Red Thread Edition 32

ISSUE 32 WINTER 2019

12

Sexology… what the?

Also in this issue:

04

PrEP protocol

10

HIV self-test kit

14

I story

+ The biophilia effect: our innate love of nature

From the editor

Autumn edition

WELCOME TO WINTER AND ISSUE 32 OF RED THREAD

It seems that every year I forget how cold the winter months are in Hobart. Summer days with endless hours of bright sunshine have abruptly turned into long, dark winter nights.

The Sun barely able to rise off the horizon, delivering its energy at an angle that causes the light to be weaker$17 and less intense. re water based lube

easons water based lube 75 ml easons water based lube 500 ml

$4 $10

It’s the time of year when we turn inwards! In doors, to our hotpots, AHRD open fires, and cozy corners.

Liverpool Street, HOBART N 9am - 5pm

test kit does return a positive response, it is still necessary to get a HIV test at a sexual health clinic to be 100 percent sure.

Testing regularly for HIV is an awesome way to look after your sexual health, but make sure to regularly get tested for STIs and hepatitis B and C. And tell your sexual partners to test What a perfect place to do an HIV test. regularly. Practice safer sex (condoms with This publication is an initiative of the Editor: lube) and don’t share injecting equipment.

Promotion Anning It’s true! Maybe you Health haven’t heardProgram yet? Itatisthe now Matt Tasmanian on AIDS, Hepatitis Contributors: easy to do an HIV test in the Council privacy of your For advice and Related Diseases, (TasCAHRD).

Matteo Senesi and support, fire up the website, own home.

Sarah go Lenehan to redthread.org.au and click on the links.

ROUDLY UPPORTED BY

Views expressed in Man2Man are

those of HIV the authors and do not The product is the Atomo self-test Kit, necessarily reflect the views of and you can get it for $25 from TasCAHRD at TasCAHRD. Nigel Mallet house inPhone: Liverpool Street.

03 6234 1242 Email: projects@tascahrd.org.au It’s easy to use, 99.6% accurate, and the best Post: GPO Box 595 Hobart part is that you can do it without Tasmania 7001 having to declare to the worldWeb: what you are doing. tascahrd.org.au

Grant Blakemeantime, stay warm, snuggle up, In the Matt Newell and drop us a line to tell us what you think Tracey Wing about stuff.

Our colleagues at TasCAHRD Design & Layout: Ede Magnussen Printing courtesy of: PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY Xerox Hobart

Facebook: Man2ManTas

There is one thing to keep in mind when using TasCAHRD receives funding from the HIV self-testing kits:Crown, you need toDepartment be aware through of of Health the window period for asServices, it takes to these and HIV Human to up provide services.

12 weeks from exposure before the virus is detectable in your body.

Would to see your business or service advertised in this mag?

Thatyou is, iflike you have not had any risky exposure Contact forweeks, rates – pr ojecyou t s@can t a sc a hr d .or g .au . to HIV inTasCAHRD the last 12 then safely use an Atomo test kit. Even if an Atomo home some of the content of this magazine may be offensive to some readers

R NING

& Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men 2 Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

3

CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS:

PrEP protocol

4

Find a dentist

6

No to violence

8

HIV self-test kit

10

Sexology…what the?

12

I story

14

The biophilia effect: our innate love of nature

16

Finn’s creamy pumpkin soup

19

Aged care know how for LGBTI folks

20

Service directory

22

AIDS Action Council

Robert Johnston

Dr Silvana Bettiol and Assoc Prof Leonard Crocombe

Richelle Menzies

Dr Silvana Bettiol and Dr Pauline Marsh

Simone-Lisa

Jacqui Watt Working it Out

Finnian Danger

Did you know you can buy beppy sponges, condoms and lube at the TasCAHRD office?

Nigel Mallett House 319 Liverpool Street Hobart Open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

WARNING: some of the content of this magazine may be offensive to some readers.

TasCAHRD receives funding from the Crown, through the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide these services.

