But the vital thing is not to worry unduly. That may sound easier said than done after reading the
above, but just ask yourself two questions: how many HIV positive people
do you know who have been to the US (for example), and how many of them
have been sent home? In my case, the answers are "loads" and
"none". And that's the important point: there is a huge gap
between what is possible and what is likely. In Britain you can end up
in jail for possessing cannabis or ecstasy, and it is a serious offence
to have gay sex in a backroom. Do people get prosecuted? Yes, some unlucky
people do. Does it stop millions of other people doing it? As if.
Just be sensible. If you're a gay man, you may be fiercely proud of the
tribal tattoos curling round your every limb. But forget impressing the
trolley-dollies: it really isn't necessary to show your trophies off on
the plane. They could be a red ribbon to a
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bull at immigration. Speaking of which, you won't be ditching your principles
if your ditch your Aids awareness badge for the duration of the flight.
You may still have the jitters, and no amount of telling you not to worry
will help. If you're neurotic by nature, your T-cells may be screaming:
"Is it worth all this hassle for some crummy holiday where you will
spend money you don't have and may get burned to a frazzle?" Perhaps
you should listen to them. And how awful would that be?
There's always Europe
Don't forget there is a very nice place called Europe where
you barely have to flash your passport if you are
