[caption id="attachment_81492" align="aligncenter" width="607"] beCause it's World AIDS Day[/caption]

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day, but we’re not here to preach, or lecture, or cover you in red ribbons. Okay, maybe just a few. But mostly, we've got 5 easy ways to play it safe and celebrate!

+ Use Protection

What’s more important than wearing red ribbons is wearing protection tonight. And every night! Condoms are the only method that protect against HIV, STDs, etc. A pack of condoms can cost more than my favorite sushi roll. BUT some places do offer them for free! Head over to your local gay community center or AIDS organization -- like GMHC in NYC or AIDS Project LA and they will HAPPILY give you fitsfulls of condoms. And if you're somewhere more out of the way, Planned Parenthood, will also help. Again, happily.

+ Get Tested

According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), more than half of young Americans with HIV don’t know they have it. As it takes a while for the symptoms of the virus to show, the only way to know your status for sure is to get tested. It’s quick, painless (if you’re afraid of needles, your doctor can test your spit!), free of charge, and judgment-free. If you think you feel the nurse’s eyes judging you, it’s probably just you judging yourself for that sloppy Saturday night hookup. Sh*t happens...just make sure it happens with a condom on!

+ Get Educated

The only way to prevent HIV is to know how and how not to get it. There are tons of misconceptions about safe sex, like that two condoms are better than one, or that you can’t get STDs if you only sleep with members of the chess club or that innocent chick from Bible study. Learn more about HIV -- the facts, the myths, and how to best protect yourself -- with Logo's BeCause AIDS videos

+ Educate Others

You’re reading this, but not everybody is as awesome as you are! Now that you know how to protect yourself, share your knowledge with your family, friends, significant others, and 2 a.m. booty calls. You can also spread the world by Tweeting #positivetalk all day. And help those in need by donating to the AIDS charity of your choice, like Housing Works here in NYC, or Out of the Closet in LA.

+ Watch MTV’s “I’m Positive” at 7/6c

MTV’s “I’m Positive” is a special centered around Otis, Kelly, and Stephanie -- 3 inspiring, young Americans living with HIV. According to the Center For Disease Control, youth aged 13-24 account for up to 30% of new HIV infections.  Watch “I’m Positive” on MTV -- tonight -- December 1 at 7/6c.

For more information check out Logo's beCause page