Man2Man magazine Issue #9

A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN FREE! ISSUE #9: JULY 2011

Diversity!

What does it mean for you?

Sexual Health of Men from CALD Communities People who arrive in Australia as refugees or migrants often come from countries where there may have been little, if any, publicly available information and education about sexual health. Many people may not have had access to adequate sexual health care or may not have considered sexual health an important issue due to the other issues or challenges in their lives.

Many people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds also have conservative attitudes towards same-sex attracted people. Gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM), who come from CALD communities, face a number of barriers when it comes to their sexual health, in Australia.

The CALD community’s perceptions of sexuality arise from a number of factors: • Cultural norms – heterosexist.

• Gender roles within their own society.

• Religion or religious beliefs.

• Various cultural understandings of sexual and gender identities.

• Lack of knowledge/experience of western LGBTI identities.

• Internalised homophobia.

Issues for MSM and LGBTI People from a CALD Background: There are a number of issues faced

by CALD MSM and Gay, lesbian, Bisexual, transgender & Intersex (LGBTI) people in Australia.

Firstly there is the issue of social isolation as they lack support from their family and friends due to their sexuality and the stigma attached to being same sex attracted. CALD MSM are often discriminated upon by other MSM’s because of their ethnicity,

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in addition to the racism they may face from the wider community and amongst services.

Secondly, HIV may not be a priority to CALD MSM and LGBTI people who are facing other more immediate issues in their lives. They may also be reluctant to become a visible part of the LGBTI community in Australia. All of this contributes to a lack of available data on the LGBTI population amongst the CALD community, in Australia.

A number of factors put CALD MSM at risk of infection from HIV, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections (STI).

This includes travelling home to high prevalence areas, misconceptions about the level of HIV in Australia, lack of information about HIV and STI’s and lack of specific services targeted at CALD communities.

ACON is NSW’s and Australia’s largest community-based gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) health and HIV/AIDS organisation.

They are currently undertaking a

study to explore how living with HIV and being a migrant from an ethnic minority are interrelated, and how it is experienced by gay men, heterosexual men and women. The outcomes of the study are to help health services to provide better information and services for people from diverse cultural backgrounds, to develop better health promotion programs and provide information for ethnic communities to address HIV-related stigma.

The Multicultural Health and Support Service (MHSS) in Victoria recently convened a consultative forum on the topic of CALD MSM which revealed amongst other findings that: • Experiences of discrimination and exclusion contribute to distress and risk taking, but these are concentrated rather than spread out evenly across the whole population of CALD MSM. • For CALD MSM the risks and harms may be quite different from mainstream MSM. In the study

“Gay men and MSM, who come from CALD communities, face a number of barriers when it comes to their sexual health, in Australia” • TASMANIAN POLICE MULTICULTURAL LIAISON OFFICER Tasmania Police is committed to ensuring it delivers services which are accessible, equitable and culturally sensitive to all persons from CALD backgrounds.

To ensure that this goal is achieved Tasmania Police have appointed a number of Multicultural Liaison Officers throughout Tasmania Contact your nearest Police Station for details.

Asian MSM showed lower risk taking with casual partners, higher risk in relationships, significantly lower numbers ever having tested for HIV and a major need for sexual negotiation skills to avoid harm of unwanted sex.

• The importance of support from family and community intensifies the harm caused by discrimination and exclusion, by reducing opportunities to find this support from other MSM. • Major barriers for CALD MSM in accessing the health system included; upfront cost, complexity of the system, reliance on word of mouth to advertise services and lack of trust in privacy and confidentiality of services.

Article by Dr. Alistair Pinto, Program Officer – CALD Project TasCAHRD Author acknowledges parts of this article were sourced from the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) & The Multicultural Health and Support Service (MHSS) studies/resources

USEFUL CONTACTS • THE AUSTRALIAN LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, INTERSEX AND QUEER MULTICULTURAL COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA This is a national council that seeks to highlight and address issues related to sexuality, gender identity and intersex status in multicultural communities in Australia.

Website: www.agmc.org.au Email: contact@agmc.org.au

• THE MULTICULTURAL HIV/AIDS AND HEPATITIS C SERVICE www.multiculturalhivhepc. net.au

• TASMANIAN POLICE – LGBTI LIAISON OFFICER Contact your nearest Police Station or Tel 03 6230 2111

• ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMISSION Assists in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender, identity etc Tel: 03 6233 4841 or 1300 305 062 Email: antidiscrimination@ justice.tas.gov.au Web: www. antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au

• TASMANIAN COUNCIL ON AIDS, HEPATITIS & RELATED DISEASES (TasCAHRD) Alistair Pinto – CALD Program Officer Tel: 03 6234 1242 Email: APinto@tascahrd.org.au Web: www. tascahrd.org.au

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EDITORIAL

Welcome to yet another jam packed issue of Man2Man. The Man2Man team would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and contributions to both the magazine and the Man2Man Online website.

You’re Lookin’ Good Mate!

Our website continues to attract large numbers of visitors to the site which is fantastic. Recently we re-started a Facebook site for the magazine so why not add us as a friend.

Our CEO, Kevin Marriott discusses TasCAHRD’s future directions in this issue of the mag, plus we hear from our new CALD Communities Project Officer Alistair Pinto, who talks about this new and exciting project, as well as discusses some sexual health issues faced by men from CALD backgrounds.

