Transmission Magazine Edition 20: Guys Like Us

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20

June 2015

Guys like us

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PART ONE

BuddyLine™ NAME: AGE: HEIGHT: HAIR: EYES: PROFESSION: I AM:

Daz 23 5’2” Salt and Pepper Blue Lawyer CUB, POZ, DISCREET, MUSCLE CHASER, TWINK CHASER

CUDD LYBE A

R

Hey g nigh uys! PNP t plac at t he toe. C o m e u su a l a nd al h S a m e av e s o m e o n g ti m e crew as fu n! . Le t m e last you c k Cudd a n m ake now if l it ; -) 8=== yBear D~

BBZzZzZzZzT T Hey guys, I may be short but most would say I’m a powerful little pocket rocket. If you’re looking for a professional man with a style all of his own then I might be the guy you’re looking for. But don’t get too attached, I’m long term single, and I like it that way. I should also say that discretion is important to me, I want to protect my career.

BuddyLine™

NAME: AGE: HEIGHT: HAIR: EYES: PROFESSION: I AM:

Writing these bio things is always really awkward, so let’s start with the basics. My name is Jake. I’d say I’m a newcomer to the scene after a recent break up, so I’m looking to have some fun. I’d describe myself as charismatic.

Everyone who knows me seems to want a piece of me. I hate gossip and drama, if you’re talking behind my back then you’re not worth my time. Having said that, I love experimenting and trying new things.

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Jake 21 5’10” Blonde Blue Student NEG, REGULAR, MUSCLE CHASER, BEAR CHASER

!

D i Ndgi n G !

AR CUDDLYBE

PNP toHey g uys! he usual t at t nigh e along m Co place. m e fu n! so ve a nd ha last as ew Sa m e cr k now if e m t ti m e. Le it ;-) e ak m you ca n ar Cudd lyBe 8===D~

Awesome!

BuddyLine™

NAME: Aaron AGE: 21 HEIGHT: 5’10” HAIR: Blond EYES: Brown PROFESSION: Student I AM: TWINK, GEEK, NEG, MUSCLE CHASER

CUDDL YBEA

R

Hey g u night ys! PNP t plac at t he u oe. Co s m e a ual a nd lo ha Sa m e v e s o m e n g f c ti m e rew as l u n! . Le t m e ast you kn ca Cudd n m ake i ow if ly t ;-) 8=== Bear D~

B ZzZz T!

NAME: AGE: HEIGHT: HAIR: EYES: PROFESSION: I AM:

Leo 22 6’2” Black Brown Cage dancer/model LEATHER, ASK ME ABOUT MY HIV STATUS

Zz!T! z Z B ZzT BZz

BuddyLine™

Hey fellas, I’m pretty much a shy-guy, but here goes nothing... I’m just a regular guy who likes regular guys. I have a pretty twink body at the moment, but I’m beefing up. I’m gonna get big with a super hero physique. ;)

I’m Leo and I’m a lion! As you can see I have gorgeous tanned skin and muscles to die for. I’m basically a wet dream walking around in leather.

And I’m no wilting violet, I’ve done it all! There’s a rumour that I have starred in some must see movies!

Good luck hunting them down guys. ;-) You can see more of me, if you’re ready to give me some sugar. If you give me what I need then I can return the favour. :$

Hmmmmm.

AR CUDDLYBE

Time for fun.

ght at PNP toni Hey g uys! place. Co m e l e fu n! t he usua have so m along a nd as last ti m e.

Sa m e crew w if you ca n no Let m e k ;-) m ake it ar Cudd lyBe 8===D~

3

{ungh} {ungh}

pretty good party.

oh, that reminds me.

I heard a new joke today...

I know.

I needed this. work was a real pain in the ass today.

absolutely, babe. he’s a lawyer and a sweet-heart.

you don’t get that combination too often.

what do you lawyers and lesbians have in common?

When it comes down to it, they don’t do dick.

Ugh, that’s pushing the bounds of good taste, leo. besides, daz is, as always, the exception to the rule.

and he DOES do dick. damn right I do.

I work hard.

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so what’s the plan for tonight?

I don’t make plans.

relax. definitely relax.

I just let the world unfurl as it will, safe in the knowledge that I’ll be in the middle of the fun.

I’m surprised you guys look at things the same way.

Yeah, I’m the same.

I know we’re all friends, but you are two of the most dissimilar people I can think of. you’re so shy, Aaron, and Leo...

