MAN2MAN - Issue 2

A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN FREE!

ISSUE #2 MAY2009 2009 ISSUE #2 - APRIL

IN THIS ISSUE:

Your Sexual Health STI Mythbusters Examining The Crown Jewels

Editorial

Feel like you don’t belong on either side of the fence? Or don’t quite fit in any box? Are you attracted to more than one gender and keen to meet others who feel the same?

Welcome back to another issue of MAN2MAN. With increasing rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) notifications nationwide this issue of MAN2MAN will focus on taking care of your sexual health. Here we look into the testing process as well as try to dispel any common myths and misconceptions around STI’s.

Taking care of your testicles is yet another important aspect of any man’s sexual health and you will learn just how to go about it all here. Happy reading and stay safe MAN2MAN at this stage plans to be distributed on a quarterly basis and will be available in hard copy at numerous locations state wide.

It is also available online in a pdf downloadable format on our website www.tascahrd.org.au If you would like to be on the mailing list or email distribution list then contact the editor of MAN2MAN at TasCAHRD on: 03 6234 1242 or email m2m@tascahrd.org.au

Or write to us at: Editor MAN2MAN, TasCAHRD, GPO Box 595, Hobart. Tasmania 7001

MAN2MAN is a publication produced by the MAN2MAN Program at TasCAHRD

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For some people, sexual identity can be fluid and can change from one period of a person’s life to another. Exploring and questioning our sexuality and identity is difficult for anyone at any time in life. But it seems to be extra hard for men who discover they are attracted to both men and women. Many of the men who contact Bi Tasmania are keen to meet other men to share their experiences in a safe environment.

Bi Tasmania is a social support group for people who acknowledge attraction to more than one gender, their partners, family and friends.

Formed in 2003, Bi Tasmania currently has 40 members state-wide.

At present, Bi Tasmanian members communicate via an e-group so our members can stay in touch and informed. In the past, members have met for social gatherings and more formal meetings. It’s the group’s intention to revitalise such gatherings in the near future.

The moderators of Bi Tasmania

are able to provide information and resources about bisexuality as requested. Information about other Bi organisations in Australia and around the world is also available.

All contact with Bi Tasmania moderators is strictly confidential.

Some Bi Tasmania members are committed to raising awareness of issues affecting bisexuals and to promoting bisexual rights. They do this by educating the wider community about bi issues, networking with other LGBTI organisations and improving bi visibility through activism and lobbying.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO JOIN BI TASMANIA PLEASE CONTACT JEN EITHER VIA EMAIL AT:

jen_vanachteren@yahoo.com.au OR ON 0401 054 003.

YOU CAN GO DIRECTLY TO OUR YAHOO GROUP AND REQUEST TO JOIN AT

http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ bitasmania

Jen Van-Achteren Bi Tasmania

Advertising In Man2man MAN2MAN is a health & lifestyle resource for men in2 men and is published quarterly with 1500 hard copies distributed statewide to cafes, LGBTI venues, health centre’s, adult shops, bars & nightclubs, backpackers, hairdressers, social groups & cultural venues.

It is also available online on the TasCAHRD website as well as on other websites via weblinks.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN MAN2MAN CHECK OUT OUR ADVERTISING RATES AT:

www.tascahrd.org.au

OR CONTACT BRIAN MORRIS ON 6234 1242 OR EMAIL:

m2m@tascahrd.org.au FOR MORE DETAILS.

Gaydar is an online live chat site for same-sex attracted men where guys from all over the world can chat to each other, meet up and more - the rest is for you to find out!

The MAN2MAN Online Project is the Tasmanian component of a nationwide project allowing you the opportunity to confidentially & anonymously chat with professionally trained outreach workers online on either the Gaydar or Manhunt internet chat sites to ask them any questions you may have regarding your health & wellbeing, sexuality, sexual health or anything else for that matter.

worker recently include some of the following:

Some of the questions that chatters have asked our MAN2MAN Online

• What social groups are available for gay men in Tasmania?

YOU CAN ACCESS GAYDAR AT:

www.gaydar.com.au

• How safe is oral sex without a condom when it comes to getting HIV?

