26/03/2018 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

HIV campaign helps Londoners make safer sex choices

Posted on 26/03/201827/03/2018 by Besi

The Do It London HIV campaign has dramatically boosted public awareness of the choices available for preventing HIV transmission through sexual contact, according to an independent evaluation.

The new research into Do It London’s impact reveals that the most recent phase of the campaign (which ran from August 2017 to February 2018) successfully raised Londoners’ awareness of the HIV combination prevention options available:

73 per cent of those who saw the Do It London’s campaign felt it had influenced their behaviour towards HIV testing

64 per cent who saw the Do It London campaign felt it had positively influenced their sexual behaviour.

Do It London, which is run by London’s boroughs, was the first official public campaign in the UK to advertise Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and ‘undetectable’ HIV status as core HIV prevention options alongside more recognised methods such as condom use and regular testing.

PrEP is a pill that can protect against HIV infection. Taking PrEP involves either taking one pill per day or what is called ‘event based’ dosing (taking PrEP before and after condomless sex). PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative but at high risk of infection, such as men who have sex with men and people who have an HIV positive partner. Results from a number of trials show that PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission.

‘Undetectable’ is the term used to describe the HIV viral load of someone on effective antiretroviral treatment. People with diagnosed HIV can achieve an ‘undetectable’ status through proper adherence to medication. This treatment leads to an undetectable viral load, meaning the virus cannot be passed on to sexual partners.

The Do It London campaign was launched in 2015 by London’s boroughs in response to the high rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the capital.

Of the 20 local authorities in England with the largest number of new STI diagnoses in 2016, 17 were in London. An estimated 38,700 people were living with HIV in London in 2016 – this represents 43 per cent of all people living with HIV in England.

Do It London’s messages have been shared in 17,000 street-side adverts, 26,000 ad panels inside London Underground trains and buses, and have been seen across 55 million digital display impressions on Londoners’ mobiles, tablets, and laptops.

Since the campaign started in spring 2015, London has witnessed a dramatic drop in the number of people being diagnosed with HIV, with a record 40 per cent reduction in new diagnoses in five central London clinics. This reduction has not occurred on the same scale in the rest of England.

Cllr Kevin Davis, London Councils’ executive member for health, said: “Do It London is playing a pivotal role in helping Londoners make safe choices and in preventing the transmission of HIV. The fall in new HIV cases in the capital points to the campaign’s significant success.

“It’s crucial that this awareness raising continues. HIV remains a serious public health challenge, which is why London’s boroughs are working together through this pan-London approach. By joining forces on this campaign, we’re ensuring that Do It London’s messages are shared consistently across the capital and have the greatest possible impact.”

Paul Steinberg, lead commissioner of the London HIV Prevention Programme, added: “When the fifth phase of the Do It London campaign launched in August, we set out to bring the latest science on effective methods of HIV prevention to the attention of the London public. We’re very proud to have increased people’s awareness of PrEP and understanding of ‘undetectable’ status, especially amongst audiences who had never before heard of these biomedical interventions.

“The London HIV Prevention Programme has made a significant contribution towards empowering Londoners and promoting HIV prevention. Everyone involved in the initiative, in conjunction with our world-class clinical services and other activists, should feel very proud to see this significant downturn in HIV incidence. London is also now part of an ambitious global effort to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, and Do It London’s impact means we’re making strong progress towards achieving this goal.”

Stand to attention with Mr Gay Wales!

Posted on 26/03/201827/03/2018 by Eric Page

Gscene’s own Valleys boyo, Eric Page, catches up with the rather hunky Mr Gay Wales, Ben Brown, to see what’s occurring and how he won that lush sash!

Have you a St David’s Day message for us?
“Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus or Happy St David’s Day! Eat plenty of Welsh cakes, don’t skip leg day at the gym, drink a protein shake with extra peanut butter (my signature dish) and have a lot of beer.”

You served with 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh, why did you join?
“I joined the armed forces although I actually really wanted to be in the fire service. At 19 I was working in a clothes store and was on a public service course in college and I found out you had to be 21 to join the fire service. I said ‘sod this, I’m not working in retail for two more years’ so walked into the army careers office and enlisted. Whilst serving I learnt a hell of a lot, I was a fully trained soldier. I was taught the drills and skills necessary to be effective member of the Royal Welsh Battalion, one of the largest infantry regiments. I also learned about where my courage lay. Being part of a highly trained unit taught me discipline and values to live by