Issue20 man2man

ISSUE # 20: AUTUMN 2016 FREE

CALLING VOLUNTEERS

HEPC

FREE

GOT PEP? NEW! CLINIC 319

Greetings and thanks for picking up a copy of Man2man.

The great wheel has spun again and we find ourselves reaching for warmer clothes, walking amongst colourful fallen leaves, preparing firewood supplies, and planning our comfort food menu for the colder months – winter is coming!

This is issue number 20 of Man2man. Sounds like a milestone? It may well be. It is certainly a busy time at TasCAHRD. Inside this edition we introduce you to a few of the new staff, and tell you about new opportunities to volunteer. You will also find info about some of the new services available at TasCAHRD, including a counselling service, and an STI testing service. The STI clinic will provide testing and info about STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and BBVs (blood borne viruses), and it will even provide a rapid HIV testing service, and the latest on PEP and PrEP (HIV transmission prevention medication.) So if you want to get tested, or have any tricky questions, give us a call and make an appointment.

We also take a couple of pages to look back at the 2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – in particular to celebrate the efforts of those guys and gals who brought Tassie to Mardi Gras again this year. Well done to everyone involved – it looks like it was a blast!

We’d like to thank our friend Luke for writing up his story. We’ve included on page 5, it’s a moving account of a young man striving to make a difference to the community in spite of some challenging circumstances. If you’d like to know how you might be able to help out there, give us a call.

Finally, we have included an update about the latest Hep C meds, and some info about a new campaign being rolled out by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO), to spread the word about PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) – if you don’t know what PEP is, then you need to take a look, and you need to spread the word.

EDITOR - MATT ANNING A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men

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Lube: One litre water based lube GLYDE Four Seasons water based lube 75 ml Four Seasons water based lube 500 ml

$17 $4 $10

tasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street, HOBART OPEN 9am - 5pm

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

This publication is an initiative of the Health Promotion Program at the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases, (TasCAHRD).

Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. Phone: 03 6234 1242 Email: projects@tascahrd.org.au Post: GPO Box 595 Hobart Tasmania 7001 Web: tascahrd.org.au Facebook: Man2ManTas

Editor: Matt Anning Contributors: Vincent Bound Grant Blake Luke Jago Our colleagues at TasCAHRD Design & Layout: Ede Magnussen Printing courtesy of: Xerox Hobart

Would you like to see your business or service advertised in this mag? Contact TasCAHRD for rates – projects@tascahrd.org.au.

WA R N IN G

some of the content of this magazine may be offensive to some readers

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Closer to a Hep C Free Tasmania It was an exciting moment in the medical world on March 1st this year, when the new treatments for Hepatitis C were listed on the PBS. Now a course of the new medications easier to take, a full course is complete within 8 - 24 weeks, and the side effects are significantly reduced compared to those of their predecessors. Most importantly, the medications are available to every person in Australia who is living with Hepatitis C, who is over the age of 18, and who has a Medicare card, including people who use drugs and people who are in prison.

As you might expect, Hep C isn’t just Hep C. There are different genotypes of Hep C, and the medications required are different depending on the genotype, whether the patient has been treated before, and whether the liver is cirrhotic. The new medications result in a cure for up to 90 – 95% of people with the more common genotypes, but for some of the less common genotypes, cure rate is less guaranteed, and treatment options may still require older medication which can come with side effects.

The new medications are a mouthful to pronounce, but here they are for reference.

• • • •

Sofosbuvir + ledipasvir (known as Harvoni) Sofosbuvir (known as Sovaldi) Daclatasvir (known as Daklinza) Ribavirin (known as Ibavir)

It depends on the genotype as to which medicine or combinations of medicine are required for treatment, and a GP, in consultation with a specialist, will determine the appropriate medications for each case. If the prescription is an S85 type, then the meds are available at many local pharmacy for a fee that won’t send you broke. It might be a good idea to check in advance if the pharmacy has a supply, as there might be a waiting period. If the prescription is an s100 type, then the prescription is only available through a hospital based pharmacy. The GP will advise if the prescription is S100 or S85.

If you would like to know more, call the Hepatitis information line 1300 HEP ABC or contact TasCAHRD. 4

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Skate-Art. A Reason to Change.