AND MANHUNT ON:

• Where can I go to get a sexual health check?

OR CONTACT THE MAN2MAN COORDINATOR AT TASCAHRD ON (03) 6234 1242 OR

• Is there much HIV here in Tasmania?

www.manhunt.net

m2m@tascahrd.org.au

HAPPY CHATTING AND MAYBE SEE YOU ONLINE SOMETIME SOON!

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ORAL SEX IS A SURE WAY OF NOT CATCHING AN STI

BUSTED You can catch an STI just as easily through unprotected oral sex. If infected, symptoms may include a sore throat, blisters or ulcers in the throat or on the lips, and sometimes pain when swallowing.

SOME STI’S APPARENTLY CAN HAVE SERIOUS LONG TERM EFFECTS

CONFIRMED Most STI’s if detected and treated early can be eradicated. Some STI’s such as herpes will never be cured but can in most cases be suppressed. Similarly wart virus may not be able to be totally eliminated with treatment. Silent STI’s which go undetected, such as some cases of chlamydia, if unnoticed and untreated over years can lead to damage which can result in infertility in both males & females. So although the majority of STI’s may be easy to treat, others may have more serious consequences.

FINDING A DOCTOR TO DO A SEXUAL HEALTH CHECKUP IS DIFFICULT

BUSTED Any doctor is able to perform a routine sexual health check. Some people feel uncomfortable going to their local doctor for testing and may wish to go to the Sexual Health Service instead. The Sexual Health Service offers a statewide service and has offices in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport & Burnie. This service is totally confidential and also free of charge. Appointments can be made via their freecall number 1800 675 859. Your GP doesn’t even have to know you’ve been there either if you don’t want him to.

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STI TESTING GENITAL RASHES ARE NOT ALWAYS CAUSED BY STI’S

CONFIRMED Not all rashes in this area are due to STI’s and in fact most STI’s don’t have a rash.

The most common cause of rashes in the genital area would not be due to an STI. They are mostly due to other more common conditions such as local allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, thrush, lubricant allergy, or other local skin conditions.

If you are unsure about a genital rash always get it checked out by your local doctor. Syphilis, a less common STI, does have a classic rash but it usually occurs on the palms of the hands & soles of the feet, and usually not on the genitals.

USING CONDOMS WILL STOP ALL STI’S

BUSTED Condoms remain the most effective means available to minimize getting an STI, apart from abstinence of course. However, condoms are only effective if they are used consistently on all occasions, and if used correctly. Plus remember condoms will only protect the areas that are covered by the condom itself. Also, some STI’s such as herpes and wart virus, are only partially preventable by condom use.

I SHOULD GET REGULAR SEXUAL HEALTH CHECKUPS.

CONFIRMED All sexually active adults should consider getting regular sexual health checks just as if they were getting any other regular health checkup (such as your blood pressure, cholesterol or prostate check). For sexually active gay men/MSM it’s advisable to get an annual sexual health check but consider getting tested more frequently (such as six monthly) if you have multiple sexual partners.

MYTHBUSTERS I SHOULD LET MY SEXUAL PARTNERS KNOW THAT I’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN STI.

CONFIRMED Remember if you get diagnosed with an STI it’s advisable that you do the right thing by your sexual partner/s by letting them know that they could also be infected, and they should consider getting checked out too. Some people find this awkward to do and it’s not easy let’s face it. You may wish to use one of the anonymous partner notification services featured on a few popular sexual health websites, such as those at www. whytest.org or www.thedramadonunder.info instead of contacting your partner/s directly. You can also talk to the Sexual Health Service about contact tracing and notification.

STI’S ARE EASILY TREATED AND CURED

BUSTED Most STI’s can be treated simply and with considerable success – usually with a course of antibiotics. However, some STI’s such as herpes or wart virus, may not be totally eradicated or cured, and instead may only be able to be suppressed with long term treatment. There may be flare ups of these conditions later down the track which may need further treatment.

YOU CAN TELL IF SOMEONE HAS AN STI JUST BY WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE?

