Sarandon, Goldberg, Perez and Peet.________
Tackling the increases in HIV, crystal meth use and unsafe sex among gay men with uncommon honesty, a groundbreaking public service announcement ( PSA ) campaign starring actresses Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez and Amanda Peet has debuted on national and local cable networks.
The campaign premiered during LOGO's Nov. 30 broadcast of Noah's Arc and on Here! Network on Dec. 1. Cable operators, including Time Warner and Mediacom, will also broadcast the ads as part of an initiative by Cable Positive, the cable and telecommunications industry's AIDS action organization.
The ads, which feature the actresses speaking openly about issues like barebacking and crystal meth, were designed to make gay men feel more comfortable discussing difficult topics with friends and partners. In one of the spots, Goldberg asks viewers: 'Do you really think doing crystal meth makes you cool? Meth makes you do dumb stuff—like barebacking. What's cool, is being true to yourself and helping your friends. Love and respect. Now that's cool.'
Using the Internet, the PSAs will also be available for viewing and downloading on YouTube ( under 'Look Listen Love Respect' ) , MySpace ( www.myspace.com/looklistenloverespect ) and the Love and Respect Web site at www.loveandrespect.us.
The national ad campaign is the result of a collaboration between HIV Forum NYC and the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, both based in New York City.