WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITIES - Gay Health Network Strategy 2023-2026

Queen: Veda Photo: Babs Daly

I am delighted to introduce ‘Working with Our Communities’ the Gay Health Network Strategic Plan 2023 to 2026. It represents a considerable amount of time and consideration on behalf of the board, our contractors, member organisations and external facilitators. We are proud of the resultant document which will guide our way over the next three years at least. The strategy builds on our existing foundations, and its guiding principles are reflected in the recent work of the Network.

Since 1994, Gay Health Network (GHN) has worked actively to promote the sexual, health and well-being of our communities of gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and trans people, including non-binary people, providing sex-positive information, whilst combatting any new and emerging threats.

Considering the recent rise in anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Monkeypox (MPX) outbreaks, we understand the need for comprehensive health inform ation and resources is more important than ever. This must focus not just on sexual health but must also include mental health and general wellbeing. GHN, through our Man2Man website and social media promotions, has always been an important platform for these issues.

From the early days of Covid-19 in 2020, we continuously updated our communities about ways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, whilst engaging with state bodies regarding the resumption of health services. In 2022, we partnered with the HSE and MPOWER/HIV Ireland on delivering a communications and community engagement campaign to create

Welcome from GHN

awareness of monkeypox. In addition, we called on the Irish Government to speed up the MPX vaccine roll-out and to ensure it was inclusive, equitable, ethical and transparent.

GHN uses many innovative ways to disseminate information to those who need it. With our communities in Ireland accessing information from a variety of different sources, it is vital we continue to be aware of new platforms, channels and trends as they arise. In this spirit, we engage with artists and activists to help amplify our messaging.

As society is changing and becoming more diverse, GHN is constantly adapting and working to reflect these changes. The Gay Health Forum (GHF 2021) and Culture Night (2022) are good examples of this adaptability. Following a successful launch by the Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission (IHREC), we screened ‘Voices from Afar’ for the culture night in partnership with the GAZE film festival and Outhouse. Made possible with funding greatly received from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth (DCEDIY), this is a series of short films portraying the experiences of gbMSM ‘not born’ in Ireland, that highlights the various challenges that can be faced due to stigma, racism and exclusion. Alongside this, GHN continues to provide information campaigns in a number of languages to limit barriers for those calling Ireland home.

Collaboration and networking continue to be important objectives. Most recently we have worked with the Sexual Health Centre Cork, GOSSH Ireland, HIV Ireland, LINC, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride, and The Rainbow Project, delivering important messaging and resources to our communities. We commit, along with our partners, activists, artists and other key stakeholders, to continue to protect and empower our communities.

Moving forward, our aim for developing and enhancing GHN is an ambitious one, ‘not without its challenges’ as we navigate a very uncertain time globally, but it is achievable. This is a living and rolling strategy document that will be reviewed annually. Our supporters, members and communities will remain a key part of its journey. In that light, I would, on behalf of GHN and myself like to thank; the HSE’s Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP) for their continued support, and especially to our membership of excellent organisations for their helpful input and to our communities for trusting in GHN for the information they seek.

Finally, our values and objectives stated in this ‘Working with Our Communities’ strategy, uniquely coincide with ‘World AIDS Day 2022’ and GHN’s ongoing commitment to pursuing the UNAIDS theme ‘Equalise’.

In Pride, Jamie Kenny (Acting Chairperson, GHN)

Hello Bonjour

Hola Olá

WHO WE ARE:

GHN comprises a network of organisations across the island of Ireland providing resources and expertise in relation to the support, prevention and awareness of HIV and STIs, information on sexual health, mental health and wellbeing for gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men (gbMSM)1 and trans people (our communities)2. We do this by working closely with our state, community and network partners, creating content and resources, undertaking research, telling stories and promoting positive sexual health and wellbeing ethos.

WHAT WE DO:

• Development and creation of content and resources across various channels and platforms encouraging positive health choices relating to health and wellbeing for our community.

• Promotion of sexual health awareness and HIV prevention through specific programmes and campaigns.

