WELCOME TO THE INVENTION OF SAFE SEX BLOGSPOT

WELCOME TO THE INVENTION OF SAFE SEX BLOGSPOT

My name is Richard Berkowitz and I want to explain what you will see here. In May 1983, along with Dr. Joseph Sonnabend and the late author and musician Michael Callen, I co-authored the first safe sex manifesto, HOW TO HAVE SEX IN AN EPIDEMIC: One Approach. Our 40 page self-published booklet is widely regarded as the invention of safe sex as we know it today. I wrote about how the three of us came together to invent safe sex for AIDS in my 2003 book, STAYIN’ ALIVE: THE INVENTION OF SAFE SEX, A Personal History.

Recently, my book inspired a new documentary by filmmaker Daryl Wein, called SEX POSITIVE. The film has been very well received in the press and at many film festivals around the world. Last June, it premiered in several cities around the country. Thousands of people have seen SEX POSITIVE, but when the film moves to cable TV in the upcoming fall of 2009, tens of thousands of people will have the opportunity to see it. It’s an important film that raises more questions than it can answer. That’s why I’m using the internet: to address questions people often have. This blog begins that effort.

The history of safe sex is important, but the story of how it came about has been overlooked and erased from history. It’s my belief that for those at risk for AIDS, understanding this history is vital to our survival.

Life is a journey. My journey has been that of a writer and a highly sexually active gay man who has survived HIV and AIDS since the epidemic began. I believe that one important reason why I remain in good health is that I knew something many people were never taught or understood: that it’s never too late for safe sex. I hope to illuminate why that is here and elsewhere.

I’m currently working on putting my private archive about the history of safe sex on the internet. I am also working on a more content-filled website, RichardBerkowitz.net that should be up and running this fall. In the meantime, I wanted to document how my nascent journey as a gay writer in the midst of the sexual revolution of the 1970s began—and eventually lead me—to AIDS. I will also be updating news about SEX POSITIVE and where I will be appearing around the country with the film.

Richard Berkowitz
New York City
July 30, 2009

Coming Soon-SEX POSITIVE- The Movie: Link to trailer for SEX POSITIVE

SEX POSITIVE One Screening Only in Atlanta
Link to trailer for SEX POSITIVE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBPcY3jGnQ4&feature=related

SEX POSITIVE-The Richard Berkowitz story, from Regent Releasing
Web-site:
http://www.sexpositive-themovie.com/

Host:
Positive Impact, Emory Vaccine Center and Action Cycling Atlanta
Type: Causes - Fundraiser
Network: Global
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Georgia State's Rialto Center
Street: 80 Forsyth Street NW
City/Town: Atlanta, GA

Phone: 4045899040EXT115
Email: Michael.Baker@positiveimpact-atl.org

This event is the only opportunity to attend a theatrical screening of Sex Positive, as the documentary will not be released in Atlanta theaters. VIP tickets include an exclusive after party at the penthouse in the W Downtown!Richard Berkowitz, revolutionary AIDS activist and street hustler, was an unlikely messenger in the early 80's to promote safe sex as a way of fighting HIV. Instead of listening, people rejected the message and the messenger. His story illustrates that anyone who sees a need and who takes action is an activist. We are delighted to announce that Richard Berkowitz will be attending this screening.Richard Berkowitz will participate in a Q&A with other notable AIDS researchers and activists at the conclusion of the movie and a panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display.To purchase tickets:http://www.positiveimpact-atl.org/ $30 General Admission$50 Priority Seating and post-event reception at the W Downtown$10 Student (current id required)