WHO NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE?

The answer? I have no exact idea. All I can do is speak to how I handle it and how I set myself up to be comfortable with what I do. I DO NOT TRUST ANYONE ELSE TO PROTECT ME. Performers that count on scene partner testing to protect them are living in the same fantasy world as every day folks that believe it when someone claims to be negative in a bar or online.

I test regularly no matter if I’m working with a studio that requires it or not. I got on meds to limit my risk. I educated myself as to what HIV positive means, what undetectable means, how STI’s and HIV can be passed on and how they are treated. I determined the specific risks I am comfortable with on set, and a specific level of risk I am comfortable with in my personal life, and I stick to that. BASICALLY, I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT MYSELF.

Summer 2013- Best gym songs

by Ryan Shea

As summer is already here, and the winter days are gone for now, we all have a lot to look forward to while basking in the glory of the sun and being with our friends and family. It also gives us initiative to get our fat asses to the gym and make sure we look good at the beach, walking in the city, and just being more in public as the winter time can force us to get under the covers and watch “True Blood” repeats. I have come up with 10 essentials that will keep you jamming throughout the gym session and make the overall experience there more fun and satisfying! Take a look.

La Bouche- “Be My Lover”

If you were a GIGANTIC fan of the Jock Jams movement in the late 90’s, there was no denying this chart topping hit by this EDM duo. With a fast paced rhythm to go along with what i like to call “melodic rapping”, this song is designed for the avid cardio-lover and help you get to that next mile.

Robin Thicke Featuring Pharell Williams- “Blurred Lines”

Thicke, more notably known for his slow paced songs like his chart-topper “Lost Without You”, has the number one song in the country with this funky dance anthem that is sure to be one of the biggest songs of the summer.

Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams- “Get Lucky”

Daft Punk have sort of become synonymous with creating insanely great dance music and the adoration of fans worldwide. “Get Lucky” is the first track off of their new album which easily debuted at number one on The Billboard 200.

Icona Pop- “I Don’t Care”

This song has been out for a couple of months now and has been heard everywhere, even in “Shoedazzle” commercials. It is another great cardio anthem to jam out to when sweating it out on the elliptical.

Papa Roach- “Last Resort”

Are you mad? Want to get that aggression out when you are at the gym? Blast this hit from 1999 and keep it on repeat and the aggression will be released in the masses.

Bauuer- “Harlem Shake”

This year’s “Gangham Style” became quite the internet sensation back in February with its endless parody videos of mainly the first 30 seconds of the song, yet the entire song itself is pretty dope and definitely a gym jam.

Chris Brown- “Beautiful People”

I hate Chris Brown as a person, but I love this song. Enough said.

Kanye West- “Stronger”

This was ranked a couple of years ago as the best song to listen to at the gym, and I agree to a certain extent. Kanye could have a couple of records on this list (Monster, Mercy) but this one suits the bill. Daft Punk on this track as well. Yeezus.

LL Cool J- “Mama Said Knock You Out”

At a boxing gym? This will have you covered.

Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz- “Get Low”

Inescapable in 2003, and the song that quite frankly put Lil Jon on the music map, “Get Low” is hands down a beat spectacle and one that will be sure to get your heart racing when working out.

Glam on the Go NY; My Interview

by Ryan Shea

This week I had the pleasure of talking to an amazing business owner and glamour specialist, Miriam. Miriam is an owner of a beauty on the go service, Glam on the Go NY. Glam on the Go NY is a mobile beauty provider who will make a house call for your hair, make up, on even a little Botox. Miriam is a registered nurse and started the company a year ago. Over the past year the company has expanded and now provides almost any beauty service you can dream up. You can check the website out at http://www.glamonthegony.com/.

Glam on the Go provides services to men and women of all ages and backgrounds. This service is especially helpful for those single working moms who barely have a minute to get to a salon.

When did you start glam on the go?

Glam on the Go NY was started a year ago.

What services do you provide?

GOGNY provides any and all beauty services and treatments including, but not limited to: Botox and fillers, makeup application, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, permanent makeup, all facials, massage, velashape, personal training, spray tan, manicures, pedicures, fat burning aides, laser hair removal, beauty products, etc.

What is the best part of having a business like this, a mobile beauty company?

The best part of having this business is being able to bring these services at clients’ convenience and location. I love meeting new and interesting people and I love that any beauty service or treatment can be serviced by one company.

What is your background in this industry?

I am a registered nurse, certified in Botox and fillers. I have worked with several plastic surgeons in the NY area. I have a love and passion for helping women in particular improve their self esteem.

What kind of clients have you done work with?

I have worked with all kinds of clients, all ages, both men and women, all professions, from housewives to lawyers to car salesmen to Ford models.

What is your favorite service that the company provides?

My favorite service is the Botox and fillers.

What are your goals for Glam on the Go?

My goals for GOGNY is to franchise and have GOG in different states. I would also like to have a mobile bus to provide all services literally on the go.

What are some of the beauty trends for this Summer season?

Beauty trends for the summer season include rejuvenation, fresh glowing skin, sexy effortless chic!

“Making Bacon”, by Big Ronnie

by Ryan Shea

As you saw in my last post, I’ve had a great time lately with my new smoker. This past weekend was the best however, as I’ve upped my manliness by learning how to cure and smoke Bacon.

For the prep, I ordered a simple curing kit complete with everything you need from BaconKit.com. I cured the pork belly in my refrigerator for one week using the included plastic bag and curing mixture (salt and sugar).

From www.baconkit.com – “baconkit + pork = homemade bacon! It’s that easy. The kit contains everything you need to make 5 lbs of delicious homemade bacon. The only fresh ingredient you need to purchase is pork belly which can be obtained easily at most supermarkets and butchers. If you need help finding it please check here or email us and we’ll be happy to help. The kit was in fact as easy to use as advertised. I was away in Phoenix, AZ last week for a trade show and was curing the bacon while I was away.

As you can see from the photos below, cured bacon is darker than fresh pork belly. The last thing to do was get it in the smoker and cook it at 200 degrees to an internal temperature of 140 degrees.

After smoking, I rested the bacon in the refrigerator as instructed. After 30m, I sliced some, cut off the skin and fried it up. The result was fantastic.

HEALTH

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