Man2Man Issue 25

ISSUE 25 SPRING 2017

man2man A H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G R E S O U R C E F O R M E N I N 2 M E N

4 Fighting

for equality

Also in this issue:

10

Hep B in Tasmania

12

PrEP is coming to TAS: prepxtas

14

Louder & Louder: Queer youth of Tasmania + Resilience

FROM THE EDITOR

We’re baaack!

AFTER A BRIEF HIATUS FOR WINTER HIBERNATION, WE’VE HIT THE STREETS OF TASMANIA AGAIN, THIS TIME RUNNING TOWARDS DECEMBER 1ST – WORLD AIDS DAYS. If you want to know more about how you can help us raise awareness about HIV on World Aids Day contact TasCAHRD. We’re planning some activities and we are looking for volunteers to help.

If you do contact TasCAHRD, you might talk to the new CEO, who you can also meet on page nine of this magazine.

Cameron has picked up where Sabine left off, and all in all it has been a smooth transition. Many thanks to Sabine for her creative vision and executive talents that she wielded so well while she was here, and now that the baton has changed hands, we wish Cam well in trying those shiny shoes on that Sabine left behind.

Seems like a good fit so far.

As expected, the marriage equality debate persisted through winter. Marriage isn’t for everyone; the gods know that there are even some staunch Christian soldiers for whom the lofty realms of the holy sacrament of marriage isn’t very appealing (let alone attainable for social reasons). On the other hand, there are queers who want to tie the knot and stick together forever (or until their vows expire). Yet, our laws forbid us to do so. We are resilient, however, and we won’t shut up. So our illustrious leader offered us a vote on the matter. See how Andy frames it on pages four and five.

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

On that topic, Grant wrote for us about resilience, a theme well suited to the LGBTIQ activism space, but suited also to the season of spring. Just like the little sprouts and shoots in the ground, clinging tightly to their roots, resilience is the staying power that will keep us fighting. For an uplifting read, see pages six and seven.

There is plenty to catch up on otherwise: Matteo brings our attention to the PrEP trials starting up in Tas, Neylan tells us all about her Hep B project, there are some details about TasPRIDE’s Hallowe’en Ball and annual art competition, and it’s time for another few rounds of Hobart Out Tennis. Love all in a super fun kind of way.

Finally, we’d love to hear from you! It’s a fact of life it seems that we will always hear from people who want to complain about what we do. I must confess, it is sometimes a little interesting to get feedback from religious hetero-zealots about the abominations of sin that we perpetuate in this space. But to be balanced, we would also like to know the positive impact that our little street rag has.

If you missed us over winter, if you like what you read, if you have any suggestions, if you want to advertise your service, be in touch via email to projects@tascahrd.org.au.

CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS:

Marriage Equality

4

Resilience

6

8

Meet TasCAHRD’s New CEO

9

Making Hepatitis History

10

PrEP is coming to Tas

12

One litre water based lube Four Seasons water based lube 75 ml Services Directory Four Seasons water based lube 500 ml

Andrew Badcock Grant Blake Cameron Brown

The Hobart Out Tennis Doubles Tournament

Lube: Louder & Louder: Queer Youth of Tas

Neylan Aykut

Finnian Burman Sarah Livingston Hendry Luckman Matteo Senesi Tracey Wing

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

TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street Hobart $4 Open 9.00 am – 5.00$17 pm One litre lube 18water based 14 Lube: $17

$10 Four Seasons water based lube 75 ml Four Seasons water based lube 500 ml

$4 $10

TasCAHRD TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street, HOBART WARNING: some of the content of this magazine may be offensive to some readers.

319 Liverpool Street, HOBART OPENTasCAHRD 9am - 5pm receives funding from the Crown, 9am through Department of Health OPEN - the 5pm and Human Services, to provide these services.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

This publication is an initiative of the Editor: Lube: expressed in Man2man are those Views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect This publication is an initiati Health Promotion Program at the Matt Anning One litre water based lube $17 the views of TasCAHRD. Health Promotion Program Four Seasons water based lube 75 ml

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis $4

Contributors:

Tasmanian Four Seasons wateris based lube 500 ml $10 This publication an initiative of the and Health Promotion Program at the Tasmanian Council Related Diseases, (TasCAHRD).