• Ongoing development of Man2Man.ie the dedicated sexual health and HIV website for our community.

• Creation and dissemination of stories with and about members of our community.

• Publication of information to increase sector-wide communications on the issues.

• Publication of key research reports on relevant issues.

• Publication of sexual health leaflets, cards and booklets.

• Engagement in lobbying activities with governmental agencies and others to further our mission.

1 (gbMSM) indicates gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men.

2 Our Communities, indicates gbMSM and trans people

Setting the scene

Sexual Health Messaging in 4 Key Languages

Setting the scene

OUR VISION:

The Vision of the Gay Health Network is an Ireland

• that becomes a world leader in gender and sexuality rights;

• where everyone is comfortable in their sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity; where sexual health is seen as intrinsic to our overall health;

• where communities are supported to have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to make choices about our lives, free from exploitation, discrimination, stigma and fear.

‘Volunteer Models’ HSE & GHN- National HIV Prevention Programme for MSM. (2010)

The mission of GHN is to work with our community, including those most at risk, to eliminate health and social inequalities by promoting sexual and mental health and well-being.

GHN adopts the World Health Organisation (WHO) definition of sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006a).

GHN recognises that discrimination occurs within our communities on the basis of race; ethnicity (including Travellers); religion; gender identity and assigned sex; disability and occupation. This list is not exhaustive, and GHN endeavours to highlight and challenge such discrimination where it arises.

Our mission

‘Volunteers Giving Their Stories in Voices From Afar. (2022.)’

Our values

Sex Positive Philosophy:

GHN promotes the recognition of sexuality (in the countless forms of expression) as a natural and healthy part of the human experience, recognising that all consensual sexual activities are fundamentally healthy and pleasurable.

Human Rights & Freedom from Discrimination & Stigma:

GHN recognises that all people are entitled to the same rights and respect; regardless of sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, sexual health and mental health.

Inclusion and Promotion of Diversity:

GHN will continue to ensure the inclusion of all members of our community in our work. Social Justice and Solidarity: GHN recognises the intersectionality within our community and supports other campaigns to achieve equality in Ireland.

Consensus Building and a Collaborative Approach:

GHN as a membership-led network will continue to build shared analysis and ways of working as a collective.

Informed by the Lived Experience:

GHN will remain responsive to the emerging needs of our community as identi fied by research as well as lived experience and continue to adapt our ways of working in an ever-changing Ireland.

Integrity and Transparency:

GHN promotes a culture of open, honest communication between the board, staff and members and between key stakeholders.

‘GHN Sex Positive Messaging’ @grindr. (2015)

Objectives

1. Information Provision

GHN is the national platform and primary information service for well-being, harm reduction, HIV prevention and sexual health awareness among gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and trans people, ‘our communities’, through our continued updating and promotion of the Man2Man programme and resources.

Key Actions

Create and promote resources encouraging positive health choices relating to health and well-being for our communities.

• Develop specific resources to meet emerging trends.

• Develop resources to link in with more marginalised groups.

• Develop resources addressing alcohol and drug use (including Chemsex), mental health and wellbeing and self-care relating to sexual health.

• Manage and update the Man2Man.ie website and social media.

• Manage and update the GHN.ie website.

• Continue to work in collaboration with the HSE, SHCPP, other community partners and network members.

Rory O’Neill (Panti Bliss), Launching the HIV Ireland & GHN, Services Locator Map (2014).

Objectives

2. Membership and Development of the Network

The work of GHN will bring members together to facilitate the exchange of information, ideas, training and develop joint projects.

Actions

• Define and clarify the role of the network, including the role of members.

• Use network spaces to share key GHN resources and campaign materials.

• Continue to build a collective platform for members to share information and amplify campaigns.

• Develop spaces for collective peer networking and learning across network members.

• Support the participation of existing and new members within the network.

• Develop collaborative projects such as the Gay Health Forum (GHF).

• Work to expand the netwo rk to include marginalised groups.

• GHN will continue to strive to make our spaces and communications accessible.