Views expressed in Red thread are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. This publication is an initiative of the Health Promotion Program at the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases (TasCAHRD).

Would you like to see your business or service advertised in this mag?

Contact TasCAHRD for rates – projects@tascahrd.org.au

$30 MEMBERSHIP

ISSUE

•

Metallic red ribbon

•

Sexual health newsletter

• VIP invites to events and fundraisers Email or call now to join TasCAHRD or renew your membership. *all fees go directly towards providing material, emotional and social support to people living with HIV.

TUMN

2018

ISSUE 26

Join or renew now and receive: • Free copy of this magazine to your home

27 AU

EL A W

LBEI

ESO NG R

URC

R E FO

PEO DSG

A H E A LT H

PLE

ts althy 4 Hetachmen At Also

in thi

: s issue

08

Trans gh enou

Also in this

13 06 ity Divers ls schoo

10

Love liver your

wise

A HEP + Be te a ma + Got blue feeling

in

AND W ELLB

EING R ESOU

SUMMER

2018

RCES F OR DSG PEOPLE

issue:

Impulse Control

10

Australia says YES!

12

U=U

+ Hear and + Dorothy Queer Awa + Harm Redu rds ction

Email: health@tascahrd.org.au or Phone: 03 6234 1242 Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

3

By Robert Johnston

PrEP protocol: more than just a pill IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY HEARD OF IT, PREP (PREEXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) IS A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PREVENTION STRATEGY THAT USES PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TO PROTECT AGAINST HIV. BUT PREP IS MORE THAN A PILL. WITH SUPPORT FROM YOUR DOCTOR, PREP IS A COMPLETE PROGRAM FOR MANAGING ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH, SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO FORM A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH A DOCTOR WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH THE CONCEPT OF PREP, UNDERSTANDS THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE PREP AND KNOWS HOW TO MONITOR YOUR HEALTH WHILE USING PREP.

4

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

It is essential that your PrEP program includes regular and comprehensive sexual health checks. Checks are needed before you start PrEP medication and then every three months. Importantly, you need to be tested for HIV to make sure you are not HIV positive as using PrEP medication while living with HIV can reduce future treatment options. Talk to your doctor about the last time you had sex, so you are not testing too soon before a potential exposure to HIV. If you choose to take non-daily PrEP i.e. on demand/event- based PrEP, it’s important to still see your PrEP prescriber every three months for HIV and STI testing, even if you have spare pills left over. If you aren’t using condoms for casual sex then it’s especially important, as the likelihood of having an STI will be much higher. You won’t always know you have an STI, and testing is the only way you will know for sure. STIs left untreated are easily spread and can cause health problems for you and your partner/s.

PrEP medication is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects, although a few people have experienced kidney function issues.

So along with sexual health checks, correct PrEP procedure requires your doctor to check your kidney health before starting medication and monitor your kidney health while you are on the program.

To help you receive proper care during your PrEP program, the Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual health Medicine have provided a letter online you can print and share with your doctor. It is available at www. ashm.org.au (click on Resources then HIV Resources).

If you live in Tasmania, check the Services Directory on pages 22 and 23 for a list of PrEP savvy doctors as provided by Sexual Health Service Tasmania.

To learn more about PrEP, visit www.redthread.org.au and click on Resources.

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

5

By Dr Silvana Bettiol and Assoc Prof Leonard Crocombe

Find a dentist ORAL HEALTH IS A KEY INDICATOR OF OVERALL HEALTH, WELLBEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE. THE WORLD DENTAL FEDERATION VIEWS THE MULTI-FACETED NATURE OF ORAL HEALTH TO INCLUDE THE ABILITY TO SPEAK, SMILE, SMELL, TASTE, TOUCH, CHEW, SWALLOW AND CONVEY A RANGE OF EMOTIONS THROUGH FACIAL EXPRESSIONS WITH CONFIDENCE AND WITHOUT PAIN OR DISCOMFORT. AND GOOD ORAL HEALTH CARE REQUIRES A GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU, YOUR DENTIST, AND THE DENTAL TEAM, SO YOU WANT A DENTIST YOU CAN TALK TO, LEARN FROM AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT VISITING. IT IS BEST NOT TO WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE A TOOTHACHE OR ANOTHER EMERGENCY TO FIND A DENTIST FIND A DENTIST AS SOON AS YOU MOVE TO A NEW AREA.