Matteo SenesiCouncil on AIDS, and Related on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases (TasCAHRD).

Sarah Lenehan Diseases, (TasC Views expressed in Man2Man are

Views expressed in Man2M

Blake those of the andadvertised do not Would you like to see your business orauthors service inGrant this mag?

TasCAHRD those of the authors and do Matt Newell reflect the views of 319 Liverpool Street, for HOBART Contact TasCAHRD rates necessarily – projects@tascahrd.org.au necessarily Tracey Wing reflect the views

OPEN 9am - 5pm

TasCAHRD. OurTasCAHRD. colleagues at TasCAHRD Phone: 03 6234 1242 Phone: 03 6234 1242 Design & Layout: This publication is an initiative of the Editor: Email: projects@tascahrd.org.au projects@tascahrd.o Health Promotion Program at the Matt Anning EdeEmail: Magnussen Post: GPO Box Tasmanian Council on595 AIDS,Hobart Hepatitis Contributors:Printing Post: courtesy GPO Box of: 595 Hobart Tasmania 7001 (TasCAHRD). and Related Diseases, Matteo Senesi Tasmania 7001 Xerox Hobart PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY Views Sarah Lenehan Web: tascahrd.org.au expressed in Man2Man are Web: tascahrd.org.au Grant Blake those of the authors and do not Facebook: Man2ManTas Facebook: Man2ManTas Matt Newell

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

necessarily reflect the views of Tracey Wing TasCAHRD. TasCAHRD receives funding from the Our colleagues atTasCAHRD TasCAHRD receives funding Phone: 03 6234 1242 Department of Crown, through Health Crown, through Departmen Design & Layout: Email: andprojects@tascahrd.org.au Human Services, to provide Edethese Magnussen and Human Services, to pro Post: GPO Box 595 Hobart Printing courtesyservices. of: services.

Tasmania 7001 Xerox Hobart Web: tascahrd.org.au Facebook: Man2ManTas

TasCAHRD receivesor funding from Would you like to see your business service advertised thisbusiness mag? or service3 ad Would youthe like to seeinyour through Department of Health Contact TasCAHRD forCrown, rates – p r oj ec t s@t a s c a h r d . o r g . a u . – pr ojec t s @ t a Contact TasCAHRD for rates and Human Services, to provide these MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

by ANDREW BADCOCK

Marriage Equality DECIDED BY A POSTAL VOTE, OR NOT THE SKY DIDN’T FALL IN WHEN FRANCE DID IT THROUGH A PASSAGE OF PARLIAMENT. WHEN THE USA SUPREME COURT RULED IN AFFIRMATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS, IT CAME WITH CHEERS AND APPLAUSE. GOSH, CANADA HAS ALREADY CELEBRATED ITS DECADE ANNIVERSARY, AND MANY MORE COUNTRIES – SUCH AS GERMANY - PASSED THEIR OWN BILLS WITH A SIMPLE VOTE. The topic I’m talking about is marriage equality. Since the turn of the century, millions more people around the world can marry their partner – equal together in law and in the eyes of their society - and yet in Australia our federal government has decided we need a non-binding optional old-fashioned paper postal voting survey to decide whether marriage equality can happen.

They could have simply phoned a friend - New Zealand - to find out the answer.

Throughout our history books on Human Rights our Australian Government has a mixed record – some we can be proud of such as being the first country in the world to give women the rights to vote in federal elections and to be elected in those elections (in 1902) –

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

and at times a shameful record such as the White Australia Policy. Adding to the embarrassment list, our federal government spent $122 million on a survey that decides to recognise (or not) the human rights of a marginalised community group who have a history of standing proud against historical waves of prejudice.

The good news is that a decade of statistically valid polls (unlike this expensive participation-optional postal vote) shows that the majority of Australians support marriage equality and celebrate their love and support of their LGBTI peers, friends, and family members.

