m2m issue 27 autumn 2018

ISSUE 27 AUTUMN 2018

A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

4 Healthy Attachments Also in this issue:

08

Trans enough

10

Love your liver

13

Diversity in schools

+ Be HEP A wise + Got a mate feeling blue

FROM THE EDITOR

Autumn edition AUTUMN IS ALREADY WITH US. AIN’T NOTHIN’ GUNNA CHANGE THAT. Oops, not my usual discourse, I’m not sure what came over me. I’m not normally one to choose to subvert the status quo.

Yawn. (oops again…)

Now I have to ask myself. Do I actually make choices? When I walk down the street to buy that coffee, do I choose to put one foot in front of the other, again and again and again? Staunch libertarians might insist that indeed I choose to walk every step of the mile. No one makes me do anything I don’t want to. I also choose every chew of the food I eat, and every breath I make while I am asleep.

Wait. Maybe those breaths are automatic?

Maybe those breaths, steps and chews will continue also without my having to engage free will. Maybe the status quo will continue until I choose to make an intervention which actually serves to subvert it. For example, skipping, instead of walking, to a different café for a milk tea this time, reach for an apple over a chocolate bar. Exercising to improve sleep.

As far as value based choices go, no doubt I display some kind of free will.

I like this kind of coffee, I’m choosing dark chocolate, I hate exercising. But when my agency is limited by knowledge, experience or resources, it’s hard to imagine subverting the status quo.

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M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

How would I know that I can leave my abusive partner, if all I have ever known is violence? How can I reach out for medical intervention if I don’t even know I am sick?

How can I brave some kind of cliff jump if I suffer from paralysing fear?

It’s probably not so easy. After all, the status quo doesn’t change, by definition.

Occasionally however, we catch a glimpse of other possibilities.

What if a friend suggested to me that there is a way out of my abusive relationship, and also offered me some accommodation.

What if a close family member offered to lend me a book about quitting sugar and invited me for dinner. What if a mate took me for a walk through the gardens and encouraged me to keep up.

I’d have insight into a different way of being. I’d have another option than the status quo. Importantly, from someone I trust. From someone who would celebrate with me for daring to be different.

CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS:

Adult attachment

4

The Tasmanian Sex Worker Project

6

Our complex little boxes 8 Love your liver

10

Diversity in schools

13

MSM hepatitis

Lube: A outbreak

One litre water based lube Four Seasons based lube 75 ml Gotwater a mate feeling Four Seasons water based lube 500 ml

Andrew Badcock

Xris Reardon

Grant Blake

Lisa Schmidt

Finnian Danger

Kate Turner

Robert Johnston

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

TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street Hobart Lube: $17 $4 Open 9.00 am – 5.00$17 pm One litre lube blue 16water based

14

$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 M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

by Grant Blake

Adult attachment LOVE, SEX, RELATIONSHIPS – IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ONE THING: ATTACHMENT. ATTACHMENT IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCEPT THAT IS RARELY SPOKEN ABOUT. ATTACHMENT IS A DEEP AND ENDURING EMOTIONAL BOND BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE. OUR FIRST ATTACHMENT IS WITH THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER, OFTEN OUR MOTHER OR FATHER. DEPENDING ON OUR PRIMARY CAREGIVER’S RESPONSIVENESS TO OUR NEEDS, WE MAY DEVELOP A SECURE OR INSECURE ATTACHMENT TO THEM. THESE EARLY ATTACHMENT STYLE CAN STAY WITH US FOR LIFE, WHICH IS GREAT IF IT IS A SECURE ATTACHMENT BUT NOT SO GREAT IF IT IS INSECURE. BEFORE WE GET INTO THE NITTY GRITTY OF ADULT ATTACHMENT AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OWN RELATIONSHIPS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT INSECURE ATTACHMENT STYLES CAN BE OVERCOME WITH PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT.

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M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

Sigmund Freud, the man who first described the unconscious and many other interesting theories, coined the term suckers to describe a gullible person. He said that babies can become suckers if their parents are overresponsive to their needs. For example, if the parent feeds their baby every time they make a noise, or always gives a dummy for soothing, the baby will grow up to be gullible because they believe the world is entirely safe and that their needs will always be met.

While there is some intuitive appeal to this, it isn’t strongly supported by science.

