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Let's face it, Grindr, Adam4Adam, etc. can make anyone feel like they're looking for "love" in a hopeless place.
For our HIV-positive brethren it can be even more difficult as they're often faced with discrimination that goes way beyond being "femme," virtually any ethnicity other than white, or failing to be height/weight proportionate.
Volttage.com, a new social networking site targeted towards "Positively Sexy Guys" hopes to change all that.
Info after the jump!
Volttage.com launches October 1 and its creator, AIDS activist hottie Jack Mackenroth, hopes to create a space that not only accommodates a hot hook-up, but that also combats stigma and to creates a database of information, support and resources for gay men who are a part of the international HIV-positive community.
Mackenroth says, “Sex sells, but we are much more than a hookup site. We provide an alternative for HIV+ men who often feel stigmatized and discriminated against on the other sites. As the site develops and grows, we will incorporate features like forums and blogs that will strengthen a sense of community and acceptance.”
As for the sexy times, Volttage.com makes it clear that while it's a site targeted towards HIV-positive men, it does not actually ask members to divulge their HIV status. The rationale?
Mackenroth says, “We take the stance that everyone should assume their partner is HIV positive and proceed accordingly. Asking someone their status is rather pointless, as people may not know or even lie about it to avoid rejection. We encourage members to be out and proud but we understand that the stigma can be prohibitive so members control all of their own content. I hope that the sense of community will help members ‘come out’ about their status over time.”
The site will include all of the features we've grown to love (free profiles, mobile versions, and the invaluable geo-locators). Staff physician, Dr. Frank Spinelli will also answer frequently asked health questions and update monthly blogs.
What do you think, Instincters? Is this a tool that you'll use?
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