In every period of history, when Australians stand against hatred and

mistruths, we eventually win - the right for women to vote, legalisation of interracial marriages, creation of anti-discrimination acts, dismantling of White Australia policies, decriminalisation of homosexuality, adoption rights regardless of a couple’s gender, etc, the list continues to grow.

Marriage Equality is no different, eventually love and human rights will win out.

So over the next couple of months please remember you are loved, your rights are right, and regardless of the result, the Australian Government will eventually join the rest of the western world and legislate marriage equality. #VoteYES This form can be submitted electronically at: equalopportunity. tas.gov.au

Marriage Equality During the period of the marriage equality postal survey some people may experience harassment or abuse (in person, through written materials or online). To help us to support the community during this period, we encourage you to let us know of incidents. This will mean help or information can be provided where it is needed.

Your contact details (Optional – you can remain anonymous if you wish)

In the meantime, we can continue to stand together in support until marriage equality is enshrined in Australian law - not just in the majority of Australians’ hearts.

Organisations are coming out as allies, publicly and throughout Tasmania – they are promoting safe spaces for LGBTI people during difficult times - Working It Out, Relationships Australia Tasmania, Headspace Hobart, Women’s Health Tasmania, The Link Youth Health Service, and TasCAHRD. The list of services continues to grow, but if you don’t fit the services, there are always online and telephone support services such as beyondblue, LifeLine, and QLife.

Name: Telephone:

Email:

Are you the person who was abused or harassed?

Yes

No If no, please provide details

Details of the affected person Age

Gender Female Male Non-binary

40-49 50-59 60-65 66-75 >75 Unknown

<10 10-14 15-19 20-29 30-39

Is the person?

In a same-sex relationship The child of a person in a same-sex relationship A student or young person A member of a religious group Active in the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ campaign Other Details:

Marriage Equality

Provide details if you wish

What happened?

When did it happen (if known) Where did it happen?

/

/

at

am

pm

During the periodSuburb: of the marriage equality postal survey some people may experience ha person, through written materials or online). To help us to support the community during th you to let us know of incidents. This will mean help or information can be provided where

(eg, street, shopping centre, through the post, online)

Did you report the incident?

If yes, who to? (eg, police) What happened? (add extra pages and attach any relevant materials if needed)

Your contact details (Optional – you can remain anonymous if you wish) Name: Telephone:

How did the incident affect you?

Who was responsible (if known)?

Email:

Do you want us to contact you?

Yes

No (if yes, please make sure we have a contact number

Are you the person who was abused or harassed?

We can provide information on where you can get help or explain how to make complaint under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.

Please return this form to Equal Opportunity Tasmania

Yes

No If no, please provide details

Reply Paid 83343, Hobart TAS 7001 (no stamp required) or by e-mail: office@equalopportunity.tas.gov.au

Need help?

Details of the affected person

Phone (03) 6165 7515 or 1300 305 062 Web SMS 0409 301 083 Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450

TTY 133 677 Speak and Listen 1300 555 727

Gender Female Male Non-binary

Age <10 10-14 15-19 20-29 30-39

40-49 50-59 60-65 66-75 >75 Unknown

#VOTEYES Provide details if you wish

And remember that inciting hatred and prejudice is illegal in Tasmania, therefore you never have to suffer from it silently.

Go to these allied spaces, draw upon the shoulders of trusted friends and family, and importantly, report it. Equal Opportunity Tasmania takes harassment and bullying seriously. They have created incident reporting forms to enable anyone who witnesses or experiences discrimination, harassment and bullying to file a report on the incidents, formally or informally, during this postal vote campaign.

In a same-sex relationsh The child of a person in a relationship A student or young perso A member of a religious Active in the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ Other Details:

ONLINE AND TELEPHONE What happened?

SUPPORT SERVICES: When did it happen (if known) / / at Where did it happen?

These are spaces in Tasmania which will support people feeling isolated and targeted over the next couple of months. Please access them if you or someone you know needs it.

Is the person?

Suburb:

am

pm

(eg, street, shopping centre, through the post, online)

Did you report the incident?

QLife

If yes, who to? (eg, police)

What happened? (add extra pages and attach any relevant materials if needed) Counselling and referral service for LGBTI people 1800 184 527

beyondblue For anyone feeling depressed How did the incident affect you? or anxious Who was responsible (if known)?