...you’re so not shy.

If you make too many plans you always end up disappointed. damn right I’m not shy.

I think you guys might be onto something with this whole ‘zen’ thing.

I should use that line next next time the old guys at work ask why I’m not trying to sleep with the secretaries.

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damn, I had my eye on him. didn’t we all, babe. didn’t we all.

but the night is young. and so are we.

I might as well amuse myself in the meantime...

there’s always next time.

everyone wants the buff guys.

but I’m doing something about it.

I’ve started taking something that will help me get big.

these things take some work, babe.

I know that.

I’m willing to make it happen.

oh no, that’s not good.

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what? what’s wrong?

I’m really sorry but I think you just used the same spoon I used.

...

I’m pretty high. I wasn’t paying attention and I think I put it back on the table.

to be honest I’m already pretty high too. I wasn’t paying as much attention as I should be.

oh.

It’s not a big deal.

It would have been a keep it quiet, but bigger deal if it was the I have HIV. other way around.

I guess we should all just be more careful.

I guess so.

I guess so too, but I think first I’ll find someone for a little fun...

CONTINUED PAGE 14

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Party and play Party and play (or PNP, also known as chem-sex) is a name for combining drugs like meth (aka ice, tina or crystal) with sex. People do this because it can make things longer lasting and more intense. Some people find that they can do things on drugs that they might not otherwise be comfortable with.

There are a number of viruses and infections that can be passed on through body fluids (including HIV and hepatitis B) and blood (including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C). While hep C is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can be passed on through blood traces that are too small to see. This can happen with shared injecting equipment, shared drug straws or pipes, or shared sex toys and BDSM equipment. All of these might be used in adventurous sex and PNP. People tend to think of PNP mostly as a male thing, especially relating to men who have sex with men. That’s who we’ll be talking about in these pages. But men and women of all sexual orientations, including transgender and gender diverse people, have sex on amphetamines.

There are a lot of options for finding a partner for PNP. You can use an online hook-up app or website. You can go to a Sex On Premises (SOP) venue, or a known beat. You could contact an existing friend or ‘fuckbuddy’. Or you could hire a sex worker, who may or may not use drugs themselves (it’s important to check!).

People who use hook up apps do a lot of profiling of potential partners. For gay and bi men, this can include ‘sero-sorting’, or trying to hook up with people who have the same HIV status as you. You can’t always rely on other people to volunteer their HIV status, though, and other blood borne viruses like hepatitis B and C are rarely mentioned on hook up profiles or in the chat that follows.

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While having sex on meth, people sometimes get into more adventurous activities than they would when they were sober, like group sex or kinky play or using toys. It’s hard to stay aware of blood-to-blood contact when there might be lots of blood and bodily fluids around.

It can sometimes be unclear who’s making ‘the rules’ around drug use, safe sex and drug equipment. You may not know who has a blood borne virus and the information people give you about their health status may not be reliable.

So what do you do if you want to stay safe? Remember that you are in a heightened state and may feel very open and spontaneous. It’s important to be careful about blood borne viruses like hep C even when you’re using drugs.

Plan for how you will negotiate for safer play in a range of different scenarios. This will make it easier to know what to do when you’re actually in the situation. For example, if you are sharing toys or partners, you could come up with a strategy for how you would ask someone to use a fresh glove or condom for penetration. You could also think about how you would respond if someone offered you drugs. How could you tell them that you need to watch how the drugs are mixed up to make sure you’re using new equipment? Finally, plan ahead and stock up on all your safe sex and drug use supplies. Be prepared with new injecting equipment*, condoms, lube and gloves.

Finally, it’s very important to be regularly tested for blood borne viruses if you get up to PNP or adventurous sex on drugs. You can get a confidential test for hep C at most places where HIV tests are available, such as doctors or sexual health clinics.

You could consider getting vaccinated against hep A and hep B, which will mean you are no longer at risk of picking up these infections. Vaccinations are available from your doctor, sexual health clinic or Aboriginal Medical Service. There is currently no vaccine for hep C. *these pages adapted from resources produced by peer drug user organisation NUAA. Read more about safe drug use at nuaa.org.au

*New injecting equipment includes everything you use to inject: sterile fits, swabs and water, and your own spoon, tourniquet and filters.

It's important not to share any injecting equipment with anyone.

