M2M Summer 2018

ISSUE 26 SUMMER 2018

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 S F O R D S G P E O P L E

Also in this issue:

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Impulse Control

10

Australia says YES!

12

U=U

+ Hear and Queer + Dorothy Awards + Harm Reduction

FROM THE EDITOR

Summer edition!

THANKS FOR PICKING UP THIS COPY OF M2M, ISSUE 26, SUMMER 2018.

In November last year, Australians were encouraged to give their opinions about marriage equality. It is notable that so many people made the effort to vote on something that directly affects the lives of others. If the stats are still correct that one in ten people is gay, then that means that roughly five million straight Australians sought to provide their opinion to allow marriage between DSG people. It gives me hope that one day people of all walks of life will be accepted in the community.

selves. Our opinions and judgements influence the nuances of our lifestyles.

At some point I have to decide the answers to those question. And while I’ll ask you for your opinion on stuff, and I’ll give you mine if you ask me, let’s maybe keep our judgements about ourselves.

We all have opinions and we all make judgements. But do they count? Mandatory detention doesn’t affect me directly.

But I’d like my opinion to count.

How about the pure Australian policy that has seen the rinsing of identity of so many of our politicians recently?

Impulse control – Judging for yourself when enough is enough.

The difference between an opinion and a judgement is seen to have to do with finality. In any case, we know that humans practise judgement as a fundamental feature of our daily lives. What to eat?

Where to live? Whom to love? Let us feel empowered to embrace our judging

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

In the meantime, here are some ideas to open up to: Hear and Queer – a group of recording youths found guilty of being supremely awesome.

Australia Says Yes – but stay tuned for how our parliament decides.

U=U – What’s your opinion about having sex with an HIV positive undetectable person?

The Dorothies – awards for LGBTIQ inclusive organisations.

Harm Reduction – taking risks needn’t preclude playing safer.

CONTENTS

Lube:

Hear and Queer is here!

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Impulse Control

6

Transgender Day of Remembrance in Hobart

9

Australia says YES!

10

U=U

12

Dorothy Awards

14

Harm Reduction

16

Services Directory

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

CONTRIBUTORS:

Grant Blake

Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania

Andrew Badcock

Finnian Danger

Susan Ditter Cordelia Attenborough

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

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

publication is an initiative of the Editor: Lube: expressed in M2M are those ofThis Views the authors and do not necessarily reflectThis 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 Cordelia Attenborough

Hear & Queer is here!

IN 2016, ABC’S HEYWIRE PUT A CALL OUT TO LGBTI+ YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN REGIONAL PLACES WANTING TO HEAR THEIR VOICES. LAST YEAR WE RESPONDED WITH HEAR & QUEER, A PODCAST DOCUMENTING THE STORIES OF LGBTI+ YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN TASMANIA. RECORDED AND PRODUCED BY A GROUP OF YOUNG LGBTI+ TASMANIANS, AND WORKING IT OUT - TASMANIA’S GENDER, SEXUALITY AND INTERSEX STATUS SUPPORT AND EDUCATION SERVICE, HEAR & QUEER IS ABOUT PROVIDING A POSITIVE AND INSIGHTFUL PLATFORM FOR QUEER YOUTH IN TASMANIA.

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

Our podcast is conscious of the limited representation of the queer community in the media, and so aims to provide a space for real and relatable queer experiences to be shared. We want our community to feel valued and listened to. Jasper, 22, whose story will feature in the debut series said, I chose to tell my story for the podcast project because I believe in the power of storytelling and representation. We as an LGBTI+ community, and especially in my experience, the trans community, are often sensationalised or left invisible. I wanted to tackle this using my own diverse voice as a person who has identified across the spectrum of gender and sexuality and come out of it happy. If I can make one person realise the way they feel when they look at somebody of the same gender isn’t wrong, or that they will one day identify with who they see in their reflection, that they too will be happy. Then I will have achieved what I set out to do with telling my story.

The podcast strives to represent a diverse range of individuals, with our first series bringing storytellers from Somerset to Kelso Beach, to Devonport, Launceston and Hobart. This collection of stories demonstrates how different life is for queer young people living in regional places.

