The photo on Brian Thomas’ Instagram page was a typically sunny one for the social media personality, who has built a rising presence as a sex-positive gay nurse living with HIV.
“Farewell Wilton Manors!” it read, alongside a photo of him grinning shirtless among the palm trees in the predominantly queer south Florida town. “What an amazing trip! Can’t wait to come back!”
It was the final post of his vacation, a busy week of sunning at the pool and hitting the nude beach and enjoying all the pleasures that Wilton Manors nightlife can provide.
A few days after returning home to Baltimore, the blisters appeared.
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Brian was about to get an education in living with a new viral threat, joining a growing number of people worldwide who have been diagnosed with monkeypox, a sometimes debilitating infection that causes fever, abdominal cramps, and painful blisters that can scar the body. It is also highly infectious.
@pozrn Be cautious in these next couple weeks yalls … im not the only one! #Pride #monkeypox #comedy #keepingitlight ♬ Originalton – POV’s
Within hours of his diagnosis, Brian took to his social media pages and revealed what he was going through. He was typically transparent, posting video testimonials that haven’t shied away from intimate details. He has discussed each symptom as they occurred, which gay sex venue might have exposed him to the virus, and the lesions inside his rectum that have caused him a great deal of pain.
His posts throughout his two weeks of monkeypox isolation have been informative, dishy, sexually candid, and incredibly important if we are to raise the level of alarm about this latest viral passenger within the LGBTQ community. (No, monkeypox isn’t a gay disease, but it has taken up early residence among us, following our social and sexual habits and interactions. It’s only a matter of time before it finds safe passage within other demographics.)
We need as many stories as possible to help basic information about monkeypox sink in, especially if we’re talking about a virus that could become a new, endemic disease that everyone will be dodging for the rest of our lives.
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Brian’s posts join other first real-time video reports from the front lines of monkeypox. He has walked us through his physical ailments, his treatment, and the frustration and second-guessing that happens when you’re stuck in isolation for two weeks with an infection soaked in sexual shame and homophobia. (Check out a lengthy video interview with Brian Thomas with activist Mark S. King.)
It looks like monkeypox is swiftly moving from a tangential concern to a front-and-center health threat that we need to take seriously, and right now.
Queerty contributor Mark S. King is a GLAAD Award winner My Fabulous Disease, for his blog about living with HIV.
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sfhairy
He was a ho at a party, just own up to it. It’s ok. Most of us are ho’s, hence why this is spreading like crazy. You’ll always remember what fun Wilton Manors was. Now, get your vaccine.
Scout
Exactly! So, either know who you’re playing with or get vaccinated. Monkey Pox has been in the news for a few months now. Time to wise up.
Bengali
I’m a gay man and while I’ve had my share of promiscuity in my lifetime the threats to health are greater than ever before. Some guys just can’t say no to a good f*** regardless of the risks. A good friend of mine, a christian who becomes enraged if I say god damn it for jesus f-ing christ has between 5 – 7 encounters/partners, unsafely every week. Goes on car trips to hook up in other states and cities. Travels abroad for more of the same. He’s almost 70 years old and finds ugly early 20s guys to get with. He’s on PREP so mostly protected from HIV but is constantly exposing himself to the likelihood of contracting multiple STDs as well as MonkeyPox. He’s typical of certain groups within the lgbtq population. Not only is he exposing himself and others to potentially dangerous spreadable diseases; he is a perfect example of why the gay community is still considered by many (esp. pathetic conservatives) to be nothing more than a bunch of slutty men looking for their next trick.
It’s why I am mostly not involved in the community. I can’t get with the “respect me” when I see the pockets of segments of gay men acting like it’s pre-1980s with the drugs and poppers and whatever else they can get their hands on and mouths around.
jt1990
Excuse me, Satan just called and asked me to tell you two sheep to quiet down. Your excited bleating is causing bin Laden to play with himself. Instead of pushing another poorly tested clot shot, just avoid being a gross azz ho! This guy looks the type to sleep with a monkey, then brag at work about the hot encounter he had last night. I’m sure that’s only one of MANY diseases his immune system struggles with! FYI, certain pre-existing illnesses can make you more susceptible, and have worse symptoms to stuff average folks have little or no trouble with. But your type will inject themselves anyway to “show those bigots!”
ScottOnEarth
Not sure WTF you’re ranting about. He did “own up to it,” which is how you know about it. Instead of judging him like a 90-year-old “Christian” woman, try focusing on the real problem….and how helpful it is that he is being transparent and open about the progression of his illness. Your inane judgment is pointless and basic.
Den
@jt12thcentury
Get a brain child!
Learn that your imagination is not reality, and never magically becomes so.
” Instead of pushing another poorly tested clot shot, just avoid being a gross azz ho!”
The monkey pox vaccine has been around for many years (first human cases were in 1958) and is hardly a “poorly tested clot shot” (whatever the hell that means!).
You will probably have the same opposition to a polio vaccine when the science denying right wing allows polio to get back into the US.
Yes it would be nice if gay men would stop having sex for a month or two, but if you were at all tethered to reality (or understood science empiricism) you would realize that is not going to happen, and you would be aware that it is not necessary to have sex to get it.
But thankfully, the vaccine is effective as post exposure prophylaxis as well as a preventive. but feel free to shun it as it will then be availible to someone who is of value to our community.
Bosch
“Instead of pushing another poorly tested clot shot”
This right here shows us how knowledgeable anti-vaxxers are. The very first pox vaccine was implemented in 1796.
And no, we don’t vaccinate to “show those bigots”. We vaccinate because we’re not idiots who fancy themselves “naturally immune” to foreign bodies.