1300 224 636 Do you want us to contact you?

Yes No (if yes, please make sure we have a contact number Headspace We can provide information on where you can get help or explain how to make complaint Mental health service for ages 12-25 Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.

1800 650 890 Please return this form to Equal Opportunity Tasmania

Reply Paid 83343, Hobart TAS 7001 (no stamp required) or by e-mail: office@equaloppor Lifeline

Need help?

Support for anyone having a Phone (03) 6165 7515 or 1300 305 062 personal Web SMS 0409 crisis 301 083 Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450 13 11 14

TTY 133 677 Speak and Listen 1300 55

Suicide Call Back Service For anyone thinking about suicide

1300 659 467

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by GRANT BLAKE

Resilience RESILIENCE IS THE ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK FROM UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS COPING WITH WORK STRESS, LOSS OF A RELATIONSHIP, OR ANY OTHER DIFFICULT EXPERIENCE. ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, CARING AND SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS (E.G., FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND PARTNERS) ARE CRITICAL TO DEVELOPING RESILIENCE. THIS IS BECAUSE RELATIONSHIPS OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE HEALTHY COMMUNICATION SKILLS, EXERCISE PROBLEM SOLVING, AND REALITY TEST OUR THINKING.

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

Psychological research has also identified distress tolerance as a key predictor of a person’s resilience. Distress tolerance refers to a person’s ability to tolerate unpleasant or distressing emotions. Someone might be described as distress-tolerant when they think, “I don’t like feeling this way but I can cope with it.”

anxious? They escape, get help or tackle the situation head on. Anxiety is for protection.

The opposite is called distress intolerance.

Distress intolerance describes a person’s extreme opposition to feeling unpleasant emotions. Common distress intolerance beliefs are “I hate this feeling,” “I shouldn’t feel this why,” “why do I feel this way?”

“I can’t escape this feeling,” and “I can’t cope with this.” Distress intolerance beliefs typically make a person feel even worse, so they rely on distress escape methods to block the emotion. Distress escape methods can include procrastination, alcohol or drug abuse, gambling, excessive gaming, excessive internet use, excessive sleeping, excessive sex or masturbation, and self-harm.

And last of all, stress. Stress is a kick up the butt to get things done.

The good news is that distress intolerance beliefs and escape behaviours can be overcome with the help of a psychologist or counsellor. This involves working with the therapist to identify your triggers, figuring out which of your thoughts might be unrealistic or unhelpful, and replacing distress escape behaviours with more helpful coping strategies. Addressing these issues can improve resilience.

Bad things happen – it’s a harsh reality of life that we must come to accept. We are going to have our hearts broken, lose loved ones, and experience all kinds of emotions, such as, anger, sadness, fear and stress. Attempting to block or control the emotions inevitably results in them resurfacing at another time, so avoidance is never the answer.

A helpful strategy to improve resilience is to shift your perspective on unpleasant emotions. For example, ask yourself “What are the good things about sadness? What do people normally do when they are sad?”

You might realise that sadness can lead a person to temporarily withdraw, think, then share with others. This means sadness is an opportunity for reflection.

What do people do when feeling fearful or

What about anger? We communicate our rights and face up to unfairness.

Anger is for setting fair boundaries.

Given the current political climate, it is completely understandable if you’re experiencing some of these emotions, if not all of them. Some people might feel anxious that homophobic attitudes are on the rise, or sad about the opinions of those close to them. Others might feel angry that their rights to equal and fair treatment continue to be debated in public.

Whatever your emotional reaction to the current political climate, it is important to remember that you shouldn’t discount your feelings. Engaging with distress intolerance beliefs will only cause more harm than good.

It will also interfere with your ability to take hold of that unpleasant emotion and use it your strength. That is to say that distress intolerance will deprive you of a resilient outcome.

Top tips: • Rethink your unpleasant emotions:

o Sadness = Reflection

o Fear/Anxiety = Protection

o Anger = Boundaries

o Stress = Action • If you’ve got a lot going on and your emotions are taking control, chat to someone you trust. This might include family, friends, your doctor, or a counsellor/psychologist.