What is supported with scientific research is that if we perceive our parents to not meet our emotional, psychological, and physical needs, then we begin to develop a negative view of others and/or ourselves. If we witness or experience psychological trauma for example family violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing something horrifying, this can also impact the way we perceive others and ourselves.

Attachment style

View of self

View of others

Intimacy

For example, imagine two children raised in the same family where there is violence between the parents. One child perceives the violence as their fault or becomes distressed that the parents do not check if they are okay. They develop a negative view of themselves, such as I’m not good enough or I’m unlovable. The other child perceives that violence must occur in every home.

This child develops the negative view that others cannot be trusted and will hurt them.

How these two children will grow up and form relationships will be very different, even though they had the same experience.

The table below describes four types of adult attachment styles and how they influence intimacy in a relationship. To make sense of the table the + symbol means positive perception (I am lovable, others are good), and - means negative perception (I’m not good enough).

Characteristics

SECURE

+

+

High

Equality, trust, open communication, acceptance of personal faults and other’s faults

ANXIOUS

-

+

Low

‘Needs’ a relationship to feel complete, dependent, might have multiple relationships due to the belief that their partner will eventually leave them because they aren’t good enough or lovable

AVOIDANT

-

-

Low

Low communication, don’t share feelings, emotional barriers in the relationship, “if I get too close I’ll get hurt”

DISMISSIVE

+

-

Low

Uncaring, lots of casual sex, likes themselves but can never seem to find someone good enough for them, avoids commitment

If you think you fit more than one category, ask yourself “which is the more dominant category?” and “what about my history predisposes me to view myself and others this way?”

Further, attachment captures more than how we connect in romantic relationships. It affects family relationships, friendships, and professional relationships. It can also affect our substance use. For example, a person with an avoidant attachment style might become addicted to alcohol to make them feel safe or capable of sharing their feelings.

If you’re finding that your relationships are often marked by low intimacy, avoidance or conflict, then it might be time to sit down with a mental health professional to figure out what to do. The good news is that therapy to overcome unhelpful attachment styles can work, although it requires you to be brave and challenge the way you think and behave in relationships. It isn’t easy but it’s certainly worth it in the end.

Grant Blake is a clinical psychologist at ForensiClinic Consulting (199 Campbell St, Hobart)

M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

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by Lisa Schmidt

The Tasmanian Sex Worker Project THE TASMANIAN SEX WORKER PROJECT IS A PROJECT OF SCARLET ALLIANCE, THE AUSTRALIAN SEX WORKER ASSOCIATION AND IS RUN BY SEX WORKERS, FOR SEX WORKERS. IT IS THE ONLY PEER ORGANISATION FOR SEX WORKERS IN TASMANIA, WHICH MEANS THAT STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS FORMER OR CURRENT SEX WORKERS. SEX WORKER IS A GENDER NEUTRAL, NON JUDGEMENTAL TERM INCLUSIVE OF ANYONE WHO PROVIDES SEXUAL SERVICES FOR PROFIT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FULL SERVICE PROVIDERS, ESCORTS, EROTIC MASSEURS, CAM WORKERS, EROTIC DANCERS AND PEOPLE PROVIDING SEXUAL SERVICES FOR FAVOURS.

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M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

The history of sex worker representation in Tasmania is quite different to the mainland.

Sex worker organisations were first funded in the 1980’s at the advent of the HIV epidemic. The effectiveness of peer to peer approaches in reaching marginalised communities is well recognised and funded peer sex worker organisations have resulted in low rates of HIV and STI for sex workers in Australia. Since that time, every other state and territory has had a government funded, state based sex worker organisation, but sadly this is not the case in Tasmania.

In 2006, Tasmanian sex workers lobbied Scarlet Alliance, their national sex worker organisation, to step in to make sure that people working here had their own peer support and advocacy.

Scarlet Alliance began running a federal government funded project in three states, including Tasmania to provide health information for sex workers. Since that time, Scarlet Alliance was able to secure some state government funding for the Tasmanian Project and the project has continued to be staffed by local sex workers to provide

peer education, outreach, advocacy, representation and support by and for Tasmanian sex workers.

Currently the Tasmanian Project does not receive any health funding. Despite this we continue to provide services to support the health and wellbeing of our community and to promote access to justice for all sex workers. Unfortunately there is still a huge amount of stigma and ignorance in the broader community about sex workers resulting in widespread discrimination in just about every facet of our lives. Through our work, we aim to break down stigma, challenge discrimination and advocate for the rights, health and wellbeing of sex workers.