6

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

Choosing a dentist and taking care of your oral health is a personal decision. Much like your hairdresser or mechanic, find someone you like and stick with them. They will be looking after your teeth, mouth and gums on a regular basis over many years. To be sure you receive consistent and high level of service, it is best to stay with the same dentist over a long period of time.

A Word on Private Insurance: health insurers are increasingly seeking to convince their customers to use their ‘contracted dentists’ or ‘preferred providers’ with the promise of reduced out-ofpocket expenses. However, what you may gain financially will likely be outweighed by the loss of continuity of care with your dentist.

Consider these when choosing a dentist: • Is the location convenient: do you want your dentist close to work or home?

• Is it close to public transport and adequate parking?

• How long does it take to get an appointment?

• Do the office hours work well with your schedule?

• Do they offer emergency or after-hours care?

• What kind of services do they offer?

•

What payment options are available?

• If you have children, will the dentist see them too?

• Do they participate in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

• Do they participate in the and Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme?

• Do you need a dentist that has experience with special needs children, people with HIV or people with diabetes?

• Is the practice accredited? It’s not obligatory but it does indicate that they have worked hard to meet a set of internationally-recognised healthcare standards.

These are some ideas to help you find a dentist: Recommendations – Ask around. Friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbours, other group members, your physician or your pharmacist may be able to help.

Referral – If you are moving, ask your current dentist if they can suggest someone in your new area.

Professional listings – Check the Australian Dental Association website and click Find a Dentist. If you live in Tasmania, visit https:// www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/oralhealth.

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

7

By Jacqui Watt (CEO NTV)

No to violence FAMILY VIOLENCE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE: IT CAN AFFECT ANYONE, REGARDLESS OF SEX, AGE, RACE, SEXUALITY, DISABILITY, GENDER IDENTITY OR LIFESTYLE. HOWEVER, VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR IS MOST FREQUENTLY USED BY MEN TO EXERCISE POWER AND CONTROL OVER THEIR PARTNERS AND CHILDREN.

8

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

Men who use violence are often known to the people they use violence against and, more broadly, these men are known to all of us.

Some of these men are our partners, sons, fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers.

But it is important to understand that men can change: men can make better choices.

Often the first stop in making better choices is talking to someone, and it is important for men to understand that there is help available.

The Men’s Referral Service is a men’s familyviolence telephone counselling, information and referral service and is the central point of contact in Tasmania for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour.

Partners, family, friends and other service providers can also call the Men’s Referral Service for support.

Relationships have their ups and downs, with occasional disagreements or arguments, and most people will feel frustrated, disappointed or angry with a relative or partner at some point.

But there is a difference between a healthy level of disagreement and using violence and control.

friends and family members. The Referral Service is also for agencies seeking assistance for their clients who are men.

Family violence can be made up of many different behaviours. It can be physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and economic – sometimes one of these behaviours, sometimes more than one.

Currently, the main type of service available for men who use violence are men’s behaviour change programs.

While only some aspects of family violence are criminal offences, any behaviour that causes someone to be controlled or feel afraid is unacceptable – regardless of whether it is intended to make them feel that way.

These programs support men by changing their behaviour so they can build healthy and respectful relationships with their partner/s and family.

The Men’s Referral Service provides support and referrals for women and men seeking information on behalf of their male partners,

The Men’s Referral Service can be reached on 1300 766 491 or at ntv.org.au Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

9

By AIDS Action Council

At home HIV self-test kit THIS INFORMATION SHEET ANSWERS SOME COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV HOME TESTING. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL US AT TASCAHRD ON 03 6234 1242.