Our first series tells stories which delve into the lives of those who often go unheard.

Raw and deep conversations about coming out, transitioning, romance, acceptance and living in a world where representation of queer people is hard to find.

According to Julia Jean, 21, who also features in a podcast episode, I decided to share my coming out story so that other young teens living in rural areas who may be questioning their sexuality can see that they are not alone. That what they’re feeling is perfectly okay and that they are valid and worthy of love and acceptance. I wish when I was younger that there was someone out there to tell me that I was going to be okay and that who I was scared of being was okay.

Though I was anxious to share my story and have others listen to it, I found the experience liberating actually, finally saying aloud how I came to be here at a time in my life where I fully accept my sexuality and love myself.

Each episode is a personal and insightful story shared by different queer young people living in Tasmania who vary in gender, sexual orientation and experience with their identity in their lives. Some of our storytellers are ‘out’ and open about who they are, while others have elected to stay anonymous due to the environment of stigma and discrimination that is still alive. Many who have chosen to tell their story hope that by doing so they can help others come to accept themselves, reduce isolation and help instil a greater understanding in the broader community about the challenges faced by LGBTI+ young people.

Zachary, 21, who will also feature in Hear & Queer, said of recording his story, I wanted to take part in this podcast project as a way of giving people an idea of what it is like to grow up in North West Tasmania as a young queer person. I’ve loved telling my story and I hope sharing my story inspires others from the North West to tell their stories.

Hear & Queer’s first season will debut in November 2017 and will feature music by Zevende Klasse, a project of established Hobart musician Chloe Escott (The Native Cats).

Keep an eye out via the Working It Out website and Facebook page for the launch of Hear & Queer and direct access to episodes via our brand new website and Facebook page.

Hear & Queer is a project of Working It Out Inc, supported by an FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant. We would also like to thank Hobart City Council’s Youth Arts and Recreation Centre for the use of their recording room.

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by GRANT BLAKE

Impulse Control SUMMER LOVIN’, AND CHOCOLATES, AND SPENDING, AND HOLIDAYS, AND PARTYING, AND EATING, AND DRINKING, AND ALL THE FUN THINGS YOU JUST WANT NOW!

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

Impulse control is the ability to resist temptation, such as not having that extra drink you know shouldn’t. It can be a pretty dry topic but it is one that needs to be discussed. As summer vibes start to buzz, we are often confronted with temptations to push our financial and substance use limits.

Naturally, we want to enjoy all that summer and life has to offer. Our challenge is to find the right balance between having a good time now without interfering with future opportunities and our health.

From a neuropsychological perspective, the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a region in the frontal lobes of the brain, is responsible for impulse control. When this area of the brain is underactive or adversely affected a person can act impulsively and open themselves up to painful consequences. For example, impulsive spending sprees, gambling, unsafe sex and drink driving all have the potential to cause significant psychological distress, hardship, and risk to self and others.

Many things can affect the impulsivity, thus elevating the potential for risk taking behaviour and the associated harms. These can include ADHD, anxiety, personality disorders, alcohol and other drugs, hunger, and fatigue. To put it simply, you need to keep on top of your physical and mental health to reduce the risk of making bad decisions. No surprises there, right?

Psychology experiments have identified some interesting biases about how we evaluate our impulse control abilities.

One series of experiments provided fake feedback to social smokers that they were either high or low in impulse control. The ‘high’ impulse control smokers then went on to smoke more cigarettes than the participants who were told they had low impulse control. Additionally, social smokers tend to have similar fail rates at quitting as full-time smokers even though they aren’t physically addicted.

So, what’s the moral of the story?

Well, we all have the ability to unconsciously distort the truth about how in control we are. This means we need to make a conscious effort to reflect honestly on our impulsivity.

The good news is that setting up healthy habits now might prevent these risks from ever occurring.

