An open letter from Chris.

[+ Chris]

Let me preface this open letter by letting everyone know that I read this message board on a regular basis and do not take sides with one opinion or another. I believe in "to each his own". But I have increasingly become concerned about the one sided aspect of this debate, that escorts must reveal their status or retire.

 

It is my firm belief that protection must always be used. It is also my belief that even when using protection both client and escort are not totally without risk. As an escort I get tested regularly and tell clients about my status. Since I am negative it is not an issue to disclose it. I have never asked a client about his status, and I always use protection. I don't believe this has ever been discussed here before, but take for example a man who's married and has multiple encounters with escorts on the side (and this is a very large demographic of my personal clientele). If an "accident" occurs that might put him at risk does he tell his wife? If he doesn't get tested will he tell his next escort that he was put at risk? Is it fair to only have the escort disclose and not support client disclosure just because they are paying for it?

 

I am not suggesting that everyone has to "out" themselves if they are HIV positive. It is a personal decision that should come sincerely from that person's desire to be honest. However I feel it is the responsibility of both parties to understand the pros and cons of engaging in any situation of mutual intimacy. In response to the post by Curtis, if escorts should stop working and go away because of their health status why isn't the same expected of clients who's status is positive? I find that to be a very restrictive view of the situation, very one sided. Rather than make inflammatory, judgmental statements that ignore the reality that escort/client relationships will go on regardless of HIV status we ought to open up a new dialogue of mutual responsibility and respect.

 

 

Chris

[KMEM]

Of course, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Clients should definitely be as forthcoming as escorts. Personally I don't like to expose others to even a cold if I happen to have one. But, all of that is entirely up to the conscience of the participants. Which is exactly why one should use the advice you have offered; always engage in safer sex and otherwise be careful.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[Guest countryboywny]

Very well said, Chris.

[josephga]

I'm glad you brought up the wife. I always wondered if anyone ever cares about the wife. Escort makes a choice to take certain risks, a client makes a choice too take certain risks, but how about the wife setting at home thinking she is married to a faithful guy? Dose the client have the right too put his wife or partners life in his hands? I say no