| Gender Issues
Bob B.; "I don't have any problem with men sponsoring women. The bigger thing is the reason for doing it."
Question #1
Should you agree to sponsor someone of the opposite sex? Some thoughts on gay sponsorship: Is same sex/sexual preference sponsorship a problem? Are there special considerations when taking on a sponsee who is HIV+?
It is generally accepted that you chose someone of the same sex as your sponsor to "keep it simple" and avoid unecessary sex-related problems from arising. Also, the idea is to share with someone that you can relate to, because they too are male or female. Like a good big brother or sister----you're in the same family but they're older and have more experience. But what about people in recovery who are gay or lesbian? If they choose the same sex, they are also choosing sexual preference. If they choose the opposite sex, are they confronted with forming an intimate relationship with someone they may not be able to relate to because they may have less in common? What if you're heterosexual and you are asked by someone of the opposite sex to be their sponsor? What do you say? In the first part, our sponsors address these questions.
The second part deals with HIV+ people in recovery and some of the experiences of people who have sponsored them. The part will probably be enlightening to those in recovery who have been reluctant to sponsor people with HIV+ conditions, those who are sponsoring, and those who have the disease.
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