Oh and let me introduce myself. I'm new to this tribe. (i don't know what the protocols are around introductions.)

my name is storm aka stormaldo. i have been on tribe for a couple of years and am pretty active. i'm very sex positive and interested in supporting the removal of shame and fear around sex and std's. not that people don't have the right and reason to be afraid, but it seems that the fear is amped up (because it's tied in with shame) and often creates silence. I'm sure i'm preachin to the choir.

anyway, glad to be here!

welcome storm..
I don't have too much to add on the subject since I am presently in a monogamous relationship and we've both been tested.
however... I think harm reduction is absolutely neccessary for anyone who anyone who doesn't have one regular, trusted partner. I don't think abstinence is a healthy long-term solution to avoid STDs, but unfortunately there is no other way to stay 100% safe. I think being well-informed, communicating openly with partners and potential partners, and taking calculated risks is the way to find a balance between a satisfying sex life and a healthy lifestyle.

At my sfsi.org training I learned about a harm reduction tactic that hiv+ folks are using: they have unprotected sex with other hiv+ people.

The statistics are that cross-infections or the so-called superinfection is just not happening, so this turns out to be a really good harm reduction strategy for them.

I really like the harm reduction model. I talk about it a lot with my clients.
I also use it in my own life.
I get tested regularly, I am seeing one person right now, I feel I am not being as sexual right now, and I have discussed with my partner that if either one of us wanted to date other people, we should check in to see where we are at with it and safer sex with others?