• If anxiety and/or depression are an issue for you, sign up to Mindspot.org. au for self-paced online treatment.

Alternatively, speak to a doctor for a referral to a psychologist.

• Monitor your thoughts to see if you’re distress tolerant or distress intolerant.

Grant Blake is a Clinical Psychologist at ForensiClinic Consulting (199 Campbell Street, Hobart).

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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The Hobart Out Tennis Doubles Tournament The Hobart Out Tennis Doubles Tournament is back again for 2018! Playing on Friday 26th January (night) and Saturday 27th January (all day) at Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart, this tournament caters for all levels of play is and open to everyone.

The winners will get a laser-engraved Huon Pine plaque! There will also be a players’ party on 27th January from 7 p.m. at Hotel SOHO where you can watch the 2018 Australian Open Women’s Final with your peers.

Entry is AUD $50 per player and includes a goody bag, BBQ lunch and entry to the players’ party (first drink and food included).

The Hobart Out Tennis tournament is part of the worldwide Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) world tour, a worldwide tennis tour of more than 70 tournaments, organised by the LGBT community where everyone is welcome to play.

For more information or if you would like to help out in any way, please feel free to visit our website hobartouttennis.weebly.com or contact us.

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CAMERON BROWN

Meet TasCAHRD’s New CEO CAMERON BROWN HAS RECENTLY JOINED TASCAHRD AFTER ENJOYING A DIVERSE AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS. Cameron came into the not-for-profit sector after undertaking a number of senior roles in private enterprise and the Australian government. He was National Distribution Manager with Medicare Australia for nearly five years and among many other innovations, introduced national workload and workforce management systems and national telephone scheduling practices.

Cameron also led Medicare Australia’s response to H1N1, Swine Flu, and was a supporting partner in the whole of Government response to SARS and Avian Influenza. Importantly, Cameron worked for Medicare in Tasmania, the home of the PBS Highly Specialised Drugs program, which provides First-line HIV anti-retroviral medicines to HIV positive people, and in this work he developed a strong grounding and commitment to quality health outcomes.

Cameron is delighted by the opportunity to join TasCAHRD after long admiring its many programs and their impact, and he pays tribute to those that have come before him, in particular to the current team of professionals who he has the pleasure of working with every day.

“In my short time here, the impact of the work of TasCAHRD is clear,” Cameron said. “Australians care deeply about equality and fairness and TasCAHRD and its fabulous team plays a very special role in caring for and supporting a diverse range of people, when they need it the most”.

Most recently, Cameron worked for the Department of Human Services developing change management and communication policy and products. He was granted the 2017 DHS award for Innovation in recognition for his work leading these activities across Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support agencies.

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by NEYLAN AYKUT

Making Hepatitis History TASCAHRD HEP B PROJECT

HEPATITIS IS VERY COMMON IN THE WORLD. IT HAS BEEN CALLED THE ‘HIDDEN KILLER’ OF OUR TIME AND IS THE 7TH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH WORLDWIDE. DESPITE THIS, IT HAS BEEN LEFT OFF THE GLOBAL HEALTH AGENDA UNTIL RECENTLY. IN 2016, A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO FREE THE WORLD FROM HEPATITIS BY 2030 WAS SIGNED – AND IT’S A REAL POSSIBILITY – IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER.

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

What is hepatitis? – Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The liver is the body’s largest internal organ, responsible for many important functions. Hepatitis B is the most common liver infection in the world. The hepatitis B virus enters the body via the blood stream and travels to the liver where it attaches to healthy liver cells awnd multiplies. Hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and in some cases can lead to liver cancer. In fact, 78% of all liver cancers are caused by viral hepatitis.

Worldwide, 240 million people have been infected with hepatitis B and about 600,000 people die every year due to the consequences of hepatitis B. Hepatitis B prevalence is highest in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. Most people in these regions become infected with the hepatitis B virus during childhood.