Hepatitis B is an issue of importance to gay and bisexual men as we will hear in this issue, plus we get an insight on what it’s like living with Hepatitis B. Our Hepatitis C Coordinator also reveals plans to celebrate World Hepatitis Day 2011 in her article and how you can get involved.

Well that’s enough from me, so happy reading and stay safe until next time!

Brian Morris – Editor, Man2Man 03 6234 1242 m2m@tascahrd.org.au GPO Box 595, Hobart Tasmania 7001 www.m2mtas.com Facebook: Man2Man Tasmania www.twitter.com/Man2ManTas DEFINITIONS CALD stands for Linguistically Diverse

Culturally

Body image is often viewed as being something that concerns women, and that men don’t think about, but is that really the case? So what is body image, and what effects do the stereotypical images have on us?

and

ISBN 978-0-646-55617-8

Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. Man2Man is produced by David Williams on behalf of TasCAHRD. For production enquiries, call 0459 786 285

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Hard bodies, abs like concrete steps, young, edgy, funky hair, that’s what men are about isn’t it? A quick search on the Web for images of men will uncover all the usual stereotypes. To see what I mean try a Google image search for “men”

Body image is the way you perceive, think and feel about your body. Our thinking about who we are, what we look like, and how we fit in with our peers and colleagues is so influenced by the images around us, it is easy to see why around 45% of Western men are not happy with their how they look .

While men have been less likely to present with an issue around body image, it is being recognised that men are increasingly concerned about their body image and how they present to others . Encouragingly, increasing numbers of men are seeking help for these concerns.

Helen Fawkner, a PhD psychology student who has contributed to a study by Steven Gregor on male body image, suggests that with changing roles in society, and more men and women working in non-traditional roles, men are looking for other ways to define their masculinity.

While work continues to be central to our identity as men, body image is becoming increasingly important to the way many men think about themselves.

But media stereotypes are not the only potential causes of body image issues for men. They can stem from stigma generated during childhood or adolescence, and can lead to eating disorders and steroid abuse .

Steven Gregor is clear that the perceived ideal male body i.e. v-shaped, muscular, hairless, with perfect skin and devoid of fat—is far from what the average male could safely emulate.

What is important then, is that we recognise the pressure on us blokes to achieve a certain look, and acknowledge that some of the options available to help us

“men are increasingly concerned about their body image and how they present to others”

achieve that look are not always that healthy. As in so many areas of our health and wellbeing, balance is the name of the game. Exercising regularly and to a high level of fitness is generally a really good thing and is to be encouraged, but it can be taken too far when it comes to excessive weight training and taking supplements.

Weight loss is, of course, another aspect of body image. There are various campaigns calling us to lose it, but we need to beware of the fact that men are susceptible to eating disorders as well, though are less likely to present for help than women .

For Men’s Health Week we encouraged men to take small steps in addressing their health and wellbeing. It is easy to attempt the cold turkey approach and think you can tackle it all in one go—more exercise, eating better, dropping the booze - but it is then just as easy to fall off that wagon and give up on all of it. So give yourself a break, and take a few small steps to address one aspect of your health at a time.

‘Swap it, Don’t Stop It’ is a campaign

that offers some useful information on making small changes (www. swapit.gov.au).

Another option might be to sign up for the ‘Dry July’ challenge (www.dryjuly.com), and give your body a break from the drink for a few weeks. Why not start a team and raise some funds? The Launceston General Hospital is the Tasmanian recipient of funds raised through the Dry July campaign.

The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service also offers a free confidential telephone based Service helping people to make lifestyle choices regarding healthy eating, being more physically active and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Call 1300 806 0258 or visit www.gethealthy.tas.gov.au Feeling good about the way you look is important for your self esteem, but just as important is maintaining a healthy balance in your life.

Pursuing a physical ‘ideal’ becomes destructive if the pursuit of perfection compromises your wellbeing, and your health.

So take whatever small steps you can to improve your health, and maybe have a go at accepting yourself, and

being your own ideal male. Good men come in all shapes and sizes, after all.

Article by Jonathan Bedloe, Men’s Health Policy Officer, Department of Health & Human Services

REFERENCES 1. www.betterhealth.vic.gov. au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/ pages/Body_image_issues_ for_men 2. Ibid.

3. The man behind the mask: male body image dissatisfaction, by Steven Gregor, www.psychology. org.au/publications/ inpsych/body_image/ 4. Ibid 5. www.betterhealth.vic.gov. au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/ pages/Body_image_issues_ for_men

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New Directions

“In the near future we will be exploring options to establish some clinical services .... anticipate an increased focus on LGBTI health�

You may have heard rumours TasCAHRD is making some changes within the organisation. Well yes, we are, but not to the Man2Man Program.

We are developing a new strategic plan and keeping our minds open to future opportunities. After consulting our clients and other stakeholders it was decided that we could make some changes on a number of fronts.

As at the end of June, TasCAHRD no longer operates any Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) outlets in Tasmania. This was a conscience decision of the TasCAHRD Board.

We will however continue to support NSP staff across the state to develop their knowledge of hepatitis and HIV. In Hobart this has meant the NSP moving from the building. Anglicare are now managing both the Hobart and Glenorchy outlets. This change has meant the number of individuals on our staff team has reduced quite a bit.

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In the near future we will be exploring options to establish some clinical services to support our existing and broadening community groups.