TOP TIPS: • Don’t make big decisions when affected by alcohol or other drugs

One of the unspoken impacts of poor impulse control is shame. The impulsive individual hides the consequences of their decisions from others, driving them into a state of withdrawal and/or compensatory sensation seeking to overcome these unpleasant feelings. A common experience is drinking alcohol to feel better after over-spending, and then using sex to feel connected with others and avoid feelings of shame. The person then becomes trapped in a negative cycle of placing their health and finances at further risk.

• Absolutely never drink or drug drive

Problematically, people often don’t realise the risks associated with their decisions until it is too late. A maxed out credit card, a wardrobe full of ASOS and a hangover are usually reliable signs that you might have gone too far.

• Get a sexual health check-up

• Live within your means – credit card debt has a stronger correlation with suicidal thoughts than any other type of debt • Keep condoms and lube in your car and at home • Leave your credit card at home if going out on the town • Delete gambling and shopping apps from your phone

• Chat to your GP or a mental health professional if you find yourself repeatedly in trouble from making impulsive decisions

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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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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

TASCAHRD MSM HEPATITIS B PROJECT

TasCARHD is pleased to announce a new project which will run from the start of this year until July.

The project seeks to inform men who have sex with men (MSM) about Hepatitis B, and especially about vaccines, transmission, treatment and prevention. MSM are at risk of Hep B transmission, because Hep B can be transmitted through sharing blood and body fluids, including through sexual contact and intravenous drug use.

The project will build a state wide network to disseminate information to MSM and connect them to Hep B related service providers.

For more information, please contact Rob at TasCHARD: msmproject@tascahrd.org.au.

by FINNIAN DANGER

YOUR IDENTITY IS VALID Transgender Day of Remembrance in Hobart EACH YEAR ON THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER, THE LGBTI COMMUNITY AND ITS ALLIES PAUSE TO MOURN THE TRANSGENDER LIVES LOST DUE TO TRANSPHOBIA AND VIOLENCE. THE EVENT, TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE (TDOR), ALSO AIMS TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS SURROUNDING THE LACK OF MEDIA ATTENTION THAT TRANSGENDER MURDERS RECEIVE. TDOR is a time of solemn reflection. It is a time to express frustration that our world can be so cruel, and that so many transgender people have been taken from us in horrific circumstances. However, TDOR is also a time of strength and determination. Those who live on carry the legacy of those who have left us, and carry the hope that one day the world will be free of hatred and indifference.

Here in Hobart, an information booth was held in the mall during TDOR. The booth was run by Working It Out staff and local transgender folks who were comfortable speaking with the public about their identity and their lived experiences with transphobic discrimination. It was a chance for members of the public to remember that their parents, children, friends or lovers could be transgender. The information booth also spread awareness on how to be a good ally to transgender people, and how to step up when you see acts of discrimination.

The stall was a great success! Many messages of love and support were jotted down by members of the public. People walked away with a new perspective of what transgender people in their local community look like, what they deal with, and how living as their authentic selves without backlash has literally saved their lives.

YOU ARE AMAZING!!

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by ANDREW BADCOCK

Australia says YES

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

ANDREW BADCOCK TALKS ABOUT THE RESULT, WHAT IT MEANS TO HIM, AND WHAT IT MEANS ABOUT AUSTRALIA. My breath held tight as the endless four minute introduction began. Around me various couples - some with their children, friends, and family - stood transfixed for the answer. The Australian Bureau of Statistics speaker - live on screens around the nation – steps up to announce the answer Australians had been formally debating for the last three months “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?”

We are about to find out if we are seen as equal in the eyes of Australians.

The ABS spokesman eventually makes a key reveal – over 7 million Australians (out of an approx. 12 million who voted) answered yes. People’s minds are calculating the answer, and then…. eruption! The moment is overwhelming; tears for some, hugs for many, and a chorus of joyous cheers. The weight off everyone’s shoulders is visible, and the relief felt.

The result was a fantastic affirmation of what we knew the majority of Australians’ hearts held, and yet the entire process was one of doubt, division, and allowing human rights of LGBTI people be subject to the whims of the public.

It was a $122 million exercise in government sanctioned cruelty and humiliation, where the same answer was already known in a decade of polling. And while it would be easier to remain bitter towards the cruel process, let’s also focus on the kindness of Australians.

