Prom ReDeux

Prom but make it queer

Affirmations invites you to the prom of your queer dreams! Bring yourself, your friends, and your partner(s) to an incredible party!

Music, prom pics, dancing, food, spiked punch, and tarot readings are all part of the fun.

Date:

Time: At:

Tickets on sale now!

Saturday, June 24 8 pm - 12 am

Affirmations, 290 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale

It’s a Tuesday night, you’re on Grindr. Things are getting hot and heavy; you’ve sent some naughty messages about what you’re going to do to each other, he’s sent you a few mighty fine D pics. “Do you host or travel?” It’s getting the point where you’re about to find a sleezy motel or empty parking lot to do your business. He then asks “u clean?”

Queue the sound of a downed fighter jet. What does that mean? I showered and brushed my teeth. And I always wash my hands. I’m definitely clean. Of course that’s not what he means. He wants to know if you’re carrying anything transmittable. Having been undetectable now for nearly a decade, that’s a tough one to answer, or is it? Undetectable means un-transmittable; so by that definition, I’m clean.

Encounters like this, while uncomfortable, give us an opportunity to educate. Answering “yes, I’m clean” isn’t exactly a lie, you really are unable to transmit anything. Or you can be truthful and say “yes, I’m undetectable” (if in fact you are; always know your status!). As a community, let’s get away from using words like “clean” when referring to our STI status. It implies that those who are positive are dirty, and that is far from the truth!