BUSTED No, it’s impossible to know if someone has an STI just by their appearance. Nobody is immune from getting an STI. Any sexually active person is able to catch an STI, so play it safe with your sexual partner/s by using condoms and water based lubricant at all times to minimize your chances of getting an STI.

HIV’S NOT A WORRY FOR ME BECAUSE THERE ISN’T MUCH HIV IN TASMANIA

BUSTED

Indeed there are cases of HIV in Tasmania with new cases being identified each year. A substantial number of people who may have HIV don’t even know they have the infection because they’ve never been tested. At the moment most people with HIV in Tasmania are gay men or MSM (about 80-85%) however there are increasing numbers recently being picked up in women and in heterosexual men too. Remember sharing of injecting equipment is another way of getting HIV, although at the moment there are very few cases of HIV present in injecting drug users in Australia.

Useful contacts, websites, organizations and resources Sexual Health Service: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/health__and__wellbeing/sexual_health Last night I picked up someone …. and something – a guide to sexually transmissible infections for gay men: http://www.projectx.net.au/images/stories/documents/stibooklet.pdf The Drama Downunder – sexual health related website for gay men/MSM: http://www.thedramadownunder.info Whytest.org - website providing basic information on some of the most common STI’s found among gay men as well as information about STI testing and treatment: http://www.whytest.org

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@

TASMANIAN GLBTI SE

STATEWIDE • Bi-Tasmania Social and support group for bisexual Tasmanians CONTACT: 0401 054 003

• Coming Out Proud Program (COPP) Provides strategies enabling GLBTI people to “come out with pride” and live in their community with dignity.

CONTACT: JULIAN PUNCH

julian@logtas.org

• Country Network Offers hospitality and friendship among rural GLBTI people to assist overcoming their social isolation.

CONTACT: DAVE ARNOLD

03 6228 4166 www.countrynetwork.com.au secretary@countrynetwork.com.au

• GALTA Australia’s gay & lesbian tourism organisation www.galta.com.au

• PFLAG Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. CONTACT: ELS - 03 6234 2372 OR GAIL - 03 6440 7140 EMAIL: pflagtas@yahoo.com.au WEB: www.pflagaustralia.org.au

• QueerTas Tasmania’s GLBTI Yahoo group.

SUBSCRIBE AT 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

www.care2.com/c2c/group/safetas

• Same Sex Travel A directory of same sex operated accommodation properties throughout Australia and New Zealand www.samesextravel.com

• Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by GLC Centre 03 6234 8179

• League of Gentlefellows A state wide informal grouping of GLBTI people and their friends who meet socially.

CONTACT: JULIAN PUNCH 03 6239 6606 OR julian@logtas.org

www.logtas.org

• MAN2MAN Online Internet outreach service provided by the MAN2MAN Program at TasCAHRD with information regarding sexual health, HIV and related issues provided to Gaydar’s Tasmania chat room users online at www.gaydar.com.au and Manhunt’s Tasmania chat room users online at www.manhunt.net

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• 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 OR

sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au

• TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases including the MAN2MAN Program CONTACT: 03 6234 1242 FREE CALL INFORMATION LINE 1800 005 900 FROM 9AM TO 5PM EMAIL: m2m@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.tascahrd.org.au

• Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officer’s

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

• Working It Out Tasmania’s peak support body for the LGBTI communities providing information, support and referral for people of all ages who are coming out or exploring their sexuality and gender.

SOUTH - 03 6231 1200 NORTH - 03 6334 4013 NORTH-WEST - 03 6432 3643 EMAIL: info@workingitout.org.au

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

• Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information and referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania. Contact for regional Victoria & Tasmania 1800 184 527

SOUTHERN

• Antidiscrimination Commission Assist in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc.

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

• Borderlines Hobart’s queer radio show every Monday at 2pm 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. www.flamingosbar.com www.myspace.com/flamingosbar

@

ERVICES AND GROUPS

• Gay and Lesbian Community Centre Inc (GLC Centre) Now 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.

EMAIL: glcgeneral@glctas.org WEB: www.glctas.org

• Lalaland hosts a monthly dance party. First Saturday of every month at Halo Night Club, Purdy’s Mart, Hobart www.clublala.net

• Les Girls (formerly Diva) Hobart’s newest GLBTI night club located at 101 Harrington Street, Hobart (formerly Mangoes Bar).

