Man 2 Man

A HEALTH & LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN ISSUE 16, AUTUMN 2014 FREE!

A society that values, respects and embraces diversity.

Phone: (03) 6234 1242

Post: GPO Box 595 Hobart 7001

Web: tascahrd.org.au

Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD.

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New Editor, Christian Vega

Hey there!

So my name is Christian Vega and as well as being TasCAHRD’s new Man2Man Health Promotion Officer I’m the editor for this edition of the Man2Man magazine.

This edition, I’ve chosen to focus on HIV stigma. I think it’s an important

subject that we as a community need to talk about and has certainly been a focus of world leaders including Aung Sung Suu Kyi on World AIDS Day in 2013.

Speaking of which, Shaun Staunton will give us a bit of a wrap up of WAD2013 and I have a chat to Ji Wallace, Australian Olympic silver medallist, who’s been a bit of a champion when it comes to fighting HIV stigma.

World AIDS Day 2013 Wrap Up

By Shaun Staunton

In 2013, TasCAHRD again marked World AIDS Day (December 1st) with a variety of fundraising and awareness raising activities.

One of the first awareness days in history, World AIDS Day is an important opportunity to remind the community that HIV is still with us here in Tasmania and the rest of Australia.

With the support of our official Community Ambassador, David Foster OAM, some of the key activities in 2013 included collecting red ribbon donations throughout the city, distributing red ribbon collection boxes to

businesses throughout the state, and attending the Rainbow Tasmania Rainbow Awards Dinner to raise the profile of the day. World AIDS Day 2013 was also the official launch of the Tasmanian Ending HIV campaign. With major advances in the understanding of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, as well as new technologies that make HIV testing easier than ever, we have the opportunity to mark the end of new cases of HIV in Australia by 2020.

It is an ambitious target, and the Ending HIV campaign invites our community to come

We’ll also hear from Hobart Sexual Health, Out For Drinks and Kate from our Client Support Program.

We’ll also give you some information about PEP, a treatment regime that can prevent a HIV infection when taken within 72 hours of possible infection.

So we have lots of useful and interesting information this edition.

If you would like to contribute to Man 2 Man– why not contact us via cvega@tascahrd.org.au Happy reading!

-Ed

together in support of what is the most significant advances against HIV since the introduction of HIV treatments nearly 20 years ago. You can learn more at the national campaign website, endinghiv.org.au, as well as at the Man2Man facebook page www.facebook.com/ Man2ManTas.

been an active campaigner for LGBTIQ rights and challenging the stigma associated with HIV. He took some time out to have a chat with Christian Vega.

“I’m all about talking about it.”

Ji Wallace is one of the nicest guys in the Australian HIV sector.

Ji Wallace & some of his silver linings

Ji Wallace first came to the attention of the mainstream when he won a silver medal during the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

In 2005, Ji came out as gay,

one of the few Australian Olympians, and in August 2013, he made public his HIV+ status, one of only three Olympians in the world to do so. In addition to his achievements in sport, Ji has

Much of what Ji strives for is challenging the panic around HIV. “We know enough now that it shouldn’t be scary. I want to take the fear factor out.” An early focus of his activism was the theme of Being Seen, Being Heard, using his life and identity to put much of the anxiety around HIV in perspective, “I’m HIV+, I have a great life. I continue with my dreams; with my goals. I’m not going to let my status take over my whole life.

It’s a part of me- it’s not who I am or where I’m going.”

I ask him about the experience of being diagnosed. “Looking back on it, it’s nowhere near as bad as it felt at the time.” Being overseas and alone at the time could have been overwhelming but Ji is reflective about the experience. “It was just a

A recurring theme in Ji’s story is how much his relationships with people mean to him. “My parents were great. When I told them it wasn’t the Grim Reaper anymore, they were fine.” When he came out as HIV+, the ABC’s 7:30 Report ran the story and we got to hear from Ji’s amazing mum, Jan. “If you have a child that is gay, gets HIV, love them.

They’re still your family.

They’re still your child.” And Ji has similar advice to people who find themselves close to someone who receives a HIV diagnosis, “We just need to be loved- just like people who have cancer or two heads- we just need to be loved.

as a reason not to go into a relationship with someone, Ji sees it differently, “Obviously there are things to consider but it’s the same for any difference in a relationship.