While we have yet to establish what the focus of this will be, we do anticipate an increased focus on LGBTI health. We are currently exploring an existing model used in Western Australia which we believe may be beneficial in Tasmania. We will keep you posted on this but we would love to hear your thoughts about what would suit your needs in regard to access to medical care. You could do this through the Man2Man Facebook page or on the forum pages at www.m2mtas.com Another key focus recently has been establishing the needs of cultural and linguistically diverse communities in relation to HIV and blood-borne viruses (BBVs). The initial project outcomes will be released soon and

inform future work in this area. While this work focuses mostly on HIV and BBVs we do anticipate other issues, such as sexuality to present along the way.

TasCAHRD has also joined forces with Working It Out and The Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) on the Be Proud Tasmania Project. Be Proud presents an opportunity for the LGBTI community to tell their stories of discrimination and harassment in a safe space and anonymously.

The data gathered will be used to inform both government agencies and community services.

A dedicated website, (beproudtasmania.com), will be accessible shortly to provide you with more details.

Article by Kevin Marriott, Executive Officer, TasCAHRD

Chief

Hepatitis B Basics for Gay and Bisexual Men

The Hepatitis B virus, as viewed through an electron microscope.

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus. The three main types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

estimates the range between 153,000 and 175,000 of people living with chronic hepatitis B. In 2010 there were 229 cases of newly acquired Hepatitis B recorded in Tasmania.

Testing: Hepatitis B can be diagnosed after taking a blood test. Gay and bisexual men are encouraged to take this test as part of their routine sexual health check.

Hepatitis B is a blood-borne and sexually transmitted viral infection.

Body fluids, semen and saliva can be infectious for hepatitis B. Gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of infection with Hepatitis B from unprotected sexual contact.

Australia has reduced the impact of hepatitis B by: securing a safe blood supply; implementing a national hepatitis B immunisation program and providing treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Vaccination: Experts recommend that all gay and bisexual men be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. The Hepatitis A and B vaccines can be given separately or as a combination vaccine. The vaccines are safe, effective, and require 2 - 3 shots given over a period of 6 months depending on the type of vaccine. A person should complete all shots in the series for long-term protection. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

In Australia Hepatitis B transmission occurs mainly: • Through the unsafe sharing of injecting equipment.

• Through sexual contact • From mother to infant in 2000, the number of people living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia was estimated to be between 90,000 and 160,000. A more recent survey

Transmission: Hepatitis B is spread when body fluids, such as semen or blood, from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The Hepatitis B virus is 50–100 times more infectious than HIV and is easily transmitted during sexual activity. Hepatitis B also can be spread through sharing needles, syringes or other injection drug equipment and tattooing.

Article by Dr. Alistair Pinto, Man2Man Program Officer References: National Hepatitis B Strategy 2010 – 2013, Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

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TASMANIAN GLBTI SE STATEWIDE Antidiscrimination Commission Assist in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. Located at Level 1, 54 Victoria Street Hobart.

PHONE: 03 6233 4841 OR 1300 305 062 EMAIL: antidiscrimination@justice. tas.gov.au WEB: www.antidiscrimination.tas. gov.au Bi-Tasmania Social and support group for bisexual Tasmanians CONTACT: 0401 054 003 Country Network Offers hospitality and friendship among rural GLBTI people to assist overcoming their social isolation.

CONTACT: Dave Arnold on 03 6228 4166 www.countrynetwork.com.au secretary@countrynetwork.com.au Galstays Choices for the gay and lesbian traveler. Visit www.galstays.com.au GALTA Australia’s gay & lesbian tourism organisation. Visit www.galta.com.au Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Tasmania (GALTAT) Representing the gay and lesbian travel accommodation providers in Tasmania. Visit www.galtat.com Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information and referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania.

PHONE: 1800 184 527 WEB: www.switchboard.org.au Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by GLC Centre PHONE: 03 6234 8179 GayTAS Website The leading gay online newspaper & information source for the Tasmanian GLBTI community. Visit http:// gaytas.e-p.net.au GAYunities New social networking site for the Tasmanian gay community. Visit www.gayunities.com Indeed Supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry.

EMAIL: indeedrelationships@gmail. com WEB: www.relationshipstasmania. org.au/indeed.html

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League of Gentlefellows Regional social events for rainbow people in a safe and caring environment.

PHONE: Julian Punch on 03 6239 6606 or John Perry on 03 6223 6003 EMAIL: julian@logtas.org WEB: www.logtas.org MAN2MAN Program Program run by TasCAHRD which aims to prevent the spread of HIV & STI’s among gay men and 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.

PHONE: 03 6234 1242 or 1800 005 900 EMAIL: m2m@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.m2mtas.com Outright Youth Group Group offering social events for young rainbow people in a safe and caring environment. Contact Scott Ryan or Connie Lavicka at scott@ logtas.org for more details Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available at from the following; EMAIL: pflagtas@yahoo.com.au WEB: www.pflagaustralia.org.au QueerTas Tasmania’s GLBTI Yahoo group.

WEB: queertas-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au Relationships Tasmania Info about the deed of relationships www.relationshipstasmania.org.au S.A.F.E Spirituality and Faith Exploration meet fortnightly for LGBTI people who wish to explore their spirituality.

CONTACT: Joc - 03 6228 6715 EMAIL: safetas@gmail.com WEB: www.care2.com/c2c/group/ safetas Same Sex Travel A directory of same sex operated accommodation properties throughout Australia and New Zealand.

