STI WARNING

[Masie]

STI's (STD's if your old school) are doing the rounds again and im furious! Those who know me will know that this is a rare thing, but im sick of a few stupid people, risking the health of others, when they have no right to.

The cert system exists so that we dont need it. If everyone had REAL, INDATE certs and did not have any sexual contact with people who do not also have these, there would be no real reason to have them other than as a preventative.

I have spent the last three hours doubled up in alot of pain after taking my meds, as although they are affective my body has a bad reaction to them - so big thank you to whoevers mistake (actually thats to kind, whoevers deliberate act) has landed me here. In my mind its equivalent to assualt and id happly sue the ass off anyone who did not comply to the following rules if I could.

1. Actually get certs (real ones) and only use them for allowed 30 days

2a. Don't have any sexual contact (im including oral in this, some people seem to think this doesnt count) with people who have not complied with rule 1 and proved this to you. Obviously long term partners are exempt but use good judgment: a one night stand when pissed even if you really really like them, is not the same! And get partners tested before you stop using protection and should you get anything get them tested treated and re checked. (there does have to be a downside to dating a porn star).

2b. I understand fully that people will want to do dogging or gangbangs where uncerted males are used. Thats fine, fun work, pays well. But do it as your last job before you get new certs, dont share the risks that you yourself chose with others who dont have that choice.

3. If you do get something, work out where its most likley to have occurred and pass on the information, you should also contact people you have worked with so they can be re checked

4. If someone you have worked with calls to inform you that they have been infected, stop working. Get yourself re checked dont wait for your current certs to run out.


Thats it 4 rules, how hard can that be! I know its horrible canceling work especially when you need the money - again anyone who knows me and has seen my house/various poorly cars, know that im greatly in need of some. And yes when you get a call from a model you have worked with (see point 4) chances are you may well be clear and costing yourself time and money for nothing, but its not your health your risking so just suck it up.

New models who may read this, producers will understand. You do not get black listed for canceling shoots for health reasons. Many people will book you more after this as its reasuring. People are mostly happy to move shoots or will remeber you for next time and if they give you hassel you have to wonder if they encourage lack of certs and saftey to save them effort and your best off staying clear anyway!

Sorry for moaning but im tierd and I hurt to much to sleep, I have no money and will not be able to work for at least 15 days and cancelled alot of shoots yesterday when I found out. I felt like a stock broker watching my planned money disapearing, I was reliying on that to see me through this month. I dont want bags of sympathy im not wanting you all to take pity on my sob story but I am, a very careful model, as are most when it comes to certs and protecting other peoples health and it just doesnt seem right that its usually the careful people who suffer. (sorry about the last sentence my mums a teacher) So no, not hoping for pity, just enough guilt felt on those in the wrong to stop someone else being stung like this next week.

[DJ_Jenns]

Ouch, that is horrific to read, perfectly worded warning to other out there though. Cert's are as genuine and valid as the person holding them.

[randyandy]

Seems like a very good post Masie.

Unfortunately, as I am certain you know, the only people the idiots responsible for doing this and the people who employ / work with them are interested in is themselves.

As such although it should be blindingly obvious to them I fear you will barking up the wrong tree, as far as they are concerned.

[Harry Hardon]

"2b. I understand fully that people will want to do dogging or gangbangs where uncerted males are used. Thats fine, fun work, pays well. But do it as your last job before you get new certs, dont share the risks that you yourself chose with others who dont have that choice."

Won't you need to do it a week or two before your next set of tests.

Also, some infections take up to three months to show symptons.

HH

[steve40]

[Harry Hardon]

This topic reminds me of the thread many years ago about the risk of STI's and bukkake shoots - check out the archives for that one..

Everyone should be careful all of the time, whether they are working on a movie or having fun / earn extra money in their private life.

The passing of any bodily fluid has a risk whether it is saliva or semen so it's not just the women who can get infected.

During one of the shoots I helped out on which was filmed in London, I met with a model (who I was told was fully tested) but a few days later found she'd left me a little present.

Given she only performed unprotected oral sex on me, I was a little surprised but the doctor's said any form of human interaction has a risk of passing disease & infection - even a handshake...

I may be in the minority of 'amateur' males but I always get tested as my health is very important to me.

Given the current rise of the untested males at 'pay to play' shoots for popular websites, I would think it's prudent that anyone taking part (male or female) in these shoots requests all participants have valid STI / HIV certificates.

Otherwise, people taking part in these productions should realise there is a higher risk and that if they are infected, they have to live with the consequences of their decisions.

Of course, the organisers / producers / models of these events might not like this as it will impact upon the number of people able to attend and they will have no one to blame should anything happen or get caught but personally for me health is more important than profiteering.

HH

[one eyed jack]

Sorry to hear of your misfurtune Masie.

Thing is, it has to get worse than this before the industry makes a concerted effort to actually do anything about it.

It was in 2003 when the HIV/ Daryl James incident broke that had the UK in shivers and practically implemented the 30 day testing within a matter of days from the meeting.

It will take something like that to come around again before the industry screams out for new changes but until then, everyone will go on thinking the issues of the world at large do not affect them. I fear it will be too little too late when that comes around.

Sad but true. I really hope it never comes.

[James_Accountant]

Sorry to hear the bad news Masie. Your post is very valid.

[Harry Hardon]

As I said in my LA posting, the return of the 'pay to play' film events for untested males should be a cause for concern.

Whilst it is unfortunate if someone gets an STI from this sort of film shoot, it is a risk they should be aware of if they are working with untested people.

Like Terry says, it may take a major outbreak for the UK porn industry to take an honest hard look at itself and the risks it takes on a number of places. However, I expect profits will always drive the industry and the people come second - bit like most industries.....

HH