It was a dark and stormy night! The fog was thick, so thick you feel it
clinging to your skin. You are looking for that last remaining bar, somewhere
in the heart of the city that is still open in the wee hours of Halloween
night, a night filled with costumes, parties, treats, and now… you’re ready
to trick!
Finally, you find that last door, swing it open, sidle up to the bar, and
order a nice Bloody Mary just to take the chill out of your bones. Slowly but
surely, that creepy sensation of someone staring at you runs up and down your
spine. The low, rumbling Lon Chaney-ish rolling growl sets your hair (etc.)
standing on end. You see a movement in the smoky shadows and wonder. He’s tall,
solidly built, very hairy, but still far enough away that you can’t quite make
out his features in the swirls of shadows and smoke. You take a sharp, deep,
quick breath, and wonder… now what? As he rushes towards you, you realize the
dire straits you’re in. What will you use for protection!? Fortunately, your
Silver Tab Jeans provide just enough of the deadly metal to thwart the odious
behavior of this evil creature, half-human, half-wolf. You are safe!
Werewolves have to beware of their attacks on sweet young thangs! They expose
themselves to the bodies and blood of strangers in the night. These are all
high-risk behaviors for exposure to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Blood
carries the highest concentration of HIV and is thus the fluid of greatest
potential exposure.
Werewolves, be sure to use those Dental Dams and watch out for your fangs (and
anything silver). Vampires, be sure to practice safe sucking. You who are both
human and mortal remember to consistently and correctly use condoms.
The only cure we have is prevention! Enjoy your treating and your
tricking Halloween night. And remember, be safe and beware of what lurks in the
shadows on All Hallows Eve.
For more Information about how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS call our
InfoLine at: 458-2437.
— Robert Stewart
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS
This article appears in November 1 • 1996 and November 1 • 1996 (Cover).