What if one of you is religious?

Or has kids? Or is of a different size? There’s so many things that come up in any new relationship- HIV status is just another and it’s one that people don’t have to be afraid of. You can still have a great relationship if one of you is negative and the other is positive.”

So what’s coming up for Ji Wallace? “We’re very excited to be launching the Wallace Baldwin Foundation- it called Ji Wallace and the Silver Lining. Everybody’s faced with something that they’re unsure of, or they might not know how to handle it- it could be a

When someone gets sick or is in an accident, our initial instinct is to see if we can help.

It should be the same with HIV. Just have that compassion” A key relationship Ji often speaks about is with his partner, Shaun. For people with HIV, finding a new partner can be a really scary prospect. Ji opted for the upfront approach when it came to disclosing his status.“It’s one of the first things Isaid to Shaun. He responded well to that.” While some people may see HIV A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men

tsunami of a life event.

What I want to do is show that there’s a silver lining in every circumstance, showing people that there are other good people out there.“ Ji talks about his motivation for the project, “Me personally, I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of fantastic help over the years, and it’s time for me to pay it forward.”

Ji is currently working with the ENUF team out of Melbourne, tackling HIV stigma and discrimination. Go to the website and join the pledge at ENUF.org.au Ji Wallace and the Silver Lining launches soon.

Keep an eye on www. jiwallaceandthesilverlining. com.

Photo: Jason Nichols Photography

series of yes or no actions really. While it’s a shock; it’s not desirable to return a positive test result your life doesn’t stop.”

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By El Thompson The sexual health service at 60 Collins street Hobart has introduced a confidential, free (no Medicare card required) walk in clinic every Thursday morning from 9am 12:30pm.

This is a great opportunity for you to drop in and meet the girls who will help you stay safe, providing safe sex information, condoms and sexually transmissible infection (STI) checkups.

If you don’t want to use the walk in clinic, appointment times are available Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

We are a statewide service and also have clinics operating in Launceston – 42 Canning street, Devonport - 23 Steele Street and Burnie - 11 Jones Street. Hopefully walk in clinics will be available in the future at these clinics.

In general, STI checkups are easy; sampling includes a wee, throat and/or bum swabs and a blood test. No need to strip off your pants, you can self collect your swabs in the privacy of the toilet. All we need to do beforehand is have a chat to identify risks.

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Our s

ervic e als Sexu o in STI d al health cludes: iagno c ses & hecks HIV d treat iagno Viral sis an ment d car Sexu hepatitis al res diagn e pons osis Sexu e al ac tivitie and desir e s and Sex w sa o Sexu rker issue fety al o s Gend rientation Low e r i cost hep A dentity Subs &Bv idise a d saf er se ccination x sup plies

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Did you know? Even if you have safe anal sex Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis can be transmitted during oral sex; and most of the time you will have no symptoms. Having an unrecognised STI can increase your risk of getting HIV. How do I know that I have syphilis? Simple answer is you won’t unless you get tested. The test involves a simple blood test. Syphilis may have no symptoms or can cause a painless ulcer, body rash, enlarged lymph nodes and sometimes flu like symptoms.

Did you know? Rates of gonorrhoea have increased 5 fold over the past 12 months, with most cases in the throat not having symptoms. We have also seen an increase in syphilis too!

Did you know? There has been a 10% increase in HIV diagnoses in Australia, which is the largest increase in 20 years.

How does this relate to you? Most HIV diagnoses in Tasmania are in people who present late for testing; this means that they may have been infected for some years. Long term undiagnosed infection can have a negative affect on health outcomes for these people. We know that early diagnosis and treatment benefits both the individual infected and helps prevent onward transmission to others. So, what are you waiting for? Get tested now!

We recommend all men who have sex with men to have STI testing at least once a year, but if you are active and having more than 10 partners in a 6 month period you should be getting tested every 3-6 months. That’s a lot of testing, I know!

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Man2Man Wants You! Man2Man Wants You! Man2Man magazine is Tasmania’s only LGBTIQ community publication and we invite Man2Manyou magazine is Tasmania’s only to be a part of it.

LGBTIQ community publication and we invite you to be a part of it. or would Whether you have some feedback like to contribute an article, we would love to Whether you have or would hear some from feedback you! like to contribute an article, we would love to hear from you!