We provide support to all sex workers regardless of people’s work circumstances and we support the full decriminalisation of the sex industry as the best practice model for sex industry regulation for the health, rights and safety of all workers. If you are a current or former sex worker, or are about to enter the industry, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. We are here for you!

Some of the services provided by the Tasmanian Sex Worker Project include: • Peer outreach Our outreach workers always have sex work experience and support the right to work in safety and dignity • Resources related to safety at work This includes sexual health information, general WH&S and ongoing updates about any problematic people posing as clients • Condoms, lube etc. sold at wholesale prices. The friendly outreach worker is available to do home deliveries by appointment, or supplies can be picked up from our office or mailed out • I nformation about sex worker friendly service providers This includes medical professionals, police, accountants, legal services, accommodation options and lots more • S upport to access justice Support for sex workers to report a crime, information about Tasmania’s anti-discrimination laws or a rundown on the legalities of working in this State

• S ocial events and networking Sex work can be isolating, especially if it has to be kept hidden. The fact that brothels are illegal here and only two people can legally work together also contributes to isolation and potential safety concerns for some. The Project holds regular sex worker only social events including picnics, dinners out, arts and crafts sessions, skill sharing workshops etc • Sex worker reference group The project is guided and informed by our community - come and let us know about the issues that are important to you • Drop in centre Currently open on Fridays from 9am-1pm but all sex workers are invited to come have a chat with the outreach worker at any other time by appointment. Our office is in the TasCAHRD building at 319 Liverpool St • Translated information in Simplified Chinese, Korean and Thai The Project works in collaboration with culturally and linguistically diverse peer workers in other states to provide peer support in people’s preferred language • State-wide outreach The outreach worker makes regular visits to Launceston, Burnie and Devonport, and can come to other parts of Tasmania on request

The Tasmanian Sex Worker Project is inclusive of all genders and recognises that male workers, cis and trans, can sometimes be overlooked or may have specific concerns. It would be really great to have more input from male sex workers into the Project, whether it be on a social level, getting involved in the Sex Worker Reference Group or activities, or as a volunteer.

There are also some wonderful male peer outreach workers in other states if anyone would like to be referred.

In other exciting news a vacancy may be opening soon for a peer outreach worker in Tasmania. Sex workers (past or present) of all genders are encouraged to apply.

M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

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by Finnian Danger

The Hobart Out Tennis Doubles Tournament

THE GENDER BINARY IS ALL AROUND US. EVEN BEFORE BIRTH, GENDER BINARY IS PLACED ON US WITHOUT OUR CONSENT. OUR CLOTHES ARE OFTEN PINK OR BLUE AS WE GROW UP. YOU GRAVITATE TO CERTAIN HOBBIES AND INTERESTS. IT’S A SOCIETAL EXPECTATION, AND IT’S EASY TO GRASP. SIMILARLY, UNDERSTANDING BINARY TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IS ALSO A SIMPLE CONCEPT FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON. SOMEONE BORN AS A MAN IS NOW TRANSITIONING INTO A WOMAN, OR VICE VERSA. THEY TRANSITION FROM ONE GENDER TO THE OTHER, WHETHER IT IS SOCIALLY, MEDICALLY, OR BOTH. IT’S A STRAIGHTFORWARD A TO B PROCESS FOR MANY.

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Our complex little boxes NON-BINARY GENDERS AND BEING TRANS ENOUGH However, many people – other transgender people, included – routinely forget that there are those of us who exist outside of the ‘man’ and ‘woman’ binary boxes.

Non-binary people sit within the umbrella definition of transgender, but don’t feel as if they are simply a man or a woman. Some feel like they are both, or neither, or any mix of gender feelings in between. Other terms, such as genderfluid, agender, femme or masc, and genderqueer, are also used by non-binary people to further describe their identity to others. Additionally, these folks often feel more comfortable with they/ them pronouns, but you should always ask to be sure.

Gender has never been a solid structure.

Many countries outside of our Westerncentric society recognise genders beyond man and woman, including Thailand, Brazil, India, and many native cultures. Our own Indigenous population has recognised gender diversity for thousands of years.

Despite this, there is a firm belief in certain circles that being non-binary is a relatively new trend. Here’s the thing: as someone who interacts with and works alongside young LGBTI people on a daily basis, I can tell you that people question their gender constantly. Most commonly, they start this journey by exploring gender as a fluid and changing creature. I know that I started questioning my gender in my early teens, long before non-binary and genderfluid became well-known words. I felt like I was ‘something else’, and I’m by no means the only one.

