Matthew Hodson

GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, announced that the number of visitors to its Positive Gay Guide website has doubled in the last two months to around 3,000 in February 2010. The increase follows a recent campaign in the gay press to make more HIV-positive men aware of the information available to help and support them in dealing with their infection.
 
GMFA launched its Positive Gay Guide website in December 2007 in response to what it perceived as the lack of online information specifically targeting gay men with HIV. The site provides information for HIV-positive gay men, including up-to-date advice on topics such as disclosure, how HIV works, and living with HIV.
 
Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, said:
“Gay men are more likely to turn to the web for health information than any other source. While HIV-positive gay men can get support from their clinic, there’s a real need for them to be able access additional information online – whether it is to help them deal with a new diagnosis, learn more about their treatment options, or to understand the impact HIV can have on their relationships.”
 
In addition to the Positive Gay Guide, GMFA also runs its Sex & Sexual Health site at www.gmfa.org.uk, with sexual health information for all gay men, irrespective of HIV status, on topics such as the HIV risks of oral sex, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), HIV testing, and techniques for better sex. It also provides detailed listings of sexual health services for gay men in London, a guide to gay sports and social groups in London, and information and advice on quitting smoking for gay men.
 
Matthew adds:
“Gay men are at the heart of all of our work. The Positive Gay Guide, along with all of our websites, was created with our volunteers – most of whom are gay men. Positive visitors to the site can get the information they need, as well as hear about the experiences of other positive men who have been in the same situations. By doing this, we can make sure our advice is relevant, accessible and honest.”

For more information on Positive Gay view:
www.gmfa.org.uk/positive

For other GMFA information access the homepage at:
www.gmfa.org.uk