Out of pocket costs for monthly PrEP and DoxyPEP, the “Travel Ho” phenomenon, measuring self worth in the social media age.

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DAILY MEME: I am not what I own

* My value as a person is not in my material possessions

* My standing in the world is not of my financial wealth

* My happiness and self worth is directly proportionate to my of love for myself and others

Check In: Weekend in Palm Springs / Cathedral City

* Shopping for leather in Palm Springs

* Stay downtown at the Motel 6 – center of the “tweakerverse”

* Stay at CCBC and fun times

* Beautiful facility upgraded in recent years

* Family like service

Social: Lowered inhibitions when out of town “Travel Hos”

* When away we tend to be bigger sluts than at home

* Keeping up appearances professional and social

* Fresh meat on the apps

* Foot loose and fancy free

Health: Paying cash for PrEP / DoxyPEP

* Expiration of Obamacare funding has left many without coverage – renewals for marketplace down over 40% going into 2026,

* HHS cuts have lowered or eliminated availability for support programs that have traditionally covered HIV prevention, testing, and medications.

* Still some support programs available depending on location.

* Out of pocket options exist for PrEP and DoxyPEP.

* Generic Truvada $30 a month

* Doxycycline $15-30 a month

Viewer/Listener Comments: Is PrEP Safe?

First, I am not a doctor and I am not giving medical advice. The following is my own experience and factual information available with a little research.

* In a word, Yes PrEP is safe. It’s certainly safer than having HIV

* High efficacy. When taken properly, oral PrEP reduces HIV risk by about 99%.

* Well tolerated by most.

* Prescriptions require regular testing and monitoring including kidney and liver health and testing for HIV and other STIs

* Common concerns include kidney function and bone density as older formulations of Truvada could affect kidneys and bone density in rare cases. Newer options like Descovy and injections like Apretude are less of an issue.

Leather Season:

* Congratulations Gage Ryder Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026

* Congratulations Brian Hettler Mr. LA Leather Bear 2026

* IML Rules Change

* Raises the bar for eligibility with more stringent vetting guidelines

* Can only compete one year

* Seeks to keep class size at 50 starting in 2027

Event: CLAW 2026 – April 2-5, 2026 Columbus OH

* Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend – Columbus

* 2,000+ Leather Men, 2 BDSM Dungeons, 118 Booth VendorMart

* 150+ Classes and Workshops

* Kink Socials & Mixers

* More

* Hotel 80% full Hyatt Regency Columbus, OH

* Must register for event to stay at host hotel

Event Save The Date: Desert Smoke Palm Springs – June 5-7, 2026

* Palm Springs Leather Order Of The Desert

* Cigar weekend social and play

As always you can click on the EVENTS tab at our website for LGBTQ gatherings nationwide all year long. If you have an event you would like featured in our event calendar or even here on the podcast, send an email with the details to sam@growingolderday.com