Australia has a lower rate of hepatitis B than many other countries, but rates are rising, including in Tasmania. It is estimated that more than 232,000 people have hepatitis B in Australia. It is estimated that more than 1 third, or 77,300 people do not realise they have hepatitis B. There are no clear signs that you have hepatitis B – only a blood test will be able to tell you.

Hepatitis B is a blood-borne virus.

You can get hepatitis B from blood to blood contact, and bodily fluids. You can get hepatitis B from unprotected sex, unsterilized needles and medical equipment, and sharing personal items which could cause minor wounds such as razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers.

The most common way that hepatitis B is transmitted it from mother to child during childbirth.

children who get hep B will have chronic hep B for life.

To find out if you have hepatitis B, or if you have already been vaccinated, you can request a blood test from your doctor, or book an appointment with your closest Sexual Health Service for free. The test will give you a lot of information. The test will show if you have hepatitis B, if you’ve had the vaccination, or if you’ve contracted hepatitis B and developed an immunity.

We are lucky we have access to the hepatitis B vaccination in Australia. You will be able to get the hepatitis B vaccination for free – ask your doctor. To get the best protection against hepatitis B, adults should receive three doses of the vaccine at zero, 1 and 6 month intervals. A follow-up check is recommended. Then you will be protected against getting hepatitis B for life.

If you have hepatitis B, treatment is available and you will need to take extra care of your liver. Talk to your doctor about the options available to help you live a long and healthy life. You may wish to tell your family and encourage them to be tested too. And you will be able to stop the virus from being passed on further, helping the world end hepatitis by the year 2030.

Neylan Aykut Hep B Project TasCAHRD

When you first get hep B, it is called ‘acute hep B,’ and many people manage to fight and beat it – after which they are immune.

If your immune system does not beat the hep B virus, it becomes ‘chronic’ hep B. If you get hepatitis B when you are young or when you have a weakened immune system, then you are more likely to develop ‘chronic hep B.’ 90% of infants who get hep B will have chronic hep B for life. 30% of

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by MATTEO SENSEI

PrEP is coming to TAS: prepxtas PREP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) IS INTENDED FOR ANYBODY WHO IS CURRENTLY HIV NEGATIVE AND WISHES TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM CONTRACTING HIV.

The pill (branded with the name Truvada) is a mix of two medicines, tenofovir and emtricitabine, already approved and widely used for treating HIV. While most PrEP users do not experience any side effects when taking the medication, short-term side effects like nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness have been reported. Usually, side effects resolve naturally within the first week after commencing treatment.

In HIV-negative users, an adequate level of PrEP in the bloodstream, roughly one pill per day, significantly reduces the ability of the HIV virus to replicate within the body.

When taken daily, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by 92% and the risk reduction increases to almost

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

IN 2014, ACCORDING TO THE GAY COMMUNITY PERIODIC SURVEY FOR TASMANIA: 15% OF MEN KNEW THAT PREP WAS AVAILABLE. IN 2016, RESEARCHERS WERE PLEASED TO SEE THIS FIGURE RISE: 50% OF MEN KNEW THAT PREP WAS AVAILABLE. THAT MEANS THAT ONE IN TWO GAY MEN IN TASMANIA DON’T KNOW THAT PREP IS AVAILABLE. IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF CONTRACTING HIV THEN YOU CAN TAKE PREP. PREP STOPS HIV DEAD IN ITS TRACKS.

100% when PrEP is used together with a condom.

Failure of PrEP has been reported in less than 10 people across all the studies underway in the world, and most of the failures are attributed to inadequate levels of PrEP in the bloodstream at the moment of the HIV infection, probably because prescription was not adhered to properly.

The availability of PrEP in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has been under discussion for more than a year, and we still don’t have an answer whether PrEP will be subsidised. Nevertheless, PrEP can be obtained online at variable prices ranging from AUD $35 - $100 per month.

At the same time, several medical and research institutes in Australia have started PrEP trials to test its efficacy, and recently, thanks to funding from the Tasmanian Government, a study called Prepxtas started in September in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. To be eligible for this study, participants were required to be over 18, have a valid Medicare card and have no confounding health issues.

If eligible, with a modest price of 39AUD, participants will have access to 3 months’ supply of PrEP and contribute to the study of how the drug can protect those at risk from new HIV infections.

