Rose Parade A whiff of controversy wafted along this year’s annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation sponsored a love-themed float, atop of which a same-sex wedding was performed live. Needless to say, this itself was a thorny issue for conservatives. For others, however, the disconcerting issue was the float’s slogan: “Love is the best protection.” Some advocates do maintain that marriage equality can lead to a social acceptance that lowers risky behaviors. But love, for all it’s worth, is neither an antiretroviral nor a condom. As much as two-thirds of HIV transmissions take place in the context of relationships. Clearly, whether you’re gay, straight or bi, love does not make you immune—even if you put a ring on it.