Sadly, many non-binary people fight with the recurring feeling that they are not ‘trans enough’. Whether these feelings are internal and self-inflicted, or are coming from others (a lot of it comes from within the rainbow community, shockingly), non-binary folks are routinely downtrodden, down-played and made to feel that they are lesser, that they are confused, and that they aren’t worthy of wearing the transgender badge. Non-binary as an identity is dismissed as being a silly phase, and that the person will ‘pick a side’ eventually. I feel that many transgender young people may cram themselves into boxes that don’t quite fit initially, simply so that they will be accepted. This is particularly the case for non-binary people who choose not to present androgynously.

It is extremely important to note that clothing, makeup, hairstyles and other defining features do not change a person’s gender. The bane of a non-binary person’s existence is hearing, “But you look like X, right? So, you’re basically X?” Non-binary folks come in all ages, shapes, and sizes. Miley Cyrus, Ruby Rose, and Australian-born Nevo Zisin are just a few superstars who sit outside of the gender binary. They are proud activists of the LGBTI community, and encourage

by FINNIAN DANGER

everyone to consider a world without strict gender roles and expectations. However, there is a downside to gender activism, and that’s unintentional erasure. Women’s spaces are generally inclusive of everyone who is not a cisgender man, but the flipside to this is erasing non-binary folks and transmen, by inadvertently implying they are ‘close enough’ to being women, so they have a free pass to enter these spaces. This unintentional erasure is frequently debated and difficult to combat, but it is something to keep in mind when speaking about nonbinary people. There’s no perfect answer.

Trying to file people away in our complex little boxes is human nature, I suppose. We like to be able to understand and label things in ways that are easy for us to manage. The concept of someone who doesn’t fit into the rudimentary man and woman labels is understandably confusing to those who aren’t initiated in Transgender 101. But, these concepts are nothing to be uneasy about. Non-binary people are just that – people. It doesn’t matter what their birth sex is, what their presentation may be, what pronouns they decide to use.

They are trans enough, and they are as valid as anyone else.

We’ll break the binary someday.

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by ANDREW Robert Johnston BADCOCK

Love your

liver OUR LIVER IS A TRULY AMAZING AND UNIQUE ORGAN. IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF VITAL FUNCTIONS THAT KEEP US ALIVE AND FEELING WELL. IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY OF THE COMPLEX PROCESSES VITAL FOR SUSTAINING LIFE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT OUR LIVER. NOT ONLY DOES THE LIVER PROCESS EVERYTHING WE EAT, DRINK AND INHALE, IT PLAYS A PART WITH DIGESTION, BLOOD CLOTTING, STORING AND DISTRIBUTING ENERGY, BUILDING PROTEIN AND DEALING WITH BACTERIA AND VIRUSES. IT IS LIKE OUR OWN PERSONAL CHEMICAL PROCESSING FACTORY. TO CELEBRATE THIS WONDROUS BIOLOGICAL MARVEL, JOIN ME AS WE LEARN TO LOVE OUR LIVER.

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M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

I don’t know about you, but being healthy generally makes my life more enjoyable.

Or, at least not so stressful. And I think it is fairly safe to say that the choices we make today will have a lot to do with how healthy we are tomorrow. This is certainly true as far as our liver is concerned. A properly functioning liver is essential for good health.

If something goes wrong with the liver, it can have a serious effect on almost every other organ in the body. The good news is, with proper care the liver has an amazing ability to heal itself, so it is never too late to take the necessary steps to keep our livers, and therefore ourselves, healthy.

But first things first. To really love your liver, it might help if we get a bit dry and sciencey and delve into the ‘wheres, whats, and hows’ of liver health. That is - where is the liver, what does it do, and how does it do it.

WHERE IS THE LIVER AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The human liver is our largest internal organ.

It weighs about 1.4 kilograms, is reddish brown in colour, and is about the size of a rugby ball (but kind of wedged-shaped). It is situated in the upper right hand side of your abdomen- behind the ribs, above the stomach and below the diaphragm.

HOW DOES IT KINDA, SORTA WORK?

There are two main blood vessels which deliver blood to the liver - the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The hepatic artery delivers oxygen rich blood direct from the heart while the portal vein delivers blood from the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen. The liver and these organs work together to digest, absorb, and process food.