In Tasmania, I saw over a hundred businesses show their love for their LGBTI peers with signs and posters, rainbow flags, and messages of encouragement.

Tasmania’s support was higher than the national average, and with a majority YES in every electorate. For some, this 3 month survey meant an opportunity for families and strangers to connect over what kindness and equality looks like. I know that in my family’s farming community, there was a great discovery of more allies surrounding each other than they ever knew. All finally talking to each other. There are strengths to draw upon that will build towards a stronger and welcoming society where everyone is accepted in our culture and law. I do believe through this survey that the majority of Australian families have emphatically confirmed all LGBTI rights are equal and worthy rights.

This of course didn’t happen in all families, some stories are not as happy. Some people’s sexualities and gender identities were demonised through slander, and they were left with few supports.

So what do we do about that? This was not Prime Minister Turnbull’s great unifying moment, and some people’s scars will take time to heal.

I’ve been in this marriage rights debate for seven years. Others have been doing it for double (even triple) that time. I started as a young man speaking about the inherent rights of all people, and how things like national surveys and plebiscites are a humiliating and terrible way to decide an answer on human rights. Some politicians’ hearts never listened.

I’m thrilled that kindness won, but we must never allow another community to go through this demeaning process ever again.

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by FINNIAN DANGER

U=U

BACK IN EARLY NOVEMBER, I WAS CO-HOSTING HOBART’S LGBTI HOUR ON EDGE RADIO. IT WAS THE USUAL FUN AND GAMES, AS IT ALWAYS IS, UNTIL WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT HIV AND THE UPCOMING WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT. BEING RELATIVELY YOUNG AND NOT HIV-POSITIVE MYSELF, I HAD VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OR AWARENESS OF THIS DISEASE. HIV AND AIDS FELT LIKE A WAITING MONSTER, LURKING IN THE SHADOWS. WE GOT ONTO THE TOPIC OF DISCLOSING YOUR HIV STATUS TO PARTNERS AND WORKPLACES, AND I COMMENTED THAT I WOULD IMMEDIATELY WANT TO KNOW IF SOMEONE NEAR ME HAD HIV – SO THAT I COULD KEEP MY DISTANCE.

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

My co-hosts and I had an extended conversation in regards to the stigma surrounding HIV, and how it prevents people from speaking about it and discussing the updated medical research that has been done.

Nobody wants to think about HIV prevalence in our community. This conversation lead to me doing some in-depth research, and, in turn, writing this article.

Despite not being alive when the ‘Grim Reaper’ campaign against HIV and AIDS ran in the Australian media back in the mid-80s, the effects of its message still touched my perspective of the disease. The campaign essentially pushed the idea that HIV was a death sentence, and it’s something that people have thought ever since. The public as a whole has never challenged the ‘Grim Reaper’ campaign, or questioned whether the science around HIV has changed.

Let me tell you about the most exciting part of my research; the part that astounded me, and changed my outlook completely. In 2014, a huge study titled ‘PARTNER’ looked at the likelihood of HIV transmission between couples where one person was HIV-negative and one person was HIV-positive, but taking Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) for their disease. 888 heterosexual and homosexual couples across Europe took part, engaging in over 58,000 acts of unprotected

sex over the course of two years. Not ONE person contracted HIV. Not one!

People living with HIV who take ART generally have what is known as an ‘undetectable viral load’ – this means that the traces of HIV in their blood are so low, they cannot transmit it to people.

While it isn’t a cure, it completely stops the spread of HIV to others. This leads me to my second interesting point - there is a global campaign running at the moment, called U=U. This stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable.

The campaign has had fantastic success across the world in spreading the message that when your viral load is Undetectable, your HIV is Untransmittable. Because of this campaign, in September 2017, the US Center for Disease Control released a statement saying that “people who take ART daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load

have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to a HIV-negative partner.”

It has been proven time and time again that you are more likely to contract HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it, compared to someone who does and takes their medications.