10

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

I think I was exposed to HIV: where can I get tested?

It takes up to three months after an exposure to HIV for the ATOMO home tests to detect the virus. So, if you think you have recently been exposed, it’s best to see your GP or a local sexual health clinic to talk about options.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, consider taking PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a month-long course of medication that can prevent HIV. You can get PEP at the emergency department of public hospitals or a sexual health clinic.

Call the PEP Hotline for more information on 1800737669. But act quickly – you need to begin treatment within 72 hours of exposure for the medication to be effective.

How accurate is the ATOMO home test?

The test is 99.6% accurate at detecting HIV. If you have been exposed to HIV within the last three months, it may not be detected by this test.

What happens if I get a reactive result?

Although these tests are very accurate, a reactive result does not always mean you have HIV – this needs to be verified with further results.

If you get a reactive result you should make an appointment for a follow up HIV test as soon as possible. You can do this at a trusted GP, or a sexual health clinic such as the Tasmanian Sexual Health Service (ph. 03 6166 2672). If you’re not sure where to go, we can help you find a friendly GP.

What if I have HIV? HIV is a manageable condition. Knowing your status gives you the power to protect your health and the health of your sexual partners.

You are not alone. There is a wide range of support available to guide you through this.

We can connect you with workers who can help you make sense of your diagnosis and support you to take care of your health. With treatment, you can live a long and healthy life.

Treatment can also reduce the level of HIV in your blood so that it cannot be transmitted to others. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.

My test is negative; how do I protect myself from HIV in the future?

If you’re having sex, or injecting drugs, there are many ways to protect yourself from HIV. You choose what works for you!

Condoms used with silicon or water- based lube will protect you from HIV and most STIs. PrEP might be a good option if you are having sex that exposes you to HIV, or you are injecting drugs and not always using safe equipment (see pages 4 and 5 for more info on PrEP) STI & HIV testing will help protect your health and the health of your sexual partners. If you’re a man having sex with other men and have multiple partners, it is recommended you get tested up to four times per year.

PEP gives you protection in an emergency.

Never rely on PEP as your prevention strategy.

For more information call TasCAHRD on 03 6234 1242 or visit www.redthread.org.au Based on information provided by the AIDS Action Council.

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

11

By Richelle Menzies

Sexology... what the?

WOW, THAT’S FASCINATING! I KNOW A FEW PEOPLE THAT CAN USE YOUR HELP...

THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE OFTEN SAY WHEN I TELL THEM THAT I AM A CLINICAL SEXOLOGIST.

12

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

But what is sexology and what does a sexologist do? Put simply, sexology is the scientific study of sex. And a sexologist provides sexuality education, sex therapy, and counselling, and conducts sex research.

My name is Ricky, and I offer sexuality education and support in the form of counselling. People see me about concerns they have with sex: issues with libido and desire, arousal, performance, pain and penetration, to name a few.

Too much sex, not enough sex, orgasming too soon, orgasming too late, or not at all. Physical barriers, psychological barriers, relationship questions, social concerns.

When I work with someone, I ask questions about what’s going on, and how long it’s been going on. I sometimes suggest testing by a GP to see if it is physically based. I usually try to provide some education about how sex works, about what is or is not unusual. I’m interested in what messages people have had about sex, how they feel about it and the impact that has on their sensual potential and sexual wellbeing.

We talk, I provide information (there may be some take home tasks), and people go away better informed, often feeling like they are not alone, and that there is something that can be done about the issue they presented with.

In a nutshell I support people to explore sensual potential and to achieve sexual well-being in a way that is meaningful for the individual.

If you have any questions, I would love to hear from you; please email me at: richelle@ sensualpotential.com.au Till then, have fun, be safe, find pleasure and above all explore your sensual potential.

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

13

By Simone-Lisa

I-story DEFINING INTERSEX: PEOPLE BORN WITH PHYSICAL SEX CHARACTERISTICS THAT DON’T FIT MEDICAL AND SOCIAL NORMS FOR FEMALE OR MALE BODIES (AUSTRALIAN DEFINITION).