Email cvega@tascahrd.org.au Or call Christian on (03) 6234 1242 Email cvega@tascahrd.org.au Or call Christian on (03) 6234 1242

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It’s Saturday Night. You’re home, alone and bored.

Suddenly your smartphone chimes that familiar BRRUPP of a hook-up app. He’s pretty hot, you invite him over, there isn’t much talk and you’re naked. Rolling around , the next half an hour are a flurry of limbs, heavy breathing, condoms, lube, thrusting and bed linen. When it’s over you collapse in a heap. He slowly pulls out of you, “Shit. The condom broke.”

What do you do?

By Christian Vega Unsafe sex happens.

Sometimes it’s accidental, sometimes it’s not. It’s not completely unheard of. But every instance of unsafe sex has the potential for STIs including HIV to be transmitted.

The possibility of a HIV exposure can be really frightening but there is now something you can do about it.

If you need to start taking PEP, as soon as possible is best. If taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV it can prevent the virus from establishing itself in the body.

72 HOURS

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This is how long you need to take PEP for in order for it to work properly

DAYS

12 WEEKS

PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a treatment regime of antiretrovirals that can reduce the likelihood of a HIV infection from occurring, even if a person has been exposed to HIV. What that means is that if a condom breaks there is something you can do to potentially prevent yourself from becoming HIV+.

PEP is not like the morning after pill. You can

After 12 weeks, you must get tested again to see if the course of PEP was successful.

!

only access it from specific doctors. You will only have a limited timeframe within which it is effective. You must keep taking the medication for a month.

These drugs can sometimes have side effects including diarrhoea, headaches, nausea and vomiting. If you have any questions or if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV you can do something but you must act quickly.

Where to go to access PEP: Any Tasmanian Sexual Health Clinic (see our service directory at the back of the mag for their contact details) After Hours/public Holidays: Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department.

For more information visit: getpep.info/

Sometimes doctors may not be fully aware of PEP. If you encounter difficulty accessing PEP, it’s important to ask to speak to someone who is full informed because there is a time limit. If you need help call the 24 hour PEP hotline on 1800 889 887.

Services Directory STATEWIDE Antidiscrimination Commission Assists in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au Bi-Tasmania Social & support group for bisexual Tasmanians.

P: 0401 054 003 Country Network Hospitality & friendship among rural GLBTI people to assist overcoming social isolation. www.countrynetwork.com.au Galstays Choices for the gay & lesbian traveller. www.galstays.com.au GALTA Gay & lesbian tourism organisation. www.galta.com.au Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Tasmania (GALTAT) Representing the gay & lesbian travel accommodation providers in Tasmania. www.galtat.com 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 Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by GLC Centre P: (03) 6234 8179 GayTAS Website The leading gay online newspaper & information source for the Tasmanian GLBTI community. www.gaytas.e-p.net.au GAYunities Social networking site for the Tasmanian gay community. www.gayunities.com

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Indeed Supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry. www.relationshipstasmania.org.au/ indeed.html League of Gentlefellows Regional social events for rainbow people in a safe & caring environment. www.logtas.org MAN2MAN Program TasCAHRD's HIV and STI awareness program for gay men & other men who have sex with men. This program incorporates the MAN2MAN magazine, MAN2MAN online outreach, volunteer program, venue outreach, as well as information & support. You will also find us in your favourite chatroom. www.m2mtas.com Blog: man2mantas.wordpress.com Outright Youth Group Group offering social events for young rainbow people in a safe & caring environment.

E: Scott Ryan or Connie Lavicka at scott@logtas.org Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available at from the following; www.pflagaustralia.org.au QueerTas Tasmania’s GLBTI Yahoo group. queertas-subscribe@yahoogroups. com.au Relationships Tasmania Info about the deed of relationships. www.relationshipstasmania.org.au Spirituality And Faith Exploration (S.A.F.E) Fortnightly meet for LGBTI people who wish to explore their spirituality. www.care2.com/c2c/group/safetas Same Sex Travel Directory of same sex operated accommodation throughout Australia & New Zealand. www.samesextravel.com

Scarlet Alliance Sex Worker Outreach Project. www.scarletalliance.org.au Sexual Health Service Counselling, support, referrals & STI & HIV testing.

