Yay! Well I am happy to be headed to greener pastures (moo) for Spring Gathering in TN and it got me thinking about what people bring to gatherings.. Both in a physical sense and a spiritual sense. While a tent, flashlight, water bottle, towels and a comfy sleeping bag is handy for any SMS gathering; there are also other things to think about adding to a pre-gathering checklist. I always seem to post something here about "intention" and things like that, but this time I wanted to post about something that is just as important for having a healthy, safe and fabulous gathering.

When 400 people from all over the world gather together in the woods and spend a week or so cooking, cleaning, shitting , making ritual, dancing, drugging, not drugging, drinking tea, teabagging, having sex and all that other stuff we do..(shhh gotta keep some of it secret!!!) there is always the reality that people will come in contact with bugs, viruses, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI's) which have an effect on the well being of each of us individually and collectively.

So I'm want to ask people a simple question to consider, whether you are headed to SMS or Wolf Creek or Wherever the winds may take you..

When was the last time you were tested for HIV or STI's?

Every six months is a recommended period of time for those who are sexually active, and it's good to at least know one's status once a year. I know that talking about this stuff is sorta like herding cats with faeries at times, everyone has their own views on HIV, transmission and personal risk and safety, but I wanted to put the thought bubble out there to the universe that we are not only responsible for our own health and well being, but that our community survival is also at stake. I'd like to go to a gathering where I don't find out that five more of my friends sero-converted due to either not knowing other peoples status or simply not wanting to know..

I'll love you either way poz, negative or not sure, I guess I thought that suggesting that peeps getting tested before gathering time might bring a little more awareness and care to our lovely reality we create in the woods. The reality is that yes, while some people with HIV are living longer and "surviving" with wonderful side effects, it ain't no picnic I assure you. I'm a short term survivor of 12 years with HIV. Got gas? Yes, hon, I do!

I have seen the statistic that up to 1/4th of all people that are HIV positive may not know they are carrying the virus. As I type this out, I feel like it's 1992 and I'll be branded a heretic of sorts for asking people to get tested, it's not very "faerie", but anyways I just want people to be informed and empowered in the choices they make..

In life and at gatherings there are many people who continue to insist on remaining blissfully unaware of their status. I always find the best policy is DO ask, DO tell, not be ashamed either way and encourage others to do the same. There was a time when I let fear get in the way of disclosure and was blissfully unaware... It took me being placed in a situation where I potentially infected someone and dealing with the guilt and shame of that experience to become more aware of things and more self loving...

So maybe a combination of testing before and talking with your faerie dance partner for the evening, week or life during your time in the woods is something to add to your gathering list...

I'm just sayin'.....

In love and light.. See you in the woods and around the Maypole....

Buttercup
editor@greenfellow.com

Where to get tested and more info:
tinyurl.com/2qadko
tinyurl.com/79zvk