17th Gay Health Forum (GHF) @ Dublin Castle. (2019)

Objectives

3. Research, Lobbying and Promotion

GHN works to ensure that research reflects any emerging trends and references both the National Sexual Health Strategy and National Drug Strategy and the MISI (2015) and EMIS (2010 and 2017)3 reports for our community. This will inform our policy development and lobbying. We will continue to collaborate with statutory bodies to achieve this.

Actions

• Establishment of a GHN Research working group to identify research gaps in relation to sexual health for our community.

• Exploring resources to build the capacity of the network to ensure GHN representation in appropriate policy spaces.

• Ensure GHN representatives are resourced to engage in key spaces such as the LGBTI Inclusion Strategy and any HSE SHCPP-related working groups.

• Promotion of all aspects of the work of GHN to our community and all key stakeholders.

• Build and strengthen relationships and networks with the representatives of minority groups within the community with the aim of identifying unmet needs and building resources.

3 European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) & MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI)

Promoting EMIS @ Panti Bar. (2017)

Objectives

4. Governance, Accountability and Transparency

GHN will maintain the highest standards of governance, accountability and transparency to our members and funders and will develop a funding strategy to secure the sustainability of the organisation.

Actions

• Meet all legal and financial requirements, such as under the Charities Act 2009, and the Lobbying Act 2015.

• The board of GHN will ensure that the organisation meets all obligations under the Charity Governance Code.

• GHN board, with relevant training where necessary, will meet all legal, financial and HR requirements.

• Publish an annual report and certified accounts and present them to members as part of the AGM.

• Cost, plan and seek appropriate resources to deliver on all aspects of this Strategic Plan.

JOHHNY, GHN, GMHS @ Pride Dublin. (2002)

OUTLINE OF HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 1994:

Over the last 28 years, GHN has delivered so much ‘too many to list’: Nevertheless, below are some key events and publications along with links. See www.ghn.ie for a fuller history:

After 20 Years!!: GHN held the first-ever official meeting with a Minister for Health (2015)

Member of the ‘Education and Prevention and the Services Working Groups of the National Sexual Health Strategy (2015-2020) and review groups (2021)

Member of the ‘Discrimination’ Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee (NASC) 1996-2010)

‘Stamp Out Stigma’ Campaign booklet and films (HIV Network, DOH and GHN)

‘Solidarity with all people living with HIV’ (HPSC et al 2015)

‘PrEP’ Policy Options Review (GHN & HIV Ireland 2017)

GHN produced various ‘Community Statements’ on; PrEP, COVID-19, GMHS Clinic, Monkeypox, Solidarity with LGBTQI+ Community ‘Vigils against violence’, ‘Prohibit Conversion Therapy (2017-2022)

https://gayhealthnetwork.ie/research/

(Vital Statistics Ireland 2000): (REAL LIVES 2003-2008): (EMIS 2010 and 4 Man2Man Community Reports): (SAKA 2010: Key Findings from the Syphilis Awareness, Knowledge and Action) (‘Men From Afar’ (2013): (‘MSM Internet Survey Ireland’(MISI 2015): (EMIS-Ireland 2017 report and GHN four Community Reports): (EMIS-2017: GHN Community Reports and main report at www.emis2017.eu)

www.gayhealthforum.ie 2003-2021:

1st Gay Health Forum (GHF) with the theme ‘Viva La Diferenca’ (2003).

1st Annual ‘Noel Walsh Memorial Presentation’ at GHF 2009. ‘Honouring our esteemed colleague, friend and fellow AIDS activist’

GHN 25: No GHF due to COVID-19, instead a virtual event ‘GHN 25 Years-Building a Future on the Past’.

18th Gay Health Forum (GHF 2021) was held as a virtual event.