WEB: www.samesextravel.com Sexual Health Service Offers counselling, support, referrals and STI & HIV testing.

HOBART - 03 6233 3557 DEVONPORT - 03 6421 7759 BURNIE - 03 6434 6315 LAUNCESTON - 03 6336 2216 FREECALL NUMBER - 1800 675 859 EMAIL sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov. au

TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases including the MAN2MAN Program.

PHONE: 03 6234 1242 FREECALL INFORMATION LINE 1800 005 900 (9am - 5pm) EMAIL: mail@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.tascahrd.org.au Tasmanian Council for Sexual and Gender Diverse People Inc Supporting GLBTI people to come out with pride and live in their communities as fully respected and participating members SOUTH: Brian Doran (Greater Hobart) brian@logtas.org or Jo Goodman (Kingborough/Huon) on jo@logtas. org NORTH: Donald Mc Donald (Greater Launceston/East Coast) on donmac@ logtas.org NORTHWEST: Wilfred Laycock (NW/ West Coast CLC) on wilfred@logtas. org WEB: www.comingoutproud.org Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) Is a community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. TGLRG also have a stall at the Salamanca Markets every Saturday.

CONTACT 03 6224 3556 EMAIL rodney.croome@tglrg.org WEB: www.tglrg.org Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officers HOBART – 03 6230 2111 LAUNCESTON – 03 6336 7000 NORTH WEST – 03 6434 5211 WEB: www.police.tas.gov.au/community/community-policing/lgbt_liaison_officers TasPride An organisation dedicated to celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. See GLC Centre for contact details.

WEB: www.taspride.com Working It Out Tasmania’s sexuality and gender support and education service which also provides counselling and support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. Coordinate and implement anti-homophobia & diversity education & training programs in schools, workplaces, government & NGO’s SOUTH – Ph: 03 6231 1200; Email: south@workingitout.org.au NORTH – Ph: 03 6334 4013; Email: north@workingitout.org.au NORTH-WEST – Ph: 03 6432 3643; Email: northwest@workingitout.org.au WEB – www.workingitout.org.au

ERVICES AND GROUPS Working It Out Rainbow Support & Discussion Groups Support and discussion groups held statewide by Working It Out for GLBTI people HOBART – 0438 346 122 or info@ workingitout.org.au LAUNCESTON – Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au DEVONPORT - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au BURNIE - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au Yahoo Tasmanian GLBTI Groups (Queertas, gayhobart, tassiecasualfun, womenupnorth, bitasmania, Allsortsqueeryouth, qsoc_tasmania, gaytassieguys, triplegtas, Tasgayguys, GayTasmania, taswomen2women) http://groups.yahoo.com SOUTHERN Borderlines Hobart’s queer radio show every Monday at 10-12am on Edge Radio 99.3FM 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. Located at 201 Liverpool Street, Hobart. Online at www.flamingosbar.com and www. myspace.com/flamingosbar Gay and Lesbian Community Centre Inc (GLC Centre) GLC Centre or TasPride is Tasmania’s GLBTI social and community development group. A memberbased organisation, GLC produces the TasPride Festival, hosts regular events, provides the Gay Information Line, and publishes a regular bulletin. Contact on info@taspride.com or online at www.taspride.com Hobart Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Marcus on 0457 071 646 EMAIL: macdougall_60@hotmail.com or info@workingitout.org.au Les Girls Hobart GLBTI night club located at 101 Harrington Street, Hobart (formerly Mangoes Bar). With drag shows every weekend. Open every Friday & Saturday night. Free entry to all GLC members on display of membership card.

WEB: http://www.myspace.com/ lesgirlshobart or http://lesgirlshobart. blogspot.com EMAIL: xshowgirl@hotmail.com

QSOC The Queer Uni Students Society in Hobart contactable via email at queerep@yahoo.com.au QSOC South UTAS Queer Students on Campus.

Contact on: qsoc_south@hotmail.com Queery UTAS GLBTI Social Group New UTAS social group for queer students on campus and open to other GLBTI people which meet regularly at the UTAS Queer Space CONTACT: Alex West EMAIL: akwest@utas.edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com Rodney Croome – Gay Activist - Web Blog www.rodneycroome.id.au Tasmania University Union (TUU) Sexuality Officer CONTACT: Alex West on akwest@ utas.edu.au or queerrep@hotmail. com Wellington Wanderers GLBTIQ activity group which runs a year-round program of events.

CONTACT: 0447 225 682 or 03 6223 2690 POST: GPO Box 1872, Hobart Tas 7001 EMAIL: wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au Working It Out Southern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

PHONE: Sue on 6231 1200 EMAIL: accounts@workingitout.org.au NORTHERN Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North.

PHONE: 03 6334 4013 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Launceston GLBTI Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Working It Out Northern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family.

PHONE: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Northern Tasmanian Men’s Meetup Launceston based discreet social group of gay and bisexual men and their friends who meet regularly for meals, BBQ’s, drinks and other

events.

EMAIL: northern.meetup@hotmail. com or info@meetup.com POST: Launceston Meetup, PO Box 7666, Launceston Tas. 7250 Tas Unity An ecumenical support and study group for LGBTI people, their friends, families and supporters.

PHONE: Lois on (03) 6339 1414 Transisters Community based social and support group for transgender women in Tasmania, meeting once a month in Launceston. WEB: http://groups. yahoo.com/group/transisters/ NORTH-WEST Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North West.