PrEP short-term studies are available regarding the safety and tolerability of the drug in HIVnegative people and the majority reported a significant efficacy in protecting themselves from an HIV infection.

Since PrEP has become available through trials and online pharmacies, HIV clinics have registered an astounding decrease in new HIV diagnosis for the first time since the 90’s, meaning that the tools available today such as regular testing, PrEP and accessibility to anti-retroviral therapy might be sufficient to eliminate new HIV infections and to defeat the virus.

Doctors are cautious in attributing the merit to PrEP as most of the studies are still on-going, but the fall in new HIV diagnoses and the commercialisation of PrEP are clearly not just events casually occurring at the same time.

Dr Matteo Senesi Department of Medicine University of Melbourne

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by FINNIAN BURMAN

Louder & Louder:

QUEER YOUTH OF TAS WORKING WITH VULNERABLE LGBTI PEOPLE IS COMPLICATED AND GREY: IT’S FULL OF WONDERFUL PEOPLE AND CONFUSED PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP.

Yet, support can be hard to come by, and assistance from other queer groups can be near-futile. When we’ve needed security, systems only provided small start-ups with token gestures, although for light fluff and free spaces to do events, they’re alright.

Being a community leader isn’t a role I was built for, or one I believe I particularly succeed in, yet those around me see me as a beacon of confidence and agency, and in a way, that’s probably evidence enough that what we’re doing is important.

In March of 2016, my now-extremely-goodfriend Sarah set up a simple Facebook group called ‘Queer Youth of Tas.’ Like many young queer people, she felt isolated

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

• We were the largest group to participate in Hobart’s Pride Parade last year, with over seventy people marching under our banner (we are aiming for over one hundred this year!)

• We partnered with local community organisation Working It Out to arrange events such as the Rainbow Prom, which was a hugely successful affair.

• We raised over $3000 for the Leukaemia Foundation in March this year, when twelve of us participated in the World’s Greatest Shave.

• We arranged and hosted a candlelight vigil for the gay men of Chechnya.

• We’ve routinely been invited to speak about LGBTI issues on ABC and Edge Radio stations, and WIN News.

Most importantly, we provide a safe, friendly space for hundreds of young people to come together and talk about their gender, sexuality, how to deal with coming out and rough home situations. I have no doubt that these young people would be far more isolated and unsure without the group.

and alone. At the time, there were no easily-accessible specific youth groups for LGBTI people in Hobart, so Sarah took it upon herself to create one. She had hoped to bring maybe fifty people together to chat. In the first two nights, numbers pushed over one hundred.

Sarah and I became friends and workmates when it became apparent to her that she needed help to manage the sudden influx of confused young people that were now looking to her for advice and regular events. I joined in as a secondary page leader in June. Since then, our flock of nearly six hundred LGBTI youth from across Tasmania has achieved some major goals:

Nothing about this work is easy. Sarah and I are frequently under scrutiny, but at the end of the day, actions speak much louder than words. We weren’t born for these roles, we had no intention of things ever getting to this point, but here we are; louder and louder, we are raising our voices for the queer youth of Tasmania, which was something our state was sorely missing: The voice of young people.

Queer Youth of Tas is an online social group that regularly hosts public events for LGBTIQ people aged 14-25. You can find them on Facebook.

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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Rapid HIV testing Full STI screening PEP and PrEP Information Free and confidential CLINIC 60 60 Collins Street, Hobart, by appointment, Ph. 6166 0990 Or drop in Tuesdays 2:15pm – 4:00pm and Thursdays 9:00am – 12:00pm

CLINIC 319 (FROM MID-OCTOBER) 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart, by appointment, Ph. 6234 1242 Thursdays 4:00pm – 6:30pm

CLINIC 34 34 Howick Street, Launceston, by appointment, Ph. 6777 1371 Or drop in Thursdays 9:00am – 12:00pm

CLINIC 23 23 Steel Street, Devonport, by appointment, Ph. 6777 1371

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR ONLINE PEER EDUCATOR WORK TasCAHRD is seeking volunteers to provide sexual health information to men who have sex with men You need to be: •

Someone with a masculine identity & attracted to other men

•

Familiar with male hook-up platforms like Grindr, Squirt & Scruff

•

Available for 2 – 3 hours per week at night and/or on weekends

Training provided Interested in helping improve and empower your community’s health?