OR THE DEFINITION I PREFER (CREATED AND USED IN 2013 BY THE OFFICE OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS): AN INTERSEX PERSON IS BORN WITH SEXUAL ANATOMY, REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS, AND/ OR CHROMOSOME PATTERNS THAT DO NOT FIT THE TYPICAL DEFINITION OF MALE OR FEMALE.

14

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

Intersex status may be apparent at birth or become so anytime throughout life. An intersex person may identify as male or female or neither, as straight or gay, as bi or trans. Intersex status is not about sexual orientation or gender identity: intersex people experience the same range of sexual orientations and gender identities as non-intersex people.

I am the mother of an intersex person. My intersex child was born with typical gusto, screamed healthily (I was told) and was pronounced a boy after an observational ‘look’.

I had spent the previous week in the same hospital with my three-year-old first born who was very sick with a high fever and a nasty rash.

He was almost killed off by a rather enthusiastic doctor with a penicillin injection - apparently my son’s two red bracelets suggesting he was allergic was not enough.

The next week I gave birth: actually, I was sedated, cut open and nearly bled out - but that’s another story.

I knew something was wrong with the child I gave birth to. But I was seen to be a hysterical mother due to the traumatic birth, and my experience the week before with my first child. There was lots of headpatting and a there, there attitude.

Fast forward eighteen years.

My child, who has always identified as male, was advised that he was not in fact any sex. He has no sense of smell (his olfactory gland did not grow) and his pituitary gland had never produced testosterone: my child looked like a child. He had no secondary sexual characteristics, had no desire to have relationships with either sex and devastatingly had osteopenia - which would quickly turn to osteoporosis without any sex hormone. It took

three years to start on the path of testosterone injections and three more to get to where he is now: part way through that hormone filled awful teenage thing called puberty.

He shaves once a month now. He chose to have corrective surgery at eighteen and is, surprisingly, the question that I am always asked. What is it with the interest in genitals?

What I hated most were the doctors who looked at me then looked at my child and said, ‘he’s just a late bloomer’, or ‘you’re short - he just takes after you’. It wasn’t until he went looking for answers as an adult male that he got them.

My son likes playing dungeons and dragons and gaming. He’s a gym junkie and is looking to join the police force. He is also a proud intersex person.

LGBITQ has an I in it and intersex people identify as none, one or some of the other surrounding letters. My hope is that by reading this you have learnt something new and have more empathy for the I. Not all I stories are the same.

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

15

By Dr Silvana Bettiol & Dr Pauline Marsh

The Biophilia Effect: Our innate love of nature THE TERM “BIOPHILIA” IS ATTRIBUTED TO BOTH THE GERMAN-AMERICAN PHILOSOPHER AND PSYCHOANALYST, ERICH FROMM IN THE 1970S, AND MADE POPULAR BY EDWARD O WILSON IN HIS 1986 BOOK. WILSON ARGUES THAT HUMANS HAVE A NATURAL AFFINITY WITH NATURE THAT DRIVES OUR DESIRE FOR CONNECTION WITH NON-HUMAN NATURE.

16

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

The fondness for nature is evident across many cultures, present and past. For example, tomb paintings from ancient Egypt and the ruins of Pompeii show people brought plants into their houses and gardens more than 2,000 years ago. The first hospitals in Europe were infirmaries in monastic communities. Gardens were considered an essential part of the environment supporting the healing process and promoting health and wellbeing.

There is now a large collection of evidence supporting the physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits of connecting with nature, whether in our own home garden, the far wilderness, or a nearby city park or beach. We are also nature; integrated into its functional circle. Everything we do to the ecosystem we do to ourselves. Not only do modern pollutants and toxins make us ill, but so too does our disconnection from nature – human and nonhuman. For example, in a new study released in 2019 by Austrian researchers, Niedermeier and his team note the psychological and stressreducing benefits from mountain hiking. And harnessing nature to promote mental health is increasingly seen as a sustainable solution

in healthcare. Supported gardening programs and nature walks have been shown to increase quality of life for people with anxiety and depression.