PHONE: 03 6432 3643 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: northwest@workingitout. org.au Burnie Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group Group for over 18’s meets monthly in Burnie.

PHONE: Layne on 0439 733 277 EMAIL: ramonshoebridge@live.com. au EAST COAST ECQLS East Coast Queer Life Support Is a support association in the NE to coordinate and provide services and social activities for GLBTI people.

EMAIL: ecqlstasmania@gmail.com OR CHECK OUT 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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Living With Hepatitis B – My Story The Man2Man team set out to find out what it was like to live with hepatitis B and endure treatment for this treatable condition. In so doing we spoke to Jamie who is a young Tasmanian guy who despite living with both Hepatitis B & C has a remarkable attitude on life and achieved a great outcome from treatment. This is his story: What led you to agree to partake in this interview?

I feel that there is not as much public awareness with regard to Hepatitis B and its effects as there is on Hepatitis C. So I wanted to raise awareness that Hepatitis B is important and indeed a serious illness.

What symptoms did you have and when were you first diagnosed?

It was about 10 years ago and I am not exactly sure why I had the initial blood test. At the time I wasn’t physically affected in any way nor did I have any symptoms. I think maybe it was picked up on blood tests that I was having routinely each year because I was an injecting drug user (IDU). If it hadn’t been picked up at this time it could have gone on undetected for longer and maybe could have infected others.

You hear so many people say they don’t have Hepatitis yet they cannot recall when they last had a blood test to check for it.

What were your initial thoughts & feelings when you were first diagnosed?

It was of course a concern for myself and my partner when i was first diagnosed but I wasn’t really worried or stressed out about it, probably because at the time I was unaware of the seriousness and hadn’t experienced any symptoms either.

Can you tell us a bit about the treatment you received?

Initially I wasn’t offered any treatment. At the time my doctor probably didn’t explain the full extent of the long term effects of Hepatitis B and he probably hoped that I would spontaneously clear the virus. At that stage there was no formal plan other than to monitor my illness. My doctor did discuss the importance of safe sexual practices and also to ensure I kept my razors & toothbrush separate from others in the house just in

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case. This same GP is still my doctor today and as a result of looking after me he has taken on more education about hepatitis and also had more confidence in taking on more patients with hepatitis which is great.

In 2007 I was diagnosed as also having hepatitis C at which stage my GP referred me to the Liver Clinic at the Royal Hobart Hospital. At the hospital they discussed treatment for both my Hepatitis B & C and I started treatment the next year. I can remember it was a worrying experience being diagnosed with both and the future implications of living with them if I was unable to clear them.

The treatment I received in 2008 for my Hepatitis B was entecavir tablets and for my Hepatitis C pegylated interferon injections weekly and daily ribaviran tablets. The course was meant to be 6 months for my Hepatitis C but because I had a good response I received 5 months of treatment but continued my entecavir treatment for my Hepatitis B until December last year. At this stage it was ceased because the level of virus in my blood (viral load) was low and I had effectively cleared my hepatitis C. I reckon a big factor in me clearing my Hepatitis C in particular was the fact that it had been picked up so early in the piece.

Since ceasing all treatment last year I still have regular blood tests. The entecavir was easy to take and I got no side effects at all from them.

I suffered more side effects from the interferon injections with the worst being nausea, insomnia and some anxiety. I would also suffer from flulike symptoms for a few days after each injection (headache, runny nose & eyes and some hot flushes).

There is probably no way I could have worked whilst on interferon treatment because I was fatigued all the time with low energy levels. This has now improved. Another major thing I suffered from on interferon was mental cloudiness which lasted some 6 months after ceasing this.

During and after receiving treatment I treated it like any other major illness and decided to boost my body’s immune system by looking after myself, ceasing drinking, swimming and putting on some weight with a good diet. I had lost about 12kg

whilst on interferon treatment. My family were very supportive as was my partner which all helped me continue on treatment. I think the more support people get whilst on treatment the more likely they will complete their treatment.

Have you experienced any stigma or discrimination in relation to your hepatitis?

Yes I did experience this at the Royal Hobart Hospital where they seemed to have a negative view of people with Hepatitis, mainly because of how it is usually acquired – they assumed you were either a junkie or gay. I had no problems however with my friends or family members in this regard. Obviously I don’t go around disclosing my status to everyone unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Another time I did experience a confidentiality breach in relation to applying for a job where the job agency told the employer and not surprisingly I didn’t get that job.

Had you ever been immunised for Hepatitis B or aware of its existence?

No I wasn’t immunised against Hepatitis B, but was aware of its existence. But as soon as I was diagnosed I got my partner to get immunised and also convinced some of my friends to go and get immunised too.

What impact has Hepatitis B had on your day to day lifestyle and also alcohol intake?

I would say the main one is my energy levels because I seem to tire faster than I used to. Plus, after a good night’s sleep I still tend to get tired quicker than I used to towards the end of the day. As far as alcohol is concerned I had never been a significant drinker anyway, but when I got hepatitis I couldn’t tolerate alcohol at all and got an instant hangover-like feeling on drinking small amounts. This put me off alcohol at the time. Now I can’t tolerate as much alcohol as I used to and only drink from time to time on social occasions.

