Letter From the Editor

Dear Readers,

In all the work that we do at Body Positive, one subject that people always want to discuss is the impact of HIV on romantic relationships -- on initiating relationships, on developing relationships, on maintaining relationships and, sometimes, on ending relationships.

So we have dedicated this issue to a broad range of romantic relationships. Social worker Michael Mancilla's lead article entitled "Tell and Kiss: Dating and Disclosure" provides advice about how, when, and why to disclose your HIV status to a potential partner. This article and our cover are graced with original creations by Elton Tucker, a talented NYC-based artist. Next, Steve McMahon shares with us some of his personal experiences in dating and disclosure, while our "Psychologically Speaking" columnist, Dr. J. Buzz von Ornsteiner, provides advice to a woman who is worried about how to tell her family and friends that her boyfriend is HIV-positive.

Shorter features in this issue include an article on what research tells us about couples of mixed HIV-status, an introduction to The HIVe social group for HIV-positive gay men, and a touching poem entitled "I Still" about an ended relationship by first-time contributor Gene Valentine. In a first for Body Positive, we also present the excerpts from three new fictional accounts, all revolving in one way or another around the theme of HIV and relationships.

As always, we also bring you news and notes about Body Positive, including a spotlight on our summer activities and our new radio show on WWRL 1600 AM. So happy reading, and enjoy the rest of summer!