We value community gardens in our neighbourhood for their practical role in sustainable food production, but also their broader therapeutic value — meeting other people, gentle exercise, forming friendships and being out in the beautiful outdoors.

Today town planners and urban designers are using more gardens scapes, vertical walls of greenery and open spaces for pedestrians.

In Tasmania we are surrounded by natural beauty, and as autumn and winter are upon us we can still enjoy these beautiful landscapes, made more striking by the light and colours at this time of year.

For more information on community gardens in Tasmania: • DIGnity Supported Community Gardening, find them on facebook • Start or find a garden through communitygarden.org.au • Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania •

Hobart city Bushcare

• Bush Kinder at Mt Nelson’s Sustainability Learning Centre (SLC) •

Bushcare walking book club

•

Launceston walking club Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

17

18

Red thread Magazine - Autumn 2019

Finn’s Creamy Pumpkin Soup The cold weather is here, and there’s nothing more comforting than curling up with a big bowl of soup. This hearty recipe calls on not just pumpkin, but all his friends, too - root vegetables such as swede and potato, leeks, and a whole range of herbs and spices. It’s packed with veggies and nutrition!

This recipe is also easily veganized. This should make six big bowls of soup.

Perfect for a family dinner, with leftovers for work the next day. Perfect!

What you’ll need: 1/2 a butternut pumpkin, cubed 1 large swede, cubed 4 medium potatoes, cubed (I prefer Kennebecs, but any potato works) 1 large leek, thinly sliced 1 1/2 litres of chicken stock, either pre-packaged or made with stock cubes 3 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped (who are we kidding; if I put one, you’d use three anyway!)

1 tbsp butter 250 ml sour cream paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, parsley 1. Pop your butter in a nice big pot over a medium-high heat. This pot will need to fit all the ingredients, so make sure it’s large enough. Once melted, put in the leek slices and let them cook for a few minutes. Add the garlic and do the same.

2. Throw in the pumpkin, swede, and potatoes. Stir them around the pot for a few minutes, giving them a chance to heat up. Pour the chicken stock over the top, put the lid on, and let it come to a boil.

3. Boil for about ten minutes. Depending on the size of your cubes, they should be tender; prick them with a knife to check. Once tender, bring the pot off the stove and prepare to blend. A stick blender is most convenient, but any blending appliance is fine. Blend until smooth, then add the sour cream and blend through.

4. Here’s the fun part - working with herbs and spices. Every person’s taste is so different, so it’s easier to just let you work out what you like. Start with small amounts, maybe 1 tsp each, and stir them in. I generally use 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, 1 tbsp of paprika and cumin, and 2 tsp of salt and pepper. The paprika really makes it pop, and the fresh parsley just adds a whole new depth!

5. Once you’ve got your ideal flavour, serve it up with some crunchy bread. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you could even decorate with some fresh parsley and dried pumpkin seeds. Yum. There are lots of ways to spice this recipe up. Fry up cubed bacon bits and add them in at the end. Give it a Mexican twist by adding pinto beans and 2-3 thinly sliced jalapenos at the same time as the leeks, and replacing fresh parsley with fresh oregano! Or, if you’ve got some time on your hands, oven bake all the root vegetables before adding them to the pot to give them a more intense flavour. I hope you enjoy it! * Veganizing this is simple. Use vegan butter and vegan sour cream! Massel chicken stock is also vegan, both as cubes and pre-made.

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

19

By Working it Out Older Tasmanians, their families and friends seeking information and support to navigate the aged care system will now be able to access free, friendly assistance through the Aged Care Navigation Trial.

Thirty-one organisations, led by COTA Australia will deliver the Aged Care System Navigators Trials across Australia. The trial is funded by the Australian Government as part of the Better Access to Aged Care program.