19th Gay Health Forum (GHF 2022) was re-established as a physical event at the IHREC (2022).

https://gayhealthnetwork.ie/about-us/ghn-annual-reports/ Action Plan 2008-2010 and Summary Review (2008)

GHN Annual Reports from 2012 with a Special Edition in 2020 on COVID-19 and GHN 25-Year Webinar.

https://gayhealthnetwork.ie/policy-and-media/

‘ON THE ONE ROAD’ NEWSLETTER. GHN produced 16 issues of the newsletter between 2008 and 2012. ‘Progress Report’: National HIV Prevention and Sexual Health Awareness Programme for MSM (2014) ‘GRID to QUARE SEX’: 35 Years of AIDS Activism in Ireland: with some leaflets. (Quinlan M GHN 2020) ‘National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020 an Update’ (O’Brien M HPSC 2020).

https://gayhealthnetwork.ie/man2man-programme/

GHN Established a partnership with the health board in 2010. This increased with the Health Services Executive (HSE) Communication Department and the Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCP) for the ‘Man2Man’ programme initiative. In 2011 the first ‘National HIV Prevention and Sexual Health Awareness Programme (MSM)’ was launched in partnership with the HSE in four phases over 12 Months’; including (100,000 ‘Man2Man’ safer sex packs. Adverts in 20 local newspapers across 11 counties. 101,700 postcards distributed across 30 counties. Promotion on Gaydar).

www.Man2Man.ie:

Established in 2010 and updated in 2019 to provide information through four unique websites: English(man2man.ie), French(fr.man2man.ie), Portuguese (pt.man2man.ie) and Spanish (es.man2man.ie). The website continues to be updated with new information and promotions. Since 2010 over half a million new users have clicked onto man2man.ie with at least 90% residing in Ireland. The annual evaluation suggests that 82% of gbMSM would trust the information on the website. 85% think it is an appropriate way of providing this type of information.

https://www.youtube.com/user/man2manireland:

Since 2010 (subtitled) available on YouTube. Topics: U=U, Sexual Health, Monkeypox, PrEP, Mental Health, GHN 25, COVID-19, Celebrating Pride, Man2Man Four Phases Videos. Voices from Afar 2022 (also at https://gayhealthnetwork.ie/voicesfromafar/)

Publications

1994-1999

Healthy, Hot and Horny: A guide to Sexual Health and Pleasure for Gay and Bisexual Men” (1995).

• Hepatitis B Leaflet (produced by Southern Gay Men’s Health Project for GHN), (1995).

Rubber Up (a cover of safer sex pack containing 2 condoms and 2 lube supplied by GMHS… (1995).

• HIV Testing Leaflet: A text-only leaflet on the test. (1996).

Play Safe Play Sexy (Pack of Cards) raunchy safer sex messages on each card (1997).

• Play Safe Play Sexy Booklet: (Black and White) local male volunteers engaged in safer sex acts) (1999).

2000-2010

“In The know” A comprehensive booklet on the HIV test (2004)

“Love Bugs” Sexual Health Booklet for gay and bisexual men with detailed information on sexually transmitted infections (updated version was published in June 2005): (2004)

“Play Safe Play Sexy” 2nd safer sex booklet in colour with local male volunteers (2007)

“Donnie Got Laid” GHN & BeLonGTo peer-led comic for younger gay & bisexual men (2007)

‘PEP’ the 1st information Leaflet on HIV post-exposure treatment (2008)

“Rubber Up” Mobile Billboard Dublin Pride, Advertisements, Postcards, T-Shirts

• “Translations x 8” Safer Sex, PEP, HIV Testing, Syphilis, and STIs information in eight languages

‘SYPH-TEST AND SYPH-ACTION’ campaign by GMHS/GHN/the Rainbow Project)

• ‘Rubber up with Pride’ Launched 20th June at the George and Panti Bar (OTORN 4) (2009)

“Living with HIV+ Sex” Booklet about being HIV positive and having a fulfilling and enjoyable sex

2010-2020

‘POPPERS AND HIV’ Awareness campaign

“Use it! Get it On” safer sex condom packs (2010)

HEPATITIS B – 4 STEPS TO IMMUNITY: information. (OTORN Issue 6 2010)

‘GET IT ON, GET INFORMED, GET TESTED, GET SUPPORT’ – launched at Dublin Pride (2010)

Luv Bugs: STI prevention campaign (2012)

“It’s hard, it’s easy” campaign (2014).