What have been some positive or beneficial outcomes that you have experienced since your diagnosis with Hepatitis B & C? One would have to be accessing the Hepatitis C Coordinator at TasCAHRD for extra support &

“do not be complacent ... seek treatment even though this can be somewhat unpleasant�

information. Another would be that I have become much more involved and passionate towards community education and raising community awareness about issues relating to hepatitis. I have also as a result paid more attention to my general health & wellbeing.

What would be some of the important messages you would like to convey to others living with hepatitis and also to the general community at large?

For those of you with Hepatitis I would say do not be complacent and to seek treatment even though this can be somewhat unpleasant.

For the rest of the community I would

like them to not stigmatise or look down at people with Hepatitis and treat them in a manner they would any other chronic illness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Man2Man team would like to thank Jamie (name changed) for kindly agreeing to be interviewed about his experiences of living with hepatitis and good luck in the future Jamie!

HEP IN TAS PROGRAM Tel: 03 6234 1242 or 1300 437 222 Email: hepc@tascahrd.org.au Web: www.hepintas.com

If readers would like to direct any questions they may have about Hepatitis B to Jamie then post your questions on the forum page on the Hep in Tas website (www.hepintas. com) and we will ask Jamie to respond to your posts.

HEP IN TAS DISCUSSION FORUM hwww.hepintas.com/talk/

PAGE 11

Engaging With CALD Communities The CALD Communities Project at TasCAHRD has recently conducted a needs analysis to look at relevant data for the state of Tasmania and to use this as an evidence base to inform advice and advocate for the expansion of HIV, Hepatitis and STI services and information provision within the state, targeted at CALD communities.

TasCAHRD wanted to engage with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities within the state to assess what their needs were with regards to provision of services and how they would like these needs addressed within their communities.

For the purpose of this project TasCAHRD employed a Program Officer to undertake appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders, community members, leaders and workers throughout the state.

A report is being finalised, outlining the significant priorities within the CALD Community in Tasmania, including recommendations for further action and this will be made available to service providers and others through TasCAHRD. As a direct result of the needs analysis, the CALD Communities Project at TasCAHRD has also been involved in providing sexual health education to CALD youth at Hobart & Elizabeth Colleges, in partnership with the Phoenix Centre.

The program has been very successful in providing much needed information to a priority target group.

Alistair comes from a diverse cultural background himself hence students were able to connect better and felt more comfortable engaging with him.

If you have an interest in bloodborne viruses and Tasmania’s CALD Community please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to engaging with CALD community leaders, members and service providers throughout the state in order to gain valuable feedback and information that will aid my program work in this area.

Article by Dr. Alistair Pinto, Project Officer – CALD Communities Project

PAGE 12

TASMANIAN COUNCIL ON AIDS, HEPATITIS & RELATED DISEASES (TasCAHRD )

319 Liverpool Street, Hobart Tel: (03) 6234 1242 Email: APinto@tascahrd.org.au Web: www.tascahrd.org.au

Call for Nominations to the Cradle Coast and Greater Northern COPP Community Liaison Committees The Coming Out Proud Program (COPP) aims to provide strategies that eliminate discrimination to enable gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people in their regions to ‘come out with pride’ and live in their community with dignity as fully respected and participating members.

The COPP is supported by dedicated volunteers and operates through four regional Community Liaison Committees (CLC’s) who aim in partnership with local government, special and mainstream organizations to develop a management plan that will: • Achieve through advocacy equality of access and respect within the region’s community for GLBTI people.

• Support the region’s community to eliminate discrimination and create a climate where GLBTI people are

COPP CONTACT DETAILS Contact: Julian Punch Tel: 03 6239 6606 or 0429 396 605

Email: julian@logtas.org Web: www.comingoutproud.org

able to be accepted and celebrated as full, contributing and proud members of the general community.

The COPP is supported by associated GLBTI organisations including The League of Gentlefellows, Outright Youth and the COPP Trust. Mainstream organisations from the welfare and community based sector also collaborate with the COPP CLC’s.

Nominations are called for the Cradle Coast and Greater Launceston Community Liaison Committees being established with assistance from the State Government LGBTI Funding Program. Interested volunteers can discuss their involvement with Julian Punch as listed above.

Article by Julian Punch, COPP

Edge Radio Launches Tom, Dick & Harriet Since the start of July, Edge Radio has a new program on air - Tom, Dick & Harriet, starring three new host voices and the program airs every Monday from 10am-12pm on 99.3FM.

to be able to tailor the show to their listeners needs and capture a younger audience. This show also hopes to raise awareness amongst the general community about the issues affecting the queer community in Hobart.

One of the program hosts is Bailey, a second year Arts student at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) who has a passion for working with gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) youth. Bailey volunteers at “Working It Out” (WIO), an organisation that offers support and helps GLBTI youth and has since wanted to be more involved with supporting queer youth.

Bailey grew up in Wollongong, NSW and after moving to Sydney at the age of 18, realised the differences in sexual identities that existed in the community and the effect and implications this had on the different social systems within queer communities. This experience made him come to terms with his own sexuality and sexual identity.