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R m r a h e h t Ask Dear Harm Reduction Lady, When I take meth, I tend to stay up for two or three days. I lose noticeable amounts of weight and people have started to comment on it. I don’t want to stop using meth, but also don’t want to screw up my health. How can I stay on top of this?

John Hi John, It’s easy to get carried away when using meth (also known as ice, crystal or tina).

You can often go for several days without sleeping or eating. The Harm Reduction Lady wants our readers who choose to use uppers to stay as safe and healthy as they can.

When you take amphetamines like meth, the levels of certain chemicals in your brain change. These chemicals – dopamine and serotonin – affect the part of your brain that tells you when to feel hungry. When you take higher doses of drugs that boost these chemicals, your brain sends the message to your body that you are not hungry and do not need to eat.

But eating is important! It’s especially important to take in nutrients if you’re using drugs for longer periods. The Harm Reduction Lady has a few suggestions for when you need to eat, but your brain is saying no.

You should already be drinking water regularly when taking drugs – dehydration is not good for you at all. If you’re injecting drugs, not drinking enough water can also

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make it very hard to find a vein. This is extra important because meth constricts your veins more than other drugs.

If you're sure that you're drinking enough water, you also need to make sure you're eating food. And the easiest way to get food into yourself when you’re not hungry is to drink it.

Why don’t you try making a smoothie at the times when you would ordinarily have a meal? Set an alarm in your phone to tell you when to eat. Get the blender going and use fruit like bananas – they’re high in fibre and have been found to boost the brain chemicals that meth use can deplete.

If you can drink milk, use it for your smoothie. If you can’t, try coconut water.

Both of these are high in potassium, which you sweat out when you’re using meth. Flesh out your smoothie with some carbs like oats or bran to add fibre and slow down your digestion of the smoothie.

If you have the money for it, some protein powder like Sustagen (or even regular milk powder) can also add calories and nutrients without increasing bulk too much.

y d a L n o i t c Redu A big part of staying healthy is being prepared. You’ll need to shop in advance so you have all the ingredients for your smoothie in the fridge. If everything’s on hand, you can easily prepare one when you’re high or coming down. Make sure you eat well when you’re not using: if you’re trying not to lose weight, you need to make sure you eat healthy, substantial meals in between benders.

If you find that you’re still losing weight and need something more substantial than a smoothie, you’ll find that some things are easier to eat than others when you’re high. Small, pre-prepared, high-liquid meals are the best way to go.

Consider stocking up on tubs of diced fruit, yoghurt, custard, cheese slices,

baked beans or tinned fish: all things you can just open and eat when your “feed me” alarm goes off.

If you have the food and drink thing covered, remember to brush your teeth regularly: you want to look after your teeth as well as your body. You should also try to schedule in some down time, even if you can’t sleep. Lying in a dark room for a few hours can refresh your body, chill you out, and give you back some energy.

Eating, drinking, brushing your teeth and sleeping are all really important to staying and looking healthy, even when you’re taking drugs.

*"Harm reduction" refers to all the work done by groups, workers and peers to reduce the harms of drug use to people who use drugs.

stock image ©2004-2015 xiao-stock.

Not the Harm Reduction Lady herself.

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WHEREVER YOU & YOUR GENDER SIT THERE IS A PLACE WHERE

YOU CAN BE YOU Gender, sex and sexuality are not black and white.

If you are under 26 and identify as transgender, intersex or gender-queer or are exploring what gender means for you, Twenty10 can help you access the support and information you may need.

Support line: (02) 8594 9555 Regional freecall: 1800 65 2010

www.twenty10.org.au 13

PART TWO three days later. okay, daz. we’re almost done. we’ll have that off to the lab and get your HIV viral load checked as usual. have you been having any other health problems or issues?

well... ...nah, not really.

come on daz, out with it. what’s wrong?

But last weekend I accidentally used a spoon that someone else had already used. I wasn’t too You know concerned though how I sometimes because I already go to parties? have HIV. Well I’m usually really careful about everything. I have safe sex and I’m careful about needles.

Not a health issue exactly but I guess there was something.

Well HIV is not the only thing you should be careful of.

It’s possible that you have been exposed to another virus like Hepatitis C, which is also spread by blood It’s most to blood contact. commonly passed on through shared injecting equipment.

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In general, HIV positive men who have sex with other men are at a higher risk of contracting hep C.

really?

I didn’t know that.

In fact, I don’t know much about hep c at all.

Well I have a pamphlet that you can read if you want to know more.

If you still have questions after reading it, you know where I am.