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

P:1800 005 900 (Freecall Information, 9am - 5pm) www.tascahrd.org.au Tasmanian Council for Sexual & Gender Diverse People Inc Supporting GLBTI people to come out with pride & live in their communities as fully respected and participating members. www.comingoutproud.org 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/what-we-do/ lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgenderintersex-lgbti-liaison-officers/ 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

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Working It Out Rainbow Support & Discussion Groups Statewide support & discussion groups for GLBTI people. workingitout.org.au

Wellington Wanderers GLBTIQ activity group which runs a year-round program of events.

P: 0447 225 682 or 03 6223 2690 E: wellingtonwanderers@yahoo.com.au

Yahoo Tasmanian GLBTI Groups (Queertas, gayhobart, tassiecasualfun, womenupnorth, bitasmania, Allsortsqueeryouth, qsoc_tasmania, gaytassieguys, triplegtas, Tasgayguys, GayTasmania, taswomen2women) http://groups.yahoo.com

Working It Out Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

P: (03) 6231 1200 (Sue)

SOUTHERN

Allsorts GLBTI & friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston.

P: (03) 6334 4013 or 0419 361 128 E: north@workingitout.org.au

Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania’s weekly club 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 nonthreatening environment. www.flamingosbar.com GLC Centre Tasmania’s GLBTI social & community development group. A member-based organisation, GLC produces the TasPride Festival, hosts regular events, provides the Gay Information Line, & publishes a regular bulletin. www.taspride.com Hobart Social Events Group Through Working It Out Regular social events & dinners for GLBTI people.

P: Marcus on 0457 071 646 E: macdougall_60@hotmail.com or E: info@workingitout.org.au QSOC South UTAS Queer Students on Campus.

E: qsoc_south@hotmail.com Queery UTAS GLBTI Social Group UTAS social group for queer students on campus and open to other GLBTI people which meet regularly at the UTAS Queer Space E: akwest@utas.edu.au or E: queerrep@hotmail.com

NORTHERN

Launceston GLBTI Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events & dinners for GLBTI people.

P: 0419 361 128 (Sharon) E: north@workingitout.org.au Lazy Butterfly Launceston Tasmania’s premiere cabaret bar & function centre. Live shows every Friday & Saturday www.lazy-butterfly.com Working It Out Northern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

P: 0419 361 128 (Sharon) E: north@workingitout.org.au Northern Tasmanian Men’s Meetup Discreet social group of gay & bisexual men & their friends who meet regularly for meals, BBQs, drinks and other events.

E: northern.meetup@hotmail.com or E: info@meetup.com Shield Uniting & supporting Northern Tasmanian LGBTI youth www.shieldtasmania.org

Rodney Croome – Gay Activist Web Blog www.rodneycroome.id.au

Tas Unity An ecumenical support & study group for LGBTI people, their friends, families & supporters.

P: (03) 6339 1414 (Lois)

Alex West - Tasmania University Union (TUU) Sexuality Officer E: akwest@utas.edu.au or E: queerrep@hotmail.com

LGBTI Northern Social Events Bringing the LGBTI community together in a safe and social environment.

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P: 0431 816 032 (Sami) E: samifryer@hotmail.com Stay in touch with upcoming events through www.logtas.org Transisters Community based social and support group for transgender women in Tasmania, meeting once a month. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ transisters/

NORTH-WEST Allsorts GLBTI & friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Devonport.

P: (03) 6432 3643 or 0419 361 128 E: northwest@workingitout.org.au Burnie Social Events Group Through Working It Out Regular social events & dinners for GLBTI people.

P: 0419 361 128 (Sharon) E: north@workingitout.org.au North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group Group for over 18s meets monthly in Burnie.

P: Layne on 0439 733 277 E: ramonshoebridge@live.com.au

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

E: ecqlstasmania@gmail.com www.ecqls.org GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES DS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty’s Café, Restaurant Waterloo, Mummy’s, Citrus Moon Café, Lebrina, Kusina, The Alley Cat, Republic Bar, Criterion Café, Sirens, Lansdowne Café, Retro Café, Machine Laundry Café, Jackman and McCross, Magnolia Café, Groovy Penguin, Fresh on Charles, Deloraine Deli, Kabuki by the Sea, O’Keefe’s Hotel, Stonies Fifties Café, 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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