Yet, the general public has no idea that this is the case. Along with public perception, what really needs to change is the fear of getting tested. In Tasmania alone, there is an average of four years between a person contracting HIV and a person finding out that they have it. The embarrassment surrounding testing is the real danger when it comes to transmission. However, that needn’t be the case. There are a number of clinics in both the North and the South of the state that offer anonymous STI testing, free of charge. Additionally, you can take PrEP if you think you are at higher risk of catching HIV. If you already have it, there are support groups and free counselling available to you. It’s no longer a shameful disease that you need to hide from. It’s no longer a death sentence. We need to end the stigma and save lives.

UNDETECTABLE HIV CAN NOT BE TRANSMITTED 14 EUROPEAN COUNTIRES 888 COUPLES ONE HIV POSITIVE & ON TREATMENT, ONE HIV NEGATIVE 58,000 ACTS OF SEX WITHOUT CONDOMS ZERO HIV TRANSMISSIONS MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by SUSAN DITTER

The Working It Out Dorothies Awards

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

The campaign has been produced in the name of religious freedom. For some people marriage is inextricably linked to their faith and their beliefs and hence they have the right to tell us it can never be changed.

AS YOU’LL BE AWARE, OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THERE HAVE BEEN ARTICLES AND LETTERS, POSTERS AND BILLBOARDS THAT HAVE BEEN OFFENSIVE TO SOME LGBTI PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Each day I collect the media articles of support and those of fear. I know that many people are feeling targeted. Some Tasmanians will be reminded of the vitriol when de-criminalistion was debated in the 90s. It would be a sad day to have to recount what people said back then in order to create some understanding of discrimination and its impact.

In Tasmania there is a lot of hard work being done by many many people in schools and colleges, aged care facilities and government agencies to ensure LGBTI people are included however it is still very difficult for LGBTI people and in particular those of faith.

There are religious people, devout people and faith based organisations supporting marriage equality and we want to recognise them. The Working It Out Dorothies Awards for 2018 will acknowledge LGBTI inclusive faith based organisations. WIO wants religious institutions to have the opportunity to let people know that they welcome everyone including LGBTI people and their families.

Please take this opportunity to let people know about the 2018 Dorothies and perhaps suggest they nominate an inclusive school, or church or individual or aged care organisation and make these people visible. Those we hear most from right now are people who, in the name of religious freedom, will not be welcoming of us, or our families and they do not want to understand the pain and suffering of discrimination.

This is why it is important for all to see that those whose spiritual beliefs embrace marriage equality, are not afraid but rather they are certain that it is the right and loving thing to do.

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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by THE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND OTHER DRUGS COUNCIL TASMANIA

Harm Reduction ABSTINENCE-BASED POLICIES AND PROGRAMS WILL NOT WORK FOR EVERYONE WHEN IT COMES TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. THAT’S WHERE HARM REDUCTION COMES IN.

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MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

WHAT IS HARM REDUCTION? Harm reduction focuses on reducing the risks and harms associated with drug use, and measures target people who are continuing to use drugs.

On its website, Harm Reduction International says: “Harm reduction refers to policies, programs and practices that aim to reduce the harms associated with the use of psychoactive drugs in people unable or unwilling to stop.”

“Harm reduction strategies encourage safer behaviours, reduce preventable risk factors and can contribute to a reduction in health and social inequalities among specific population groups,” the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 says.

WHAT PROGRAMS OR POLICIES DEMONSTRATE HARM REDUCTION? Needle and syringe programs exemplify a practice steeped in harm reduction.

Australia’s first NSP started in the mid-1980s in Sydney. NSPs have prevented thousands of cases of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission. According to the Return on investment 2: Evaluating the costeffectiveness of needle and syringe programs in Australia report, released in 2009, it was estimated that in the previous ten years, NSPs averted 2530 new HCV infections in Tasmania.

As well as helping reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses, NSPs provide clean injecting equipment, and facilitate the disposal of used needles.

They also facilitate contact between users and NSP workers, who can help guide consumers toward treatment if they decide they are ready.

In Tasmania, legislation was passed to allow NSPs in 1993, and the programs are run across the state. You can find more details about Tasmanian NSPs on the Department of Health and Human Services website, and there is a directory on the

Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League website.