If you’d like we can test you for hep C too. It’s just a blood test, the same as for HIV. yes please.

Well there is a window period of twelve weeks for the antibody test, so the best time for us to do the test will be at your next viral load check in three months.

Thanks, doc. in the meantime I’ll read up on hep c.

Sound good to you?

15

that looks hard.

that’s what he said! four days later.

yeah, well for once I’m not talking about your man meat.

well those ‘roids you’re on clearly aren’t working, babe.

I’m talking about the flag move you’re doing on that pole.

I’m going to have the muscles for that soon.

You just wait and see.

I’m gonna have better muscles than any you see on Buddyline.

Ooooooohh.

Totally hot.

you’re such a jerk, leo.

You wish, babe. You’ve got a long way to go to catch up to me.

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hey guys. how’s things?

daz! hey babe.

Hey Daz, Aaron is just telling us how big his muscles are going to be now that he’s on the roids

Such a good party.

So good.

Absolutely!

I’ll be buff. Like that muscley guy with the anchor tattoo from the party.

...yeah, some night.

is everything okay, daz?

17

Honestly, I’m not sure yet.

You just reminded me of that night at the party After you went off with Mr Anchor tattoo I accidentally used a spoon that someone else used.

Dr O’Brian said that I might be in danger of having contracted hepatitis C. She said I should get tested for it.

Oh wow.

I never even thought of that as a possibility.

In fact, I don’t know very much at all about hepatitis. no, neither do I.

People like us don’t get hepatitis.

It’s just…

...gross.

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you should know better than that kind of blind prejudice, leo. after all, you’re HIV positive too.

and one of us could have hep c. It’s not something that discriminates.

We’ve all done things that could pass on Hep C. We should all consider getting tested.

not me. I’m not that unclean.

Like I said, Hep C is gross.

that’s not a bad idea at all.

Sure, I understand you needing to get tested, Daz. and you too, aaron. You used to inject all the time. but I never injected ice.

I only ever smoked it.

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Come on Leo, that’s not fair.

I never shared any injecting equipment. Not back when I was taking ice and not now that I’m on steroids. I always get new fits and other injecting equipment from the NSP.

whatever.

okay leo, now you’re REALLY being a jerk.

And if I can’t get to the NSP then there are lots of places where I can get new injecting equipment. I keep safe.

Look, all I’m saying is that it’s something we should be aware of. We all know about HIV and what that involves, but we know practically nothing about hep C.

Yeah, for sure. I’ll get it done next time.

Yeah, me too.

It won’t do any harm. What about you Leo?

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I think we all should get tested.

We can get it done discreetly and for free at the sexual health clinic.

There’s no reason not to do it next time you’re getting a HIV test.

Sure. Fine.

Whatever. I’ll get it done at my next viral load test.

one week later.

two weeks later.

and so, life goes on.

four weeks later.

old arguments slip away.

seven weeks later.

until they are all but forgotten.

nine weeks later.

after all, life is too short...

twelve weeks later.

...and far too much fun...

...to hold a grudge.

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So… I finally got my results for that hep C test. it was negative.

I got mine back. it was negative as well.

that’s great. mine came back too. Negative.

I’m really I was being sorry about the ridiculous. way I acted.

I understand that now.

I’m glad you realise that...

...because my test came back positive.

22

It was my I’m not sure yet antibodies that if that means that I’m came up positive, so hep C positive. I need to I’ve been exposed get a second test to hep C. to confirm.

Like, apparently about 25% of people who are exposed to hep C clear it naturally.

But you guys should probably learn as much about hep C as you know about HIV.

what did you find out? lots, actually. the people at the sexual health clinic gave me lots of information.

And even if I have So I have to hep C, I may not make some decisions have any symptoms about my treatment at all for a options. Talk to the long time. doctors and whatnot.

After all, you know someone with it now.

We will.

We’ll learn everything we can.

We’ll be with you every step of the way.

After all, we’ve been through a lot together.

Plenty more to come, hey?

23

ANSWERS 1. The soy sauce has vanished 2. Daz now has sushi on his plate 3.

