by Mimi DeSouza To most people the title “Lesbians and AIDS” tends to portray a contradiction. Lesbians don’t get AIDS- do they? Not so- true, lesbians are the least at risk group for any sexually transmitted disease, but that doesn’t mean they are safe from contract- ing the AIDS virus. ‘ Most of the literature, scientific and otherwise, has concentrated on three sexual groups- homosexual and bisexual men and heterosexuals, much to the exclusion of lesbians. Women’s periodicals have also I been at fault for not representing the case of the lesbian and her risk for AIDS. Lesbians have become aware of the paucity of safer sex guidelines and facts surrounding lesbi- ans and AIDS. Some have decided to voice ’ their opinions and knowledge quite force- fully- as evident in a lengthy letter to Off Our Backs (Oct. 1988). , Whenever AIDS has been connected ’ to women in the media it is with hetero- ‘ sexuals, IV drug users or prostitutes. That leaves lesbians with no place to turn for information. Even AIDS activist groups tend to forget the concerns of the sexually ;. active lesbian. While many lesbians work with AIDS organizations and are knowl- edgeable on safer sex guidelines for gay men and heterosexuals, they may not be aware of the dangers that their sexual ac- tivities could pose to their health and how to reduce the risk of contracting or sexually transmitting diseases. Lesbians in relationships which in- volve sexual practices which could lead to tearing of vaginal or anal membranes and actions which lead to bleeding can be con- sidered less safe than ones which do not. lesbians are unable to gauge their sexual practices according to a safer sex hierarchi- Cal order because their sexual activities are Often excluded from safer sex booklets. l’flmpl_1lets which concentrate on semen Ingestion and condoms have little to do Wllh what lesbians prefer sexually. Just how likely is it to contract the AIDS virus from oral sex with a woman? The scientific experts claim little to no risk. Yet, they have excluded lesbians from their studies, so _err knowledge can not be taken as scien- I ”,f1°f3Cl,_0nly conjecture. Though exten- =l Sllve studies have shown that contact with 1 00d can transmit the AIDS virus, studies I Onmenstral blood contact have been non- I existent. Recent increases in the cases of S 25-30 suffering from Chronic ' Lesbians and AIDS Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), previously known as Epstein-Barr Virus, should send up a flare to the scientific community. Especially since CFS is a disease which also effects the immune system. Instead the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has dismissed the clinical evidence because the symptoms do not fit into their list of symptoms for ARC and AIDS. All this boils down to the fact that lesbians have to be just as careful as gay men and heterosexuals when engaging in sexual behaviors with their partners. Not just new partners, but even in relationships that have been together for a while. (Of course those relationships in which two virginal women came out to each other and became lovers can probably be excluded.) Herein lies the common ties with AIDS and all sexual relationships. KNOWING YOUR PARTNER! Being truthful with each other is the most neces- sary element in the relationship. There are many factors to consider in women- women relationships. Is or was either of the women an IV drug user? Are or were either in a relationship with a man in which intercourse took place without a condom or semen swallowed? Because the incuba- tion period for AIDS can be upwards of 10 years itis unlikely that a woman will know, without an AIDS antibody test, if any of her past sexual activities have led to con- tracting the virus. Some lesbians advocate using latex dental dams as a protective device when engaging in oral sex. That is well and good but just as gay men were reluctant to use condoms, lesbians will have trouble ac- cepting dental dams. The solution to the problem is already known, creative tech- niques need to be used in lesbian sexual practices. Just as some gay men have for- gone anal and oral sex, lesbians might think of moving away from oral sex as the ultimate sexual activity. Lesbian sexual support groups are necessary in order for the development of AIDS awareness among lesbians and creating ideas for a less risky sexual environment. A perfect way to start such a group would be to contact the local AIDS support organiza- tion. (See VT CARES on the area re- sources page) Lesbians must think about the conse- quences of their sexual practices so that they can feel safe about the health of their bodies in this time of AIDS. Forconfidenfial AIDS Information CaH Formerly The Forsberg Ctr Walter I. Zeichner M.A.C.P., N.C.C. Psychotherapy 8 Bodywork Gay Positive Counselzng 41' I «e22? 323 Pearl Street Burlington, VT 05401 863-5510 January 1989