U.S. News New York: Harlem Gay Advocacy Group Protests Sex Party Banning Condom UseMay 23, 2006 In New York, the Harlem-based HIV/AIDS advocacy group Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) called a protest for May 20 in response to a gay sex party where condoms were banned. "Anyone caught using jimmies [condoms] will be asked to leave with no refund given!" read the event invitation. GMAD Executive Director Tokes Osubu said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the invitation. "I'm sick of 18-year-olds coming in here HIV-positive. It's got to stop," he said. "We want to send a strong message to [the party's promoter] and promoters like him that it's unacceptable, and to the larger community that we're not all complicit in this behavior. We're not just idle bystanders." The party is apparently the third such gathering held by the promoter, who returned a message seeking a comment but declined to disclose his identity. The invitation thanked the 54 people who attended the last event. Other activists also expressed outrage. "It's not just about the men who participate but about what a community will allow to be done in its name," said Phill Wilson, executive director of the Black AIDS Institute. Wilson also blamed funding disparities in prevention and treatment programs for black men. "It's the year 2006 ... and some men are still carrying on like it's 1976," wrote activist and blogger Keith Boykins. "It's time to put an end to these condomless sex parties." Associated Press 05.19.06; Marcus Franklin This article was provided by CDC National Prevention Information Network. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update.
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