Petrelis Files

April 20, 2005

Robert McMullin
Executive Director
The Stop AIDS Project
San Francisco, CA

Dear Mr. McMullin,

I see on your organization's web site that will be a "Shoot Out With The Pink Pistols" on April 21 as part of your Positive Force program, which is devoted to the needs of HIV positive gay men and encourages them to practice safe sex.

Your listing for the shoot out reads: "Ready to exercise your right to arm bears? How 'bout rolling up your sleeves and bearing [sic] your arms? Positive Force and the Pink Pistols will purposely penetrate the Jackson Arms Shooting Range for a positively powerful evening of pistol packin' pink pansies! The cost is free, so come on, get your trigger finger primed for this unique outing of the poz community." (Source: http://stopaids.org/programs/events/index.html)

Until now I wasn't aware that target practice is an effective means of controlling HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. After extensive searches of mainstream medical literature, not one study or research paper turned up showing how priming one's "trigger finger" qualifies as HIV prevention.

I have a few questions regarding this event that I hope you can answer today.

1.
Exactly how does exercising one's right to bear arms qualify as stopping AIDS?

2.
Are there any scientific studies that demonstrate shooting pistols plays a role in controlling HIV infections among gay men?

3.
How many gay gun owners with AIDS have signed up for this event?

A prompt reply is requested and appreciated.

Regards,
Michael Petrelis
Ph: 415-621-6267