The trial aims to assist older people who may find it difficult to access or understand the aged care system and are accessing aged care for the first time or are transitioning between the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care Packages and/or Residential Aged Care.

In Tasmania the trial will be delivered by COTA Tasmania, The Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) and Working It Out Inc (WIO).

WIO’s role is as a Community Hub, providing information and support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender older Tasmanians and those with Intersex status, and their partners, families and friends, via a series of group sessions, as well as responding to individual inquiries. The WIO Community Hub will be coordinated by Community Development Officer Olivia Hogarth and a team of peer support volunteers across the state and aims to address any barriers LGBTI+ elders experience in navigating the Aged Care System.

The thought of accessing the aged care system provokes a great deal of fear and anxiety for many LGBTI elders. This trial is an opportunity to support people while they navigate the system, which may be very daunting, and will inform people about what is being done in the sector to build the capacity of workers to provide a safe and inclusive service for LGBTI older folks through the Silver Rainbow Project.

The Tasmanian pilot will also involve: • 2 Information Hubs run by COTA Tasmania (Launceston and Hobart with outreach to regional areas) • 1 Information Hub run by the Migrant Resource Centre • 1 Community Hub coordinated by the Migrant Resource Centre • Specialist Support Worker (.6 FTE) hosted

by COTA Tasmania 62 trials will be delivered across Australia totaling 32 information hubs, 21 community

20

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

hubs and 9 specialist support workers trials in specific locations.

The trials will be delivered in all states and territories, including regional, rural and metropolitan locations.

Volunteers needed!

The priority for WIO is to gather a team of volunteers to act as peer supporters. A peer supporter is (or would like to be) reasonably well connected in their community, particularly with older LGBTI folk, and able to be approached or contacted easily. It may be helpful to have experience with navigating the aged care system, but this is not necessary as training will be provided. The key responsibilities for peer support volunteers include providing information, referring to other supports when necessary and reporting on all activities. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, even if you’re not sure if you tick all the boxes, please get in touch using the details below.

Olivia Hogarth Community Development Officer Working It Out 03 6231 1200 liv@workingitout.org.au (My dedicated project days are alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays.)

Silver Rainbow Lucinda Shannon 03 6231 1200 s.rainbow@workingitout.org.au Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

21

SERVICES ATTITUDE COUNSELLING

WORKING IT OUT

Attitudecounselling.com Ph 0499 184 088 (Launceston)

www.workingitout.org.au

Affordable, confidential

Q-LIFE, NATIONAL www.qlife.org.au Ph 1800 184 527 Counselling 7 days 3.00 pm til midnight

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TASMANIA https://equalopportunity.tas.gov.au Ph 1300 305 062 The office of the anti-discrimination commissioner

GAY & LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD www.switchboard.org.au Ph 1800 184 527 Counselling and referrals

SCARLET ALLIANCE TASMANIAN SEX WORKER OUTREACH PROJECT outreachtas@scarletalliance.org.au Ph 0451 835 897 www.scarletalliance.org.au

SEX WORKER OUTREACH PROJECT (SWOP)

Sexuality and gender support and counselling

SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/sexualhealth Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Clinic 60 - 60 Collins St Hobart Ph 03 6166 2672 Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (drop in on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday mornings) Clinic 34 - 34 Howick St Launceston Ph 03 6777 1371 Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (drop in on Thursday mornings) Devonport - Ph 03 6777 1371 by appointment only Counselling, support, referrals, STI/HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions

TASCAHRD - TASMANIAN COUNCIL ON AIDS, HEPATITIS & RELATED DISEASES www.redthread.org.au Ph 1800 005 900

TAS POLICE LGBTIQ LIAISON OFFICERS

Resources for sex workers, including cis male and transgender sex workers

www.police.tas.gov.au Ph 03 6230 2111 (Hobart) Ph 03 6336 7000 (Launceston) Ph 03 6434 5211 (North West)