WHAT DOES THE LIVER DO?

Considering the liver‘s to do list is well over 300 tasks long, it’s fair to say that we can’t mention everything it does in the confines of this article. So here is a partial list:

harmless substances, or makes sure they are released from the body.

• Produces bile which aids with digestion and removing certain toxins from the body • Resists infections by making immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream • Makes proteins important for blood clotting • Stores nutrients including essential fats, the vitamins A, D, K and B12, the minerals iron and copper and glycogen • Helps regulate blood sugar levels USEFUL TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LIVER

The liver has a remarkable ability to heal itself when it has been damaged by replacing old tissue with new cells. This is a process known as regeneration. Our liver is best able to do this when we are looking after it. The liver can be forgiving but it most definitely has its limits. Therefore, I want to share a few liver health strategies that most of us can incorporate into our daily routines and lives.

TIP #1- MODERATE YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION I know, it’s easier said than done. Alcohol in our culture is everywhere and very socially acceptable. I don’t think it is a stretch to say that non-drinkers in Australia can risk becoming social pariahs and being labelled as a wowsers by their alcohol swilling peers.

Nonetheless, sensible consumption of alcohol is important for good liver health because too much alcohol and you liver don’t mix.

Cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and liver cancer – not to mention other horrible conditions like brain damage, heart disease and various cancers - can all be caused by regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. So, my advice for drinking alcohol: do some research. Get on line and gain some understanding about the recommended guidelines for the safe consumption of alcohol. It can also be mighty helpful to learn some strategies that limit your alcohol consumption. Knowledge needs information and knowledge is power people!

• Cleanses the blood, taking up toxic substances and converting them into M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

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by #2 FINNIAN DANGER TIP - QUIT SMOKING Ok, no beating around the bush about these bad boys (say that fast 10 times). And no fanciful talk of moderation either. Cigarettes are toxic to the liver- end of story. Smoking is not only directly linked to liver cancer but can also enhance the toxic effects of other medications. They don’t call them death sticks for nothing.

TIP #3 – EAT RIGHT AND MOVE YOUR BODY A poor diet, being overweight and lack of physical activity are among the most common causes of liver disease. Conversely, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are the most effective ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, boost your immune system, and in doing so, keep your liver in tip top shape. Now we have that established, how do we do it?

Let’s look at physical activity.

Cycling, weights, energetic sex (safe sex of course), jazzercise, kick boxing and taking the stairs instead of the lift - all great examples of ways to move your body.

The point being, do whatever floats your boat - because you will enjoy it more and do it more often. Aim to it for about 3.5 hours a week and with a bit of intensity.

On to diet.

Although there are no magical super foods that protect our liver from abuse, eating a healthy diet is a great way to love your liver.

Be sure to eat plenty of wholefoods, and keep your intake of processed foods to a minimum. Processed foods, besides lacking nutrients, are usually loaded with simple carbohydrates (including sugar), salt and sometimes real nasty things like trans fats.

Not enough good food and too much crap food will really cause your liver grief in the form of excessive weight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Oh yeah, and a quick word on water – drink plenty of it. Water is essential not only for liver health but overall health. Drinking water hydrates our bodies, dilutes toxins and helps the liver remove them from our systems.

While you are at it, keep consumption of soft drinks and fruit juices to a minimum.

They are both high in sugar and do more harm than good.

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Again, my advice is to do some research about how to incorporate exercise and healthy eating into your life. Learning how to take care of our health and fitness is an empowering skill which you have forever.

TIP #4 – AVOID BLOOD BORN VIRUSES Hepatitis B and C are blood born viruses (BBVs) that infect the liver.

Both Hep B and Hep C can cause liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer and liver failure. Hepatitis B can be vaccinated against but not cured while Hepatitis C can be cured but there is currently no vaccine. Both are potentially life threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Both viruses can be transmitted when infected blood from one person gets into another person’s bloodstream and both viruses can be sexually transmitted. It is worth mentioning that Hepatitis C is not considered highly infectious via sexual contact unless blood is present as a result of high risk sexual practice.

Neither Hepatitis B nor C can be spread through casual or social contact such as kissing, sneezing or coughing, hugging, or eating food prepared by an infectious person.

But, and this is a big but, Hep B and C can be spread via personal hygiene devices like razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers as these items have the potential to cause blood to blood contact. More than 500,000 Australians are living with chronic Hepatitis B and C, and many don’t know they have it.

