Wherever life leads you, always know your status

by Mary Turner
HIV/AIDS Education Columnist

Adolescence can be a rough time in our lives. Mother Nature plays tricks on us by making our bodies grow quickly, but unevenly. Our hormones wake up and cause changes that we may not be expecting.

Socially, we may feel awkward as we try to navigate, not only the path to healthy relationships but also as we try to establish independence from our parents. Erik Erikson defines this as a time when we are tasked with finding our identity so that we may be able to move on successfully with the rest of our lives.

Our nature is to want to fit in and be a part of something larger than ourselves. That can be challenging, though, if there is something about us that our peers perceive as different and unacceptable. Bullies seek out those whose skin is a different color; those who may be frail or have a disability; those whose religion is different; those whose sexual identity is non-gender conforming.

Some high schools have clubs that support students who identify as LGBTQ+. Some families do as well. Unfortunately, many do not have these groups even in 2019.

However, there is life after high school if you can hang on and get through it. If your path after high school leads you to college, especially if you move out on your own or live on a residential campus, then you have a chance to breathe a little easier and explore yourself more fully.

The upside of this newfound freedom is you have a chance to explore your sexual identity and learn more about what does or does not fit you. You will find that in the larger world, there are many others like you.

Contrary to stereotypes, members of the LGBTQ+ community come from all walks of life, all ethnicities, all colors, all first languages, and so forth. They are interested in everything, from art to politics to medicine.

The downside to the freedom, especially if you are naïve or have had few opportunities for social interactions in your high school, is that you may be too eager and trusting. There is a high incidence of sexual assaults on college campuses, and many of them are associated with alcohol consumption. I’m not saying don’t drink unless you don’t drink and don’t want to. It means that you should take steps to protect yourself.

If you drink, know your limit and stick with it. Not getting wasted doesn’t mean you’re not cool. It means that you want to be in control of the experiences you have. Sex is a lot more fun if you can actively participate in it. Never trust anyone with your drink, whether it is alcoholic or not.

Carry condoms with you whether you are actively seeking a sexual encounter or just wanting to be prepared just in case. Latex condoms are a first line defense against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

If a potential sex partner tells you that they don’t want to use a condom because it won’t feel good for them, don’t get involved with them. They are thinking only of their selfish desires.

If you do find yourself in the aftermath of a compromising situation (rape, unprotected sex, etc.), go to an emergency room as quickly as possible to request PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). This protocol will help protect you if you have been exposed to HIV.

Additionally, always refrain from sharing sharp items such as razors and toothbrushes with other people.

Get tested for HIV and other STD’s often and ask that prospective partners also get tested. Many people who are positive for HIV or STI’s don’t know they are infected, so they pass the infections on to their partners.

Always know your status.

Thankfully, there is life after high school, and it can be amazing. The key to amazing is to protect yourself and to enjoy yourself.

Copyright The Gayly. 8/19/2019 @11:57 p.m. CST.