Pharmacotherapy programs, which see users substitute drugs with a legally prescribed and obtained replacement, like methadone, also fall under the harm reduction umbrella.

Other harm reduction programs, which have not made their way to Tasmania, include measures like pill testing and drug consumption rooms.

HOW CAN I EDUCATE MYSELF AND CONTRIBUTE TO HARM REDUCTION? Individuals can practise harm reduction by equipping themselves with some basic knowledge that could save another’s life in the instance of an overdose.

Knowing when to call for emergency help and how to recognise if someone is having difficulty breathing could contribute to saving a life.

Valuable information on what to do when someone overdoses can be found at www.overdoseday.com Education around risks is important – for example, familiarisation with the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines around alcohol consumption (on its website) is also important and useful.

By educating ourselves and exploring innovative harm reduction measures, we can contribute to breaking down stigma around use – a main barrier to treatment and an issue which promotes isolation.

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tas Inc. (ATDC) is the peak body representing the interests of community sector organisations (CSOs) that provide services to people with substance misuse issues in Tasmania. The ATDC is a membership-based, independent, notfor-profit and incorporated organisation which is the key body advocating for adequate systemic support and funding for the delivery of evidence-based alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) initiatives.

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SERVICES DIRECTORY NATIONAL

SOUTHERN

Q-Life, National

Family Planning Tasmania

LGBTIQ web based and hone counselling and support service, everyday 3.00pm til midnight. Ph 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

Sexual Health Service

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

Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health.

60 Collins St, Hobart Ph:03 6166 0990 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm. No bookings required on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon.

Clinic times may vary. http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ sexual health/ sexuaI_health_service_ tasmania

Sexual Health Service

Anglicare NSP Hobart

Gay & Lesbian Switchboard

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

Ph 1800 184 527 www.switchboard.org.au

Scarlet Alliance

Counselling, support, referrals & STI & HIV testing. Ph 1800 675 859 (Free call) 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 Ph 03 6230 2111 (Hobart) Ph 03 6336 7000 (Launceston) Ph 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

Working It Out

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

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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.

421 Main Road, Glenorchy Ph: 03 6273 9117 Mon - Fri & Fri 9:00am-5.00 pm (closed during lunch) http://www.fpt.asn.au

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

18 Watchorn St, 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

Advice and representation to clients in areas such as: discrimination law, employment law, consumer credit, Centrelink disputes, and child support. Free evening information sessions at the Hobart office on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm.

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 Mon-Thur 9am - 5pm; Fri 9am - lpm www.hobartlegal.org.au Appointments are required for some services, ring ahead to find out.

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 non-threatening environment. www.flamingosbar.com

NORTHERN Shield

Uniting & Supporting Northern Tasmanian LGBTI youth www.shieldtasmania.org

Launceston - Family Planning Tasmania 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.

269 Wellington St, Launceston Ph: 03 6343 4566 Mon - Fri & Fri 9:00am - 5.00 pm (closed during lunch) http://www.fpt.asn.au

Launceston - Sexual Health Service

42 Canning St, Launceston Ph: 03 6777 1371 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:00 pm.

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.

NSP - Salvation Army Building

111 Elizabeth St, Launceston Ph: 03 6323 7500 Mon-Fri 8:30am - 3:00pm This is a primary NSP in Northern Tasmania.

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

Burnie - Family Planning Tasmania

1 Pine Ave, Upper Burnie Ph: 03 6431 7692 Mon, Wed & Thur 9:00am - 4:30pm 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.

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.

Email: 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.

MAN2MAN A HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN

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TasCAHRD in collaboration with Tasmanian Sexual Health Service

CLINIC 319

• No Medicare Card Required • Rapid HIV Testing • Full STI Screening • PEP and PrEP Answering all your questions and taking appointments from 8th February Appointments every Thursday 4:00pm – 6:30pm (final appointment at 6:00pm)

FREE. CONFIDENTIAL. SAFE. For bookings call 6234 1242 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart

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

TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street Hobart Open 9.00am – 5.00pm