To protect yourself and others from these couple of nasties, repeat after me: I will get vaccinated, I will practice safe sex, I will cover open wounds and I will wash my hands after touching blood and bodily fluids. I won’t share razors or my toothbrush and I won’t share drug injecting equipment. I will get regular sexual health tests.

There you have it folks, everything you wanted to know about liver health but didn’t know who to ask. Well, not everything. But at the very least, I hope this article helps you to love your liver a little bit more. In the next issue of M2M, you can read more closely a liver health issue we have already touched on - Hepatitis B.

by Xris Reardon

Diversity in schools IN 2018, WORKING IT OUT CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATES TO BE INCLUSIVE AND VALUE DIVERSITY. WE ARE WORKING TO IMPLEMENT THE VALUING DIVERSITY FRAMEWORK INTO SCHOOLS, AND THIS HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH FUNDING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. The framework includes the delivery of professional learning sessions to both pre-service and registered teachers in the field as well as school leadership teams.

Any school can request our support. The training is delivered in two parts: 1) Part one brings a focus to the relevant Tasmanian legislation and departmental policy and guidelines, current research and our interactive cultural awareness exercises 2) Part two embeds best practice throughout the school environment inclusive procedures that prevent bullying and highlight the needs of LGBTI students and families. The school is asked to complete an internal audit of the culture, context, strategies and programs that can assist ALL students to feel safer and affirmed

WIO also supports schools to foster student leadership through the creation of diversity groups that focus on inclusion and safety in relation to the needs of LGBTIQ students.

Diversity groups help to ensure that the school’s values are not only aligning with the safety needs of our target group but promoted more broadly with the wider school community. This year our diversity groups will focus on representation with opportunities to learn from international practitioners.

A key aspect of our work is the comprehensive affirmation plan we complete with and for students and families seeking support around the specific concerns with sexuality, gender and bodily status. An affirmation plan is a collaborative process with the family and the school to articulate the unique and individual needs of a student.

Engaging the school leadership team also ensures that that school leaders are confident with the practical considerations and that the motive is the safety of everyone concerned. These may be considerations in relation to confidentiality, student records, uniforms, raising community awareness, and informed school community.

If you are working in a school or would like more information about Working It Out’s role in supporting our LGBTI population: students, families, teachers please contact us to find out more.

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by Kate Turner

MSM hepatitis A outbreak THERE IS CURRENTLY AN OUTBREAK OF HEPATITIS A IN AUSTRALIA THAT HAS BEEN LINKED TO RECENT OUTBREAKS OF HEPATITIS A AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) IN EUROPE. MOST OF THE CASES HAVE OCCURRED IN NSW AND VIC, WITH A SMALLER NUMBER IN THE ACT, QLD AND SA.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS A

Around two thirds of the affected people are MSM and investigations suggest that the infection is being spread from person to person through sexual contact. It is important that all MSM are protected against Hepatitis A. Make sure you are vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Visit your closest Sexual Health Clinic or General Practitioner (GP) to get vaccinated.

WHAT IS HEPATITIS A?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis A is an infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

•

Feeling unwell

•

Aches and pains

HOW IS IT TREATED?

There is usually no special treatment.

It is recommended to rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and try to eat a well-balanced, low fat diet until you are better.

HOW CAN I PREVENT GETTING HEPATITIS A

Immunisation is the best protection.

You need two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine.

The first dose of Hepatitis A vaccine provides protection from infection after two weeks, and a second dose given at least six months after the first dose will provide lifetime protection. Vaccination is available through your GP or Sexual Health Clinic. You may need to get a script filled at a pharmacy to get the vaccine.

To reduce your risk make sure you wash your hands with soap and water

• Fever

•

After going to the toilet

•

Pale stools

•

Before eating

•

Dark urine

•

Before preparing food or drink

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

•

After handling condoms and sex toys

•

After sex

Illness usually lasts one to three weeks and people usually have a full recovery.

Think about using dams when you’re rimming.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Remember MSM are also at increased risk of Hepatitis B. You can get this vaccine for free in Tasmania.

Hepatitis A virus is present in the faeces of an infected person. It is passed on when the faeces from an infected person are swallowed by another person through •

Eating contaminated food

•

Drinking contaminated water

•

Handling contaminated objects

If you want to know more call the Public Health Hotline - Tasmania on 1800 671 738 to speak to a Clinical Nurse Consultant.