With drag shows every weekend.

Open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday night.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK

www.myspace.com/lesgirlshobart

www.rodneycroome.id.au

OR AT THEIR STALL AT SALAMANCA MARKET ON SATURDAYS

• The Male Factory @ The Duke Hotel, Hobart Meet every Sunday afternoon 2pm till late • Wellington Wanderers GLBTI activity group which runs a year-round program of events.

CONTACT: 0418 590 262 OR 03 6234 2946 POST: GPO BOX 1872, HOBART TAS 7001

wellingtonwanderers@yahoo.com.au

NORTHERN

• The Beat Launceston’s newest and only GLBTI club open Friday nights 8pm-3am AT THE HUB BAR, 1 TAMAR STREET, LAUNCESTON. EMAIL: thebeat@dodo.com.au

OR BE ADDED TO LES GIRLS FACEBOOK PAGE BY EMAILING:

lesgirls101@live.com.au

• 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

• Soak@Kaos Café and lounge bar 237 Elizabeth Street, Hobart. www.kaoscafe.com.au

•Tasmania University Union (TUU) Sexuality Officer CONTACT: UTAS TUU ON 03 6226 2495

• Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) Is a community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania.

CONTACT 03 6224 3556 OR EMAIL

rodney.croome@tglrg.org OR ONLINE: www.tglrg.org OR

• Allsorts Queer youth group meeting regularly in Launceston & Burnie through Working It Out North.

CONTACT: 03 6334 4013 OR

north@workingitout.org.au

• Fruity Bits Launceston based email newsgroup.

CONTACT: 03 6334 4013 OR

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.

CONTACT:

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.

CONTACT: PAT ON 03 6344 2357

• Transisters community based social and support group for transgender women in Tasmania, meeting once a month in Launceston.

CONTACT: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/transisters/

NORTH-WEST • Allsorts Queer youth group meeting regularly in Launceston & Burnie through Working It Out North West CONTACT: 03 6432 3643 OR

northwest@workingitout.org.au

• Emesete Restaurant Holds GLBTI friendly functions located at 8 Alexander Street, Burnie.

CONTACT: ALISON - 03 6434 4322 EMAIL: abrotherton@mst.org.au

for more details

• North West GLBTI-Friendly Youth Group For under 25’s meets fortnightly in Burnie.

CONTACT: SHARON 03 6432 3643 OR 0419 361 128

northwest@workingitout.org.au

• North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group for over 18’s Meets monthly in Burnie.

CONTACT: SHARON 03 6432 3643 OR 0419 361 128

northwest@workingitout.org.au

OR CONTACT: LAYNE AT

lharris10@hotmail.com

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

• Indeed Is supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry.

CONTACT PETER POWER & IAN LAWRENCE AT

indeedrelationships@gmail.com OR ONLINE AT

www.relationshipstasmania.org.au/ indeed.html

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Testing And The Modern Man

“many STI’s can have no symptoms”

All men who are having sex should consider having a sexual health screen. Age is not a barrier to acquiring a sexually transmissible infection (STI), nor to the need to make your sex life as safe as possible for you, and your partner(s). An attitude that, if the other person doesn’t discuss condom use they must be OK could get you a number of infections that you would rather not have.

The World Health Organisation defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental

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and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.”

When young men first start

having sex the infections that are commonly encountered are herpes, wart virus and chlamydia. Many young people first experiment sexually with oral sex in the belief that it is not really sex and that it is safe. This is not the case as a recent national epidemic of syphilis has highlighted. Last year 85.6 % of notified cases of early syphilis where in men, with unprotected oral sex being the most common way of acquiring this infection.

