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 Rising rates of infection have sparked a new campaign to address the way gay men can make dangerous assumptions about their sexual partners’ HIV status.
“While condoms and lube still provide the best protection against HIV transmission, some men are seeking out sexual partners of the same HIV status,” Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) campaigns coordinator Craig Lewis told Queensland Pride.
“If men are making assumptions and not explicitly disclosing their status, then they may be getting this calculation wrong, resulting in HIV transmission.”
Lewis said the campaign explores six commonly held beliefs about HIV disclosure in a sexual context with the aim of prompting gay men to think about their own beliefs about HIV disclosure, and whether these match those of their sexual partners.
The campaign website, www.respect.org.au allows visitors to read other people’s stories of disclosure and share their own experiences. It also allows visitors to have their say by taking part in polls and receiving instant results.
The campaign consists of posters & postcards in venues and clinics, web banners, advertisements in gay media and the campaign website.
The campaign was devised in association with Queensland Positive People.
QAHC has also launched a new relationships outreach and counselling service for couples in partnership with Relationships Australia.
Beginning on August 11, with available appointments from 8:30am to 3pm, the service will be available every Monday at the QAHC Brisbane office at 30 Helen Street, Newstead. The cost of the service will be $75 per hourly session, or $35 for concession card holders.
The service provides an opportunity for individuals, couples and families to receive confidential counselling on a broad range of issues impacting on their relationships, from a fully qualified counsellor from the GLBT community.
If the program is successful, the organizations will consider expanding the project to regional areas.
Further information can be accessed by phoning Dave Wells at QAHC on 07 3017 1777, or to make an appointment contact relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
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