‘Know the Score’ ‘Get Tested’ campaign’ Irish AIDS Day (2014)

‘Safer Sexy Pride’ (2014)

• ‘HIV: Laid Bare’ campaign launched World AIDS Day (2015) ‘European HIV and Hepatitis Testing Week’ November 2015

• 100,000 man2man.ie branded condom and lubricant distributed ( MAC funded) (2015): GHN and SCHPP HSE agree that ‘Johnny’s got you covered also include www.man2man.ie (2016):

• 55,000 condoms and lube distributed by GHN plus setting up of dispensers. (2016): ‘HIV+SEX’ booklet redesigned in text format to complement the ‘HIV: Laid Bare’ campaign for wider distribution. Published in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish (2016)

‘Venue Poster Displays’ GHN along with the HSE arrange for poster displays through 45 units at 17 LGBT-friendly social venues including ‘sex on-venue’ premises, Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway (2016-2022).

60,000 condoms /lube distributed, plus dispensers as part of GHN outreach (2017). 140,000 condoms/ lube distributed via GHN network and 30 sets of dispensers (2018). ‘Postcards’: ‘Recreational Drugs’ and ‘Chemsex’. Distributed LGBTI Pride/ social venues (2017).

‘Foreign Bodies’. For holidays ‘Get tested, update vaccinations, and use condoms (2017).

‘Bits out for the Labs’: get tested on return, vaccination and avail of condoms. (2017)

‘Get PrEP Promotion’: (2019)

‘Sexual Health Information In Your Language’: PHONE IMAGE CARD of four Man2Man websites (2019) 2020-2022

‘COVID-19 and SEX’: GHN initiated an information campaign working with the HSE (2020)

• ‘TAKE ACTION TAKE ACTION START PEP’: (2020)

‘KNOW THE FACTS’: The drugs and alcohol awareness campaign ‘Reduce the Harms’(2020)

• ‘MIND YOUR BOTTOM’ (2020)

‘Symptoms Get tested’: ‘not ignoring STI symptoms’ and to ‘get tested (2020)

‘LIGHTEN THE LOAD’: mental health ‘information and support page on Man2Man.ie. (2021) GHN/Man2Man information on the sexual health and well-being of gbMSM.(2021)

‘FREE CONDOMS’: ‘Find out where you can access free condoms and lube’ (2022)

‘USING POPPERS?’ ‘11 Tips to reduce harm’ (2022)

‘KNOW ABOUT SHIGELLA’: (2022)

‘SYPHILIS numbers remain HIGH’: ‘Things you need to know’! (2022)

‘MONKEYPOX’ Information campaign with HSE, GHN, Mpower/HIV Ireland (2022)

• U=U: ‘EFFECTIVE TREATMENT MEANS YOU CAN’T PASS HIV TO YOUR PARTNERS’:

‘STI Home Testing’: Order your free home STI test kit now: GHN/HSE (2022)

‘PrEP’: ‘When you protect yourself you protect others’: HSE/GHN/ The Rainbow Project(2022)

GHN MEMBER GROUPS :

Members

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022

Ciaran McKinney (Chairperson), Jamie Kenny (Acting Chairperson), Bill Foley (Secretary), Mick Quinlan (Treasurer), Alan Coyne, Adam Hurley, Michael Kiernan and Paul O’Connell.

GHN TEAM 2022

Rohit Chardouy (Administration Manager) Padraig Burke (Communications Director)

OUR FUNDERS:

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2022:

GAY HEALTH NETWORK (Company LTD by Guarantee)

Outhouse LGBT+ Community Centre, 105 Capel Street, Dublin D07 RD2

Company Registration: No 49995

Registered Charity No. CHY 19908 www.GHN.ie

E: info@ghn.ie @gayhealthnetwork @gayhealthnetwork

Man2Man Programme: www.Man2Man.ie

@man2manireland @man2manireland

Gay Health Network - World AIDS Day 2022