The redhead is now blonde 4. The sake bottle has vanished 5. Daz' tie is now green 6. Jake's lip-ring has vanished 7. Daz' eyes are now open 8. Jake's ear-ring has vanished

the difference

picture a

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spot 8 differences between pictures a&b

picture b

word search T P V Q Z G A I U B I R X I Z S R A R J X N O G U R H P S A I A A R Y E N I L O F N I M O T M C N T P W Y T O J O P T T I G C C S Y O C M C V H N B S T I F O E M O S X Y E S I J S A T P I R D I E I T P J F L N P S E N X I H S A T Q G N X E E J E F M K P M S V I U A I G H H R E M O I T R I X V Z O A L F L C H N D B L O O D E G T H G B T E R X N N S I N L Y I A N T I R E T R O V I R A L V T U N O I T A N I C C A V S E M J L N K N O W L E D G E J U

Find the following hep C words in the puzzle above: AMPHETAMINE ANTIRETROVIRAL BLOOD COINFECTION ANSWERS CONDOM DOCTOR HEPATITIS INFOLINE INJECTING KNOWLEDGE NEGATIVE NSP PARTY PEER POSITIVE STIGMA TRANSMISSION VACCINATION

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS We design workshops and education sessions for people who work with communities affected by hep C and hep B. We can come to you or you can come to us. We can tailor our workshops to suit the needs of your attendees, and we usually include a C'een and Heard speaker who has lived experience of hep C. All of our trainers are Cert IV qualified.

For more information about our education and training services, please email rbearpark@hep.org.au or sclayton-freedman@hep.org.au If you’re a member of an hepatitis-affected community, or work with hepatitisaffected communities, and you want to be part of Transmission Magazine, please email transmission@hep.org.au. We can put together a training package for your organisation and help produce a story that could become a future edition of the magazine.

HEP REVIEW MAGAZINE Do you want to read more about looking after your liver and living well with viral hepatitis?

Hep Review is the most widely-read liver health magazine for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW. It contains stories from people living with viral hepatitis, articles on living well with hep B and C and reports on news and research covering treatment, nutrition, and the personal side of hepatitis. To sign up for Hep Review, email hepreview@hep.org.au.

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Have you seen our new, mobile-friendly Hepatitis NSW website?

Check it out at www.hep.org.au It's full of information about hep C and hep B. Find out how to look after yourself and protect yourself and others.

Love transmission magazine?

You can have Transmission Magazine delivered to you.

Sign up as a Hepatitis NSW member at www.hep.org.au or call 1800 803 990.

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n o i t s e u q r e w s n a &

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HEPATITIS INFO, SUPPORT, REFERRAL

My boyfriend has been diagnosed with hep C. Can we still have sex?

Generally, sex is considered a low risk activity for transmission of hep C. There is a risk your boyfriend could pass on hep C if there is any blood-to-blood contact during sex. This is especially important if you are both men, and/or if either of you is living with HIV. If you take the right precautions to avoid blood-to-blood contact during sex (especially during rough sex, sharing sex toys, sex during menstruation, or very long sex sessions) there is no recommendation to take extra safe sex precautions within your relationship.

Remember: while hep C only lives in blood, other blood borne viruses like hep B and HIV can be passed on sexually through semen or vaginal fluid. If you think you are at risk of contracting hep B, speak to your doctor, sexual health clinic or Aboriginal Medical Service about a hep B vaccination.

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SPECIAL THANKS . . . to the Harold group from twenty10.

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Twenty10 provides a wide range of support services across NSW for people of all ages, including specialised services for young people. Staff and volunteers deal with all enquiries in an understanding, supportive and confidential manner. Most services are free.

ASIDE FROM HEPATITIS NSW EDITORIAL CONTENT, VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS MAGAZINE OR FLYERS ENCLOSED WITH IT ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF HEPATITIS NSW. NEITHER ARE SUCH VIEWS NECESSARILY THOSE OF OUR FUNDING BODIES. TRANSMISSION MAGAZINE DOES NOT PROMOTE OR CONDONE THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS. RATHER, IT SEEKS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP PEOPLE WHO ALREADY INJECT DRUGS TO REDUCE RISKS AND MAKE SAFER CHOICES. NOTHING IN THIS MAGAZINE SHOULD BE TAKEN AS RECOMMENDING DRUG USE.

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EDITOR/DESIGNER Heather McCormack EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Toby Armstrong Tim Baxter Bruce Cherry Jenny Douglas Paul Harvey Peter Middleton Sonam Paljor Kate Pinnock Rebecca Miers Rhea Shortus Megan Stapleton Robert Wisniewski COMIC WRITER Lawrence Gergich COMIC ARTIST Mark Lauthier www.gestaltcomics.com

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