When I was 19, I was a state skateboard champion, but with the breakup of my first adult relationship, I spiralled down into the chaotic lifestyle of a serious drug addict and a criminal, going in and out of prison 21 times in an 11 year span. Through my misuse of intravenous drugs and tattoo gear, I contracted Hepatitis C. Fortunately, but paradoxically, despite the quick decline in my health due to drug abuse on the outside, through repetitive physical training, regular meals and sleep patterns, my body naturally fought the disease, over the 21 times I was in prison.

I was released in November 2015 and at Christmas I was given 2 gifts that cemented a change in my conscience, my goals and my way forward in life - a second hand skateboard and my best friend urging me to start different art and music projects with him. Through an enlightening and spiritual experience at the skate park one morning on my own, I spawned

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an idea to paint the skate park in a colourful, cross culture, street art way, getting backing and sponsorship thru local council, rotary clubs, businesses, skaters, artist, musicians and the community. I thought I would also get advertising in Tasmanian newspapers, TV, social media and this TasCAHRD health and well-being magazine. It would culminate in the unveiling and presentation of the painted art park at the first annual SK8ART, newly founded festival with skate competition and local musician concert, to kick off the MAD (make a difference) projects youth council foundations Tasmania.

But as I hadn’t quite finished with my old life some old criminal acts caught up to me. I was put in prison again, but I’m not letting that stop me. I’m still writing ideas, looking for support as I sit in prison awaiting to paint the park, so I can give back to the community I have taken from for years.

Luke Jago, 30yrs old.

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VOLUNTEERING

I'm Sarah

and I am the newly appointed Volunteer Coordinator for tasCAHRD! This is a brand new position for us and my role is to grow, maintain, strengthen and support a team of dynamic and passionate volunteers. My professional background is in people leadership, coaching, and operational excellence.

According to the Macquarie University (2015) people who volunteer are happier, healthier and feel more fulfilled.

Volunteering is also a great way to prepare to enter the workforce, to learn or consolidate skills and to experience being a part of a supportive team.

Do you have some time during standard business hours that you would like to use to contribute to the Tasmanian community? Or do you enjoy attending community events, talking to the public and generally getting the word out there on the occasional weekend?

We currently have specific volunteering roles within tasCAHRD to fill, such as a Radio Production Assistant, Promotions and Public Awareness Officer, Research Assistant and Fundraising Officer. If none of those sound like your cup of tea, but you would still like to get involved with us, we would love to hear from you! These roles are not all we do, you may bring something to us that we

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are missing, and we will do our best to find something that suits you!

If you would like to know more about volunteering with tasCAHRD, please get in touch with me via email on volunteers@ tascard.org.au.

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TasCAHRD in collaboration with Tasmanian Sexual Health Service

Rapid HIV testing Full STI screening PrEP PEP Answer all your questions about sexual health Thursdays from 4:00pm – 6:00 pm Starting May 12th Free. Confidential.

For bookings, call 6234 1242 A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men

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Devilishly Tasmanian

The Tasmanian Devils were back again after an eight year break for this year’s

Sydney Mardi Gras. Tassie was back with avengeance this year, making a splash with our first float in 8 years.

We were represented as one of the largest state floats to take part in this year’s event and one of the most media publicized floats post parade. Tasmania’s stunning float was made possible by support from Flamingos Dance Bar, KPH, Taspride, TasCAHRD and the Sydney Mardi Gras grants program. With both current and former Tasmanians taking part we had people in our float from Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Canberra and many other location around the country. We look forward to everyone taking part again next year.

If you are interested in being part of our float next year look out for Tas2mardigras 2017 on facebook.

Source: Vincent Bound 8

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W

WELLBEINGWELLBEINGWE

WELLBEING

ellbeing, or subjective wellbeing, is the experience of feeling satisfied with your life. The average Australian is approximately 75% satisfied with their life and scientific research has found that people with very low wellbeing often feel depressed. Wellbeing is a bit like the opposite of depression.