Contact Tracey – Phone: 03 6234 1242 Email: health@tascahrd.org.au

Hella Queer featuring DJ Argonaut & your host, Minnie Cooper

9pm till late - Grand Poobah 142 Liverpool St Hobart TasPride Members $15 Others $20 Tickets at taspride.com

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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SERVICES DIRECTORY NATIONAL Q-Life, National LGBTIQ web based and hone counselling and support service, everyday, 3.00pm til midnight. P 1800 184 527 www.qlife.org.au

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

Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information & referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania.

P: 1800 184 527. www.switchboard.org.au

Scarlet Alliance Sex Worker Outreach Project. www.scarletalliance.org au

Sexual Health Service Counselling, support, referrals & STI & HIV testing. P: 1800 675 859 (Free call) E:sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au

TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases. P: 1800 005 900 www.tascahrd.org.au

Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) A community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. Stall at the Salamanca Market every Saturday. www.tglrg.org

Tas Police LGBTI Liaison Officers P:(03) 6230 2111 (Hobart) P:(03) 6336 7000 (Launceston) P:(03) 6434 5211 (North West) www.police.tas.gov.au

TasPride Dedicated to celebrating& uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. www.taspride.com

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

Working It Out Tasmania’s sexuality & gender support & education service which also provides counselling & support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. www.workingitout.org.au

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

Sexual Health Service 60 Collins St, Hobart Ph:03 6233 3557 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm. Clinic times may vary. http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ sexual health/ sexuaI_health_service_ tasmania Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

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

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

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

Hobart Community Legal Service

Burnie - Family Planning Tasmania

provides advice and representation to clients in areas such as: discrimination law, employment law, consumer credit, Centrelink disputes, and child support. They offer free evening information sessions at the Hobart office on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm, where volunteer solicitors give information on all legal areas. Mon-Thur 9am-5pm; Fri 9am-lpm www. hobartlegal.org.au Appointments are required for some services, ring ahead to find out.

166 Macquarie Street, Hobart Ph: 03 6223 2500 7 Station Lane, Sorell Ph: 03 6265 1911 Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater Ph: 03 6263 4755

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

Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania’s weekly dub committed to providing a tolerant, safe, informative and fun environment for people of alternative sexualities and their friends to be able to enjoy themselves and socialize in a non threatening environment. www.flamingosbar.com

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

Launceston - Sexual Health Service

Devonport - Sexual Health Service Ph: 03 6777 1371 or toll free 1800 675 859.

Clinic times may vary. Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

EAST COAST East Coast Queer life Support (ECQLS) North East support association coordinating & providing services & social activities for GLBTI people. E: ecqls.tas@gmail.com or call Peter on 0467 000 748.

GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES DS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty’s Cafe, Restaurant Waterloo, Lebrina, Kusinat, Republic Bar, Criterion Cafe, Lansdowne Cafe, Retro Café, Machine Laundry Cafe, Jackman and McCross, Basket and Green, Ginger Brown, Deloraine Deli, O’Keefe’s Hotel, Stonies Fifties Cafe, Fitzpatrick’s Inn, The King of Burnie Hotel, Tasmania Inn, Hotel SOHO, Restaurant Red, Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant, Cafe Bozzey.

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

42 Canning St, Launceston Ph: 03 6336 2216 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Clinic times may vary. www.dhhs.tas.gov.au Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

NSP - Salvation Army Building 111 Elizabeth St, Launceston Ph: 03 63237500 Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:00pm This is a primary NSP in Northern Tasmania.

The service provides non judgemental clean, ster access the service.

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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WORLD AIDS DAY December 1, 2017

Volunteer to hand out red ribbons & collect donations on December 1st, contact Tracey at TasCAHRD Phone: 6234 1242 or Email: mail@tascahrd.org.au

Collection centres in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport & Burnie