Men in the middle years represented 55% of hepatitis B,

For men who have sex with men there are specific Australian guidelines by STIGMA (STIs in Gay Men Action) group about the types of sexual health checks that should be offered by a doctor or clinic. A sexual health check up for a man who has had sex with men usually involves: • A blood sample to check for HIV, syphilis and immunity to hepatitis A and B • A urine sample to check for chlamydia • An anal swab of to check for chlamydia and gonorrhoea • A swab of your throat to check for gonorrhoea • A physical examination to check for crabs, scabies, warts, syphilis and herpes

It is also important for all sexually active men to know that many STIs can have no symptoms and what to look out for if symptoms are present. Signs that may indicate that you have an infection include: • Smelly, cloudy or yellowish discharge or pus coming from your penis or if it hurts when you pass urine • Blisters, sores, warts or lumps on your penis or any of the surrounding skin; 50% of gonorrhoea and 28% of hepatitis A cases notified nationally in 2008. Both hepatitis A and B are preventable by vaccination which is another good reason to have a sexual health screen. Blood testing can tell if you have been exposed to these infections and if not vaccination can be given.

Older men are also increasingly being put at risk of STIs as they may be moving from long term relationships and are not used to negotiating safer sex with new partner(s).

For all men, regardless of sexual preference, sexual health is a key part of your overall health and should not be neglected.

This article has concentrated on testing for infections, but for good sexual health all aspects of you as a sexual being need to be healthy. Sexual health education, counselling and screening can all help to maintain a healthy, functional sex life.

By Dr Maree O’Sullivan Sexual Health Physician

• Itchiness in the genital area; • If it hurts when you have sex; and, • Fever, swollen glands (especially in the groin), flu-like symptoms or unexplained weight loss or tiredness.

If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor or health care worker as soon as you can. You should also avoid having sex until you have been tested.

For more information check out www.whytest.org/checkups/

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“Testicular Cancer is one of the most common Cancers in males in the age range between 15-45 years old”

Examining The Crown Jewels

Testicles? Yes those things which are often boasted as being part of our “crown jewels” and part of our very “manhood” The majority of men know surprisingly little about what to do to maintain a healthy set of testicles. Although not a very common form of cancer, testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in males in the age range between 15 and 45 years old. By and large most testicular cancers can be picked up at an early stage by someone who examines their testicles on a regular basis. Detecting cancers at an early stage can make a world of difference to the success of subsequent cancer treatment.

So much so that a simple measure such as examining your own testicles may actually save your life!

Well what steps do I have to take to keep a check down below you may ask? By following the steps detailed below you’ll see just how simple the process is. Firstly, it helps to know a bit about the basic anatomy of the area. Using the diagram you should be able to identify three parts - the testicle, epididymis and the spermatic cord. An important point is that it’s not uncommon for there to be minor discrepancies between each testicle. Often one will be larger than the other, and one will usually hang lower down than the other one. Before you start your examination choose a private room, preferably with a mirror present.

start by examining one testicle at a time. Roll the testicle between the thumb on one side and the index & middle fingers on the other side.

Roll it from side to side as well as up & down ensuring the whole surface of the testicle is smooth and even. You should be on the lookout for any abnormal lumps, bumps, protrusions or tenderness. Next feel the epididymis which is situated at the top of the back surface of each testicle. On a lighter note, the majority of abnormalities of the epididymis are not serious and are rarely if ever cancerous. Now repeat the whole process again with the opposite testicle and epididymis with your other hand.

The best time to perform an examination is just after a hot bath or shower when the scrotum (sac surrounding the testicle) is relaxed and the testicles not pulled upwards. Initially look in the mirror to see if you can see any differences between the two testicles. Then

Basically that’s all there is to it – simple isn’t it. Remember it will become easier each time you perform it, and you will also become more familiar with the normal feel to things, so that if anything new crops up you should spot it easily.

Don’t panic if you do come across something worrying such as a lump

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because in reality these are more likely to be due to non-cancerous conditions (such as hernias, cysts, inflammation, infection etc).

A common recommendation would be to try and perform this examination on a monthly basis.