Some mental health professionals like to examine the aspects of a person’s life that make up wellbeing, such as their satisfaction with standard of living (money, the things you own), health, achievements, relationships, personal safety, community connectedness, and sense of a secure future. Also important to the wellbeing of many, although not all people, is satisfaction with spirituality or religion. More than 10 years of Australian wellbeing data has found that we are least satisfied with feeling connected to our community. As gender and sexually diverse men, we are fortunate to have a community of like-minded individuals to live and laugh with, as well as provide support when times are tough.

If you’re not feeling connected to our community then it is time to get involved. Volunteer (e.g., TasCAHRD, Working It Out, TasPride) or start up a queer friendly social group at work. Start a sports team (after all our health is important to wellbeing) or host a bbq to meet new people.

Also, steer clear of self and community stereotyping. As much as we hate being victims of unfair stereotypes, we are disappointingly good at perpetuating them. Not talking to someone because you think they’re too fem, too masc, or not your sexual type divides our community and detracts from a happy and satisfied life. I would encourage anyone reading this to challenge yourself by starting a conversation with someone who doesn’t meet your usual friendship criteria. You might learn something new and improve your sense of life satisfaction.

Grant Blake is a registered psychologist and Medicare provider at ForensiClinic.

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COUNSELLING SERVICE TasCAHRD now offers free counselling for Tasmanian individuals and couples who are affected by or at risk of HIV. This service operates on Fridays, and counselling can be provided in person and via phone or Skype for those not living in Hobart.

Counselling involves talking with a professional in a confidential, nonjudgmental, supportive and respectful environment. The counsellor will support you to work through issues and can help you develop greater self-awareness, personal insight, and make positive life changes and decisions. Counselling helps in a range of areas including:

New or recent HIV diagnosis or other health issues Living with HIV HIV and relationships Anxiety and depression Relationship issues Self-esteem Grief and loss Emotional, physical or sexual abuse A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men

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GET PEP

“Get PEP” is a new nation-wide campaign, produced by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO), that aims to increase gay men’s knowledge and awareness of PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).

PEP is a month-long course of HIV treatments that can prevent a person becoming infected with HIV after a recent exposure. The sooner someone starts PEP the better, but it needs to be within 72 hours of exposure.

PEP is different to PrEP. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is taken after a possible exposure to HIV, whereas PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a drug taken daily over a sustained period to help prevent HIV infection before exposure.

PEP can be an effective HIV prevention tool after a high-risk event, such as condomless sex, sex where a condom breaks, and sharing injecting equipment. It is available from the Emergency Department of most public hospitals, sexual health clinics and some other clinics and doctors that specialise in gay men’s health and HIV. However, research shows that many men don’t know that PEP is available.

“Get PEP” is based around the website www.getpep.info. It provides a range of information about PEP, including what it is and how it works, as well as tips for people accessing it and for when they’re taking it. Importantly, it also provides the locations people can access PEP, including map search functionality, as well as PEP information lines for people to call for information and referrals.

AFAO President, Bridget Haire, points out why this campaign is needed. “PEP is an effective HIV prevention method, and we need to make sure that those at risk of HIV can access it. Gay men in particular need to know about PEP - how it works, and where they can access it. It is vital that people are informed about all of the HIV prevention tools available to them, including PEP.” The campaign will be seen through a range of advertisements and promotional materials such as posters and cards, promoting the campaign and directing people to the website.

For more information, go to the website: www.getpep.info.

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Services Directory STATEWIDE

SOUTHERN

Antidiscrimination Commission Assists in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au

Family Planning Tasmania 421Main Road, Glenorchy P: 03 6273 9117 Mon-Tue & Fri9:00am-5pm;Thur 9:00am-6:30pm http://www.fpt.asn.au Provides free and confidential sexual health care to people of all ages. Services include: contraception, pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral.

Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information & referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania. P: 1800 184 527 www.switchboard.org.au Scarlet Alliance Sex Worker Outreach Project. www.scarletalliance.org au Sexual Health Service Counselling, support, referrals & STI & HIV testing.

P: 1800 675 859 (Free call) E:sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases.