LumpyPillows
I’m old. I had the smallpox vaccine and never got smallpox…so there is that reality. I used condoms and now I take Prep. I did not get HIV. I suggest listening to the medical professionals.
Vaccines work. If you’re having a lot of sex, get the vaccine and take your Prep. Until then, stay home…alone.
barryaksarben
I missed the part where he DENIED being a ho? He is just passing on info not justifying his getting it. You seem quite insistent that you shame him in some way. Not a good look
GayEGO
Monkey see, monkey do!
still_onthemark
The name monkeypox is unfortunate and seems to be part of the problem. It’s harder to take it seriously with its rather comical name. It’s surprising the CDC and WHO didn’t think of this, so soon after all our travails with Covid-19 deniers calling it the “Wuhan” or “China virus,” and then the CDC and WHO were going out of their way NOT to call Omicron the “Xi” variant, etc.
Den
The illness has been called monkeypox since 1958 at least (when it was first observed in humans). The CDC and WHO did not name it.
still_onthemark
Den – Okay but a “rebranding” would still be a good idea. Also I see that although it was first identified in monkeys, it’s not endemic to monkeys in nature, it’s endemic to rodents.
Neoprene
Hows about HoPox, or would that create a rush to get it?
Harley
I have 3 words for him: Antibiotic resistant gonorrhea.
Neoprene
Yea, but she’s being her “authentic self” while living her “truth”, or some such cliche.
Rambeaux
All of that metal sh*t hanging from your head gave those Monkeypox a route to get into your body.
You have holes where there shouldn’t be any holes.
Neoprene
LOL! Greatest Queerty post ever! “You have holes where there shouldn’t be any holes.” LOL!
LumpyPillows
Monkeypox is transmitted skin to skin. It does not require holes. His piercings are healed, one would assume, and are not open wounds or sores, so they really aren’t a medical factor for much of anything.
Do all those face piercings make me question how he makes decisions? Yes.
barryaksarben
WOW, you must be a really old white male to be so judgmental? It amazes me how many trolls are on this site just. drooling to comment on their views on other gay men. Almost like they are straight inche trolls. If you can remember when you were young ( you know when Lincoln was killed) you may not have made all the best decisions either. Stop the scolding grandma
LumpyPillows
Eh, Barry with the ageism. I hope you live long enough to regret how nasty you are.
CityguyUSA
This cannot be prevented by a condom. Although I have to wonder who was out knowingly infecting people because they were so desperate they couldn’t take a month off? No concern for others is a sociopath. Was Trump there?
Me2
LOL!!!…
But you’re right, it’s not an STD. And anyone who has symptoms and still chooses to carelessly go out in public should be stoned.
barryaksarben
As with most infectious illnesses there may be a period the person isn’t aware they are sick and can spread the virus. SO many people so willing to denounce others who may not be guilty of anything except getting sick
RandomGuy
I’d say try staying out of bathhouses, sex clubs, and away from orgies but these sluts don’t care enough about the welfare of others to do that.
LumpyPillows
Well, that’s real judgmental on your part. The real issue is knowing when to curtail your behavior when the risks change.
barryaksarben
WOW you sound just like the fake gay guys who come here to troll the gays with the harshest judgmental attitudes ever seen by man
surfnspy
Why do so many gay guys get so mad when people suggest behaving responsibly? High risk sex–sex with strangers, sex with lots of people, is not a criticism of gay people, I’d say the same about anyone straight, gay and everything in between. Risky behavior by anyone means you are at risk for consequences of that behavior. No one wants to accept personal responsibility. Why?
LumpyPillows
Why? Because you’re puritanical. We could all stay home forever. As one old fart, I will tell you what I do regret is the dicks I did not suck.
bachy
Diseases don’t care about your ‘identity,’ your ‘lifestyle’ or your need for sexual encounters. As soon as you know about an emerging disease and how it is transmitted, you should be making an effort to avoid infection and avoid infecting others.
It’s not homophobia– it’s responsible adulthood.
Paulie P
Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:
direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.
Kangol2
Today the UK Health and Security Agency said “there is a ‘body of evidence’ showing monkeypox is present in the semen of people infected.” So assume that that is another vector for transmission and proceed accordingly.
LumpyPillows
Cheese and crackers. I don’t want to criticize anyone for sex. However, this guy is two for two in the gay plagues. A nurse should know better.
I hope he gets well soon.
charmin88
Gaymen/Bi are getting in line bigger than any pro abortion protest march I ever seen. To resume being able to get the D! It’s a good thing and sad thing. If only they were this proactive and enthusiastic with covid and other STD’s.
southernway
Not a lot of self discipline here and so what if he is transparent he’s also stupid and doesn’t have much self control but if another can get a clue from this -then maybe it will do some good.
PozbearUequalsU
Thanks for sharing your experience, Brian. Sorry everyone with opinions can’t express them free of judgment. As a South Floridian POZ for 18 years, I’m happy to hear you had an otherwise great time. I had my Monkeypox vaccine shots last Summer when this article was first published.
One wonders whether those who’d blame us for getting a virus are part of the cohort of folks inclined to fault women for getting pregnant (as if there were no man involved)? Let’s all try a little more empathy for our fellow human beings. And let’s all keep our tendency to flaunt our judgmental self-superiority in check, please!
armandov
But honestly, if this guy is HIV positive, to begin with, why is he being so promiscuous? Surely he knew how to protect himself from HIV and as a health care worker/nurse, should know how to protect himself from Monkey Pox. These diseases spread because guys like this were promiscuous. And he is shamelessly promoting to the world the fact that he is a slut?