Remember if you have any concerns whatsoever or if you discover anything during your examination then make sure you make an appointment to get it checked out with your doctor. Never ignore it and hope it will go away. Good luck and well done

FOR MORE INFO: Testicular Cancer Factsheet by Queensland Cancer Fund:

http://tiny.cc/Deg15

Testicular Self Examination Factsheet – Family Planning Victoria

http://tiny.cc/v3kQ7

Testicular Cancer – What You Need To Know Factsheet – Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

http://tiny.cc/v3kQ7

League Of Gentlefellows The League of Gentlefellows is an informal social group meeting in the regions of Tasmania in nonthreatening and safe environment to celebrate our lives.

Events can be for men to men (League of Gentlemen), women to women or combined along with family and friends.

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT

TASMANIAN POLICE LGBTI Liason Officers

The Tasmanian Police Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Liason Officers’ mission is to contribute to the creation of mutual trust between police, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender and intersex people so they have increasing confidence in police through the provision of a fair and equitable policing service.

We meet at one another’s homes or hold special events to share time, each other’s company, develop new friendships and share a meal together.

LOG also has a strong associate membership base of family, friends, and LGBTI people who share in a variety of open functions, when meeting in this context the League ‘out of respect ’is known as the League of Gentlefellows.

Our membership list is discreet, ensures confidentiality and allows us to invite the many members of all ages to social events by post or email.

There are no membership fees.

There are normally 30 to 60 people (easy to get lost in the group if you want too) at our functions and sometimes we invite our friends and family members to join us at special functions such as Rainbow Awards.

We also fund raise for the Coming Out Proud Trust at our Social Functions.

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT

www.logtas.org

OR CONTACT JULIAN PUNCH ON

03 6239 6606 OR EMAIL

julian@logtas.org

By Julian Punch League Of Gentlefellows To Contact your local LGBTI Liason Officer phone 03 6230 2111

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UPCOMING TASMANIAN GLBTI EVENTS SATURDAY 18TH APRIL • A LA CARTE CASUAL BRUNCH Magnolia Cafe 464 Macquarie Street, Hobart. Hosted by League of Gentlefellows. For details call Julian on 6239 6606 or email julian@logtas.org FRIDAY 24TH TO SUNDAY 26TH APRIL • MT FIELD NATIONAL PARK Day walks to see the fagus with the Wellington Wanderers.

Hut accommodation available.

Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

TUESDAY 12TH MAY • POSITIVE SPEAKER’S BUREAU TRAINING WORKSHOP Hosted by PLWHA Victoria & TasCAHRD. For more details contact Jude O’Day on 6234 1242 or joday@tascahrd.org.au SUNDAY 17TH MAY • THE SENTINELS – SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK Bushwalk with the Wellington Wanderers. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

TUESDAY 19TH MAY • WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2009 Organized by TasCAHRD. For more details contact Carolyn Hay on 6234 1242 or chay@ tascahrd.org.au

SATURDAY 23RD MAY • TEN PIN BOWLING Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

• TRADITIONAL ROAST AT FORCETT Hosted by League of Gentlemen this function will be held at a private property in Forcett. For details call Julian on 6239 6606 or email julian@ logtas.org

SATURDAY 20TH JUNE • WINTER SOLSTICE DINNER, HOBART Dinner hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

THURSDAY 2ND JULY • WELLINGTON WANDERERS PLANNING MEETING To plan the upcoming winter program. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

SUNDAY 7TH JUNE SUNDAY 5TH JULY • QUEEN’S BALL, CURLY’S BAR HOBART Hosted by GLC TasPride. For more details www.taspride. com MONDAY 8TH JUNE • QUEEN’S BALL RECOVERY WALK – HOBART/NEW TOWN RIVULETS Walk run by the Wellington Wanderers. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

• CAPE RAOUL – TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Bushwalk with the Wellington Wanderers. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

SUNDAY 26TH JULY • GUNNER’S QUOIN – RISDON BROOK DAM Bushwalk with the Wellington Wanderers. Contact 6223 2690 or 0418 590 262 for details or bookings.

TUESDAY 16TH JUNE • INTERNATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK – HOBART LAUNCH For more details contact Jonathan Bedloe on 6222 7750 or jonathan.bedloe@dhhs.tas. gov.au

Mondays: Borderlines Queer Radio - 2-3pm

(Hobart’s sexuality & gender issues radio show on Edge Radio 99.3 FM)