P: 1800 005 900 (FreecallInformation,9am - 5pm) www.tascahrd.org.au Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) A community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. Stall at the Salamanca Market every Saturday. www.tglrg.org Tas Police LGBTI Liaison Officers P: (03) 6230 2111(Hobart) P: (03) 6336 7000 (Launceston) P: (03) 6434 5211(North West) www.police.tas.gov.au TasPride Dedicated to celebrating & uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. www.taspride.com Working It Out Tasmania's sexuality & gender support & education service which also provides counselling & support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. www.workingitout.org.au 14

Sexual Health Service 60 Collins St, Hobart P: 6166 0990 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm. Clinic times may vary. http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ sexual health/sexuaI_health_ service_ tasmania Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

Anglicare NSP Hobart 18 Watchorn St, Hobart P: 1800 243 232 Mon – Fri 12.30 am – 4.30 pm The NSP provides free clean, sterile equipment, information, education, support and referrals to people who access the service. A 24 hr vending machine is located at the lower section of the building. There is a $2 fee for this service.

Nufit (Anglicare NSP) Glenorchy 436 Main Rd Glenorchy P: 1800 243 232 Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Nufit is an NSP which provides clean, sterile equipment, information, education, support and referrals.

The Link Youth Health Service and Head Space 57 Liverpool St, Hobart P: 03 6231 2927 Mon – Fri 9.:00 am - 5:00 pm www.thelink.org.au The Link offers free counselling. case management, support, information and referrals for young people aged 12-24 in regards to mental health, alcohol and drugs, sexual health and family planning. Outreach is also available. Free condoms and an NSP is also available for people aged 12-24.

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Hobart Community Legal Service Provides advice and representation to clients in areas such as: discrimination law, employment law, consumer credit, Centrelink disputes, and child support. They offer free evening information sessions at the Hobart office on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm, where volunteer solicitors give information on all legal areas.

Mon-Thur 9am-5pm; Fri 9am-lpm www.hobartlegal.org.au Appointments are required for some services, ring ahead to find out.

166 Macquarie Street, Hobart P: 03 6223 2500 7 Station Lane, Sorell P: 03 6265 1911 Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater P: 03 6263 4755 Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania's weekly dub committed to providing a tolerant, safe, informative and fun environment for people of alternative sexualities and their friends to be able to enjoy themselves and socialize in a non threatening environment. www.flamingosbar.com

NORTHERN Shield Uniting & Supporting Northern Tasmanian LGBTI youth www.shieldtasmania.org Launceston - Family Planning Tasmania 269 Wellington St, Launceston P: 03 6343 4566 Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm http://www.fpt.asn.au Provides free and confidential sexual health care to people of all ages. Services include: contraception, pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral.

Launceston - Sexual Health Service 42 Canning St, Launceston P: 03 6777 1371 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Clinic times may vary. www.dhhs.tas.gov.au Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

If you notice any details that are out of date in these listings or if you would like to add your details here, please call us on 03 6234 1242

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Burnie - Family Planning Tasmania 1 Pine Ave, Upper Burnie P: 03 6431 7692 Mon, Wed & Thur 9:00 am-4:30 pm www.fpt.asn au Provides free and confidential sexual health care to people of all ages. Services include: contraception, pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral.

Burnie - Sexual Health Service 11 Jones St, Burnie P: 03 6434 6315 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm. Clinic times may vary. www.dhhs.tas.gov.au Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

Devonport - Sexual Health Service 23 Steele St, Devon port P: 03 6421 7759 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm. Clinic times may vary.

Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

NSP Salvation Army Building 111 Elizabeth St, Launceston P: 03 63316760 Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:00pm This is the only primary NSP in Northern Tasmania. The service provides non judgemental clean, ster access the service.

EAST COAST East Coast Queer life Support (ECQLS) North East support association coordinating & providing services & social activities for GLBTI people.

Call Peter on 0467 000 748, or email ecqls.tas@gmail.com.

GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES OS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty's Cafe, Restaurant Waterloo, Lebrina, Kusinat, Republic Bar, Criterion cafe, Lansdowne cafe, Retro cafe, Machine Laundry Cafe, Jackman and McCross, Groovy Penguin, Fresh on Charles, Deloraine Deli, O'Keefe's Hotel, Stonies Fifties cafe, Fitzpatrick's Inn, The King of Burnie Hotel, Around The Corner cafe, Tasmania Inn, Hotel SOHO, Hot Mothers Cafe, Restaurant Red, Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant, Cafe Bozzey.

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03 6777 1371