The idea behind the new show – Tom, Dick & Harriet, was to introduce a unique and fresh perspective to UTAS’s Queer Radio show. The show will be themed each week and will cover queer news that week from around the world, announcements of upcoming GLBTI events in Hobart and of course music. There is also a Facebook and Twitter page set up for feedback and input from listeners and fans. Through the use of social media the hosts hope

He faced acceptance from family and friends when he revealed to them his sexuality (as being gay), but they were confused and had difficulty coming to terms with his gender identity (as a transgender person). Since his moving to Tasmania over 2 years ago, Bailey has studied “gender studies’ as part of his Arts degree at UTAS and this has led him to a better understanding around sexuality and sexual identity. He hopes through the radio show to be able to raise awareness and address these issues in

the wider community in Tasmania.

Bailey is very excited at having obtained this opportunity to work with queer youth through this program and he would like to thank the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases (TasCAHRD) for their generous sponsorship & support towards his role at Edge Radio in this exciting project.

Interview conducted by Alistair Pinto, Man2Man Program Officer

TOM, DICK & HARRIET Tassie’s only GLBTIQ radio show EDGE Radio 99.3FM Mondays 10am-12pm

PAGE 13

Celebrate Bisexuality Day! On September the 23rd each year people all over the world celebrate bisexuality as a legitimate sexuality.

It is an opportunity to highlight issues of respect, acceptance, and recognition of diversity and bisexual rights. The day also provides the chance to celebrate bisexual history, community and culture.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day, also known as Bisexual Pride Day or Bi Visibility Day, was the creation of three bisexual rights activists Gigi Raven Wilbur of Texas, Michael Page of Florida and Wendy Curry of Maine.

International Celebrate Bisexuality Day (ICBD) was first observed in 1999 at the International Lesbian and Gay Association conference.

The

celebration of bisexuality s p e c i f i c a l l y, a s opposed to general

PAGE 14

LGBT events, was in response to the prejudice and marginalisation of the bisexual people by some in both the straight and queer communities.

ICBD’s main objective was to recognise the contributions of bisexuals to the queer and broader communities. They wanted to send a clear message to the world that it is okay to be bisexual and it, in fact, should be celebrated.

Bisexual groups around the world will be holding events to celebrate this annual event and to promote issues affecting bisexuals. To find out more or be part of celebrations here in Tasmania you can contact Bi Tasmania.

Article by Jen Van-Achteren, BiTasmania

USEFUL RESOURCES WORKING IT OUT

www.workingitout.org.au

GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD

www.switchboard.org.au

BI TASMANIA

Bi Tasmania Yahoo group

MAN2MAN PROGRAM www.m2mtas.com

AUSTRALIAN BISEXUAL NETWORK Reach Out.com http://au.reachout.com

World Hepatitis Day 2011 Following a decision made by the international committee World Hepatitis Day will now be held on July 28th. Hep in Tas, TasCAHRD’s Hepatitis C Program, will be presenting “Street Shots” an exhibition of photo essays by young people.

Street Shots began as a project run by the Hepatitis Council of New South Wales and enjoyed great success.

The council kindly gave permission for TasCAHRD to use the name and the images for this project to be run in Tasmania.

We hope to be working with young people through the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation based in

Ulverstone and through The Link in Hobart. Education sessions will be run with youth workers and young people.

After the education sessions the young people will be asked to take photographs based on what they had learned in the workshops.

The aim of the project is to increase knowledge of hep C transmission amongst young people and youth workers.

It is hoped that the sessions and the project will also increase the confidence of youth workers in talking to young people about HCV risks.

The project will make HCV “visible” as a issue for young people and their family and friends.

The project will culminate in an exhibition at the Moonah Art Centre on July 28th. The winners will be announced and prizes given.

A people’s choice award will run on the day and the winner of this prize will be announced later.

Making the project a competition should add incentive for the young people involved and acknowledge the value of the photographs.

Article by Carolyn Hay, Hep in Tas Program Coordinator

UPCOMING TASMANIAN GLBTI EVENTS SATURDAY 23RD JULY 2011

SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST 2011

King of Burnie Hotel, 5pm - 7pm For more

5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart. For

VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS & BANQUET

CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or

Organised by The League of Gentlefellows.

Lunch hosted by Working It Out in Deloraine.

email: north@workingitout.org.au

email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

For more information contact Sue Sagewood

Women only, for more details contact

on 0409077121 or suenoel2004@yahoo.

Sharon on 0419 361 128 or email north@

FRIDAY 19TH AUGUST 2011

CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

com.au.

workingitout.org.au

RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP

Hosted by Working It Out in Hobart.

(18yrs +)

For more details contact Sue on 6231 1200 or

SUNDAY 24TH JULY 2011

MONDAY 8TH AUGUST 2011

5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart. For

email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

WINTER WALK – HARTZ MOUNTAINS

MAN2MAN Live & Local Dinner in

more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200

NATIONAL PARK

Launceston

or email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. For

Join Man2Man for a topical discussion

more details contact Michael on 6223 2690

session over dinner.

CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

(18yrs +)

Contact Brian Morris on (03) 6234 1242 or

Hosted by Working It Out in Hobart.

5-7pm at 45 Canning Street, Launceston. For

TUESDAY 26TH JULY 2011

m2m@tascahrd.org.au for more details.

For more details contact Sue on 6231 1200 or

more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128

RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP

Numbers are limited.

email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

or email: north@workingitout.org.au

Hosted by Working It Out in Launceston. For

WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2011

THURSDAY 25TH AUGUST 2011

TUESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2011

more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128

MAN2MAN Live & Local Dinner in Burnie

RAINBOW GROUP - Ten pin bowling @ AMF

ALLSORTS LGBTI Friendly Youth Group for

or email north@workingitout.org.au

Join Man2Man for a topical discussion

Bowling, 4 Innocent St, Kings Meadows

Under 26

session over dinner.

at 7pm.