• Direct contact (including sexual) with an infected person.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

If you think you might have Hepatitis A you need a blood test to find out if you have the infection. You will need to see a doctor to be tested.

M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

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by Andrew Badcock

Got a mate feeling blue

HE MIGHT NEED SOME GOOD WINGMEN AH, YES, WE’VE HEARD THOSE BATTLE TALES OF A BRAVE WARRIOR HEADING OUT WITH THE AID OF SOME BUDDIES TO FULFIL HIS QUEST FOR WHATEVER THE EVENING’S MISSION IS – CLUBBING, TRYING TO PICK-UP, WATCHING THAT SOCCEROOS MATCH, COPILOTING OVER THE INVASION OF NORMANDY, A RUPAUL MARATHON - AND ENSURING IT’S A GREAT SUCCESS TOLD TILL THE END OF TIME, WELL, AT LEAST TILL DAWN.

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M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

But what if being his wingman meant something more than just helping him on a night out? Sometimes our old mate is going through some rough times, looking tired or withdrawn, or has somehow changed lately. Some of us might get worried that maybe he’s anxious or depressed, but aren’t sure how to approach it with him without getting it wrong. When it comes to any new territory, some pointers can help us navigate.

After all, how do you get to the right destination without a map?

“If someone close to you is going through a difficult time, he might need a Wingman to steer him through.”

Well, great news! Beyondblue has created an online toolkit for gay guys, by gay guys, to help navigate these unchartered waters (but don’t let the gay label limit your access – wingmen is really for all kinds of guys).

Wingmen assists men to feel more confident in helping each other in tough times by providing useful tips and advice on how to help a brother out – such as recognising signs that could mean he’s struggling, how to prepare when asking the tough questions by offering opening-line suggestions, how to traverse unexpected emotions, and helping identify what support options are out there for men.

“I was really worried about my mate. He just hadn’t seemed like himself for weeks. When I asked if everything was ok, he was a bit resistant at first. But eventually he told me that he had been having a rough time with someone at work.

It seemed like such a relief for him that someone wanted to talk with him about it.” – Steve, 35, TAS

You could make a difference in your friend’s life by having the confidence to talk about mental health and helping him seek support. Who knows, you might pick up a thing or two for yourself.

At Working It Out – a service which supports Tasmanians navigating their sexuality, gender or intersex status we think Wingmen sounds like a pretty good resource, so if you want to check out the complete info, head to www.wingmen.org.au Mental Health Project Officer Andrew Badcock Wingmen, developed by beyondblue and the National LGBTI Health Alliance, funded by donations from the Movember Foundation.

M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

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

ANTIDISCRIMINATION COMMISSION www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov au

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) www.swop.org.au Resources for sex workers, including cis male and transgender sex workers

Counselling, support, referrals and STI and HIV testing

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

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

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

WORKING IT OUT www.workingitout.org.au

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

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 – 5:00 pm (drop in on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday mornings) Clinic 34 - 34 Howick St Launceston Ph 03 6777 1371 Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (drop in on Thursday mornings) Devonport - Ph 03 6777 1371 by appointment only

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Sexuality and gender support and counselling

ATDC TAS – THE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & OTHER DRUGS COUNCIL OF TASMANIA http://www.atdc.org.au/ Advocating and initiatives

FAMILY PLANNING TASMANIA 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)

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

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)

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

SHIELD www.shieldtasmania.org

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

SALVATION ARMY NEEDLE & SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME 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

Uniting and Supporting LGBTI youth based in Northern Tasmania

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

GAY FRIENDLY CAFES Basket & Green Cafe Bozzey Criterion Cafe Deloraine Deli DS Coffee House Fitzpatrick’s Inn Fleurty’s Cafe Lotus Eaters Ginger Brown Hotel SOHO Jackman & McCross King of Burnie Hotel 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 Tasmania Inn King of Burnie Hotel

M2M A WELLBEING RESOURCE FOR DSG PEOPLE

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Residential Workshop OPEN TO HIV POSITIVE GUYS AND GALS DATE: Friday 4 – Sunday 6 May 2018 LOCATION: A beautiful bush get away near Hobart with accommodation and catering TITLE: Health and Happiness COST: No cost but registration is essential WORKSHOPS WITH VIC AND NEIL: Including disclosure, U=U, nutrition, immune health CONTACT TASCAHRD FOR MORE INFO: 03 6234 1242