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SEX INDUSTRY NETWORK

ATDC TAS – THE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & OTHER DRUGS COUNCIL OF TASMANIA

www.swop.org.au

http://www.sin.org.au/SINmale Outreach, peer education, information, referrals, support, advocacy, working tips, resources and safer sex supplies to all male workers

TASPRIDE www.taspride.com Celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian LGBTIQQ community

http://www.atdc.org.au/ Advocating and initiatives

NUFIT GLENORCHY (ANGLICARE NSP) 436 Main Rd Glenorchy | Ph 1800 243 232 Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Sterile equipment, information, education, support and referrals

To have your service listed in this directory contact TasCAHRD on 03 6234 1242 or Health@tascahrd.org.au 22

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

DIRECTORY SHIELD

FAMILY PLANNING TASMANIA

www.shieldtasmania.org

http://www.fpt.asn.au 421 Main Rd Glenorchy Ph 03 6273 9117 | Mon - Fri 9:00 am – 5.00 pm 269 Wellington St Launceston Ph 03 6343 4566 | Mon - Fri 9:00 am – 5.00 pm 1 Pine Ave Burnie Ph 03 6431 7692 (Mon, Wed and Thurs)

Uniting and Supporting LGBTIQ youth based in Northern Tasmania

ANGLICARE NEEDLE & SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME 18 Watchorn St, Hobart | Ph 1800 243 232 Mon – Fri 12.30 am – 4.30 pm 24 hr vending machine ($2 fee)

Contraception and pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral

SALVATION ARMY NEEDLE & SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

GAY FRIENDLY CAFES

111 Elizabeth St Launceston | Ph 03 6323 7500 Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

THE LINK YOUTH HEALTH SERVICE & HEAD SPACE FOR PEOPLE AGED 12-24 http://www.thelink.org.au 57 Liverpool St Hobart | Ph 03 6231 2927 Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Counselling, outreach, case management, support for mental and sexual health, alcohol and drugs (incl NSP), family planning

HOBART COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE www.hobartlegal.org 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart | Ph 03 6223 2500 7 Station Lane, Sorell | Ph 03 6265 1911 Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater Ph 03 6263 4755

FLAMINGOS DANCE BAR www.flamingosbar.com Tasmania’s nightclub 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 socialise in a non-threatening environment

EAST COAST QUEER LIFE SUPPORT (ECQLS) Email ecqls.tas@gmail.com Ph 0467 000 748 Information and social activities

Basket & Green Cafe Bozzey Criterion Cafe Deloraine Deli DS Coffee House Fitzpatrick’s Inn Fleurty’s Cafe Lotus Eaters Ginger Brown Hamlet Hotel SOHO Jackman & McCross Kusinat Lansdowne Cafe Lebrina

Machine Laundry Cafe O’Keefe’s Hotel Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant Red Velvet Lounge Republic Bar Restaurant Red Restaurant Waterloo Retro Café Stonies Fifties Cafe Straight Up Coffee & Food Tasmania Inn

PREP SAVVY GPS Dr Jennifer Mission -Sandy Bay Clinic 279 Sandy Bay Road | Ph 62236822 Book online at www.sandybayclinic.com.au Dr Natasha Lovatt - Aboriginal Health Service 56 Patrick Street | Ph 6234 0777 and Eastern Shore Doctors – Bellerive 48 Cambridge Road | Ph 6282 1399 Dr Denys Volkovets George Town Medical Centre 49 Anne Street | Ph 6382 4333 Dr Wole Olomola City Medical Practice 10 Marine Terrace Burnie Dr Jane Cooper Don Medical Clinic Shop 7 / 48-54 Oldaker Street | Ph 6441 5299

Red thread Magazine - Winter 2019

23

ARE YOU LIVING WITH HEP C? NEW EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.

ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT IS EASY.

©

TALK TO YOUR GP.

N S W H e a l t h 2 018

FOR MORE INFO CALL 1800 437 222.

w w w.dhhs.t as.gov.au/hepc Depar tment of Health and Human Ser vices