4:30pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart. Call

ALLSORTS LGBTI friendly Youth Group for

Contact Brian Morris on (03) 6234 1242 or

Please RSVP to Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

Sue on 6231 1233 or accounts@workingitout.

Under 26

m2m@tascahrd.org.au for more details.

email: north@workingitout.org.au

org.au

5-6:30pm at 45 Canning Street, Launceston.

Numbers are limited.

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Group for U/26

WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2011

THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 2011

5pm - 6:45pm, 45 Canning St (Office),

RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP

PLANNING MEETING, GEILSTON BAY

Launceston. RSVP Sharon on 0419 361 128

(18yrs +)

MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2011 TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

(18yrs +)

For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or email: north@workingitout.org.au

Hosted by Working It Out in Burnie at the King

THURSDAY 28TH JULY 2011

Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. For

RAINBOW GROUP - Ten pin bowling @ AMF

more details contact Robin or Chris on

SUNDAY 28TH AUGUST 2011

of Burnie Hotel, 5pm - 7pm For more details

Bowling, 4 Innocent St, Kings Meadows

6243 4670

LACHLAN WALK

contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or email:

Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. For

north@workingitout.org.au

at 7pm.

Please RSVP to Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2011

email: north@workingitout.org.au

CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

more details contact Robin on 6243 4670.

THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2011

Lunch hosted by Working It Out North. For

SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2011

RAINBOW GROUP - Ten pin bowling @ AMF

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Group for

more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128

CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

Bowling, 4 Innocent St, Kings Meadows, 7pm.

under 26

or email north@workingitout.org.au

Lunch hosted by Working It Out in Deloraine.

Please RSVP to Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

Women only, for more details contact Sharon

email: north@workingitout.org.au

5pm - 6:45pm, 45 Canning St (Office), Launceston. RSVP Sharon on 0419 361 128

A WARM WINTER WEEKEND AT

on 0419 361 128 or email north@workingitout.

PICCANINNY POINT

org.au

Allsorts LGBTI friendly Youth Group for under 26

SUNDAY 31ST JULY 2011

Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. For

DINNER & FREE GLBTI MOVIES

more details contact Robin on 6243 4670 or

TUESDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2011

5pm - 6:45pm, 45 Canning St (Office),

Hosted by Working It Out at the King of

robin.7@bigpond.net.au

TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

Launceston. RSVP Sharon on 0419 361 128

(18yrs +)

Burnie Hotel.

For more details contact Sharon

MONDAY 15TH AUGUST 2011

5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart. For

SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2011

on 0419 361 128

MAN2MAN Live & Local Dinner in Hobart

more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200

DINNER & FREE GLBTI MOVIES

or email: north@workingitout.org.au

Join Man2Man for a topical discussion

or email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

Hosted by Working It Out at the King of Burnie Hotel.

session over dinner.

TUESDAY 2ND AUGUST 2011

Contact Brian Morris on (03) 6234 1242 or

WEDNESDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2011

For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361

TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

m2m@tascahrd.org.au for more details.

ALLSORTS LGBTI Friendly Youth Group for

128 or email: north@workingitout.org.au

(18yrs +)

Numbers are limited.

Under 26 3-5pm at The Zone, Devonport. For more

TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2011

For more details contact Sue (03) 6231 1200

TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

or email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

(18yrs +)

email: north@workingitout.org.au

(18yrs +)

5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart.

5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart. For

5-7pm at 45 Canning Street, Launceston. For WEDNESDAY 3RD AUGUST 2011

more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128

SATURDAY 10TH September 2011

more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or

ALLSORTS LGBTI Friendly Youth Group for

or email: north@workingitout.org.au

CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

email: accounts@workingitout.org.au

Lunch hosted by Working It Out North. For

Under 26 3-5pm at The Zone, Devonport. For more

TUESDAY 16TH AUGUST 2011

more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128

WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2011

details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

ALLSORTS LGBTI Friendly Youth Group for

or email north@workingitout.org.au

ALLSORTS LGBTI Friendly Youth Group for U/26

email: north@workingitout.org.au

Under 26

3-5pm at The Zone, Devonport. For more

4:30pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart.

SUNDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2011

details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or

FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST 2011

Call Sue on 6231 1233 or accounts@

CRAIGOW HILL, MEEHAN RANGE

email: north@workingitout.org.au

RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP

workingitout.org.au

Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. For more details contact Michael on 6223 2690.

(18yrs +)

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2011 CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT

Hosted by Working It Out in Devonport.

WEDNESDAY 17TH AUGUST 2011

For more details contact Sharon

RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP

FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2011

Lunch hosted by Working It Out in Deloraine.

on 0419 361 128

(18yrs +)

RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP

Women only, for more details contact Sharon

or email north@workingitout.org.au

Hosted by Working It Out in Burnie at the

(18yrs +)

0419 361 128, north@workingitout.org.au

MONDAYS: “TOM, DICK & HARRIET” QUEER RADIO, 10-12NOON Hobart’s Sexuality & Gender Issues Radio Show on Edge Radio 99.3FM

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEFELLOWS Meets every Friday at the Tasmanian Inn. Contact Julian on 6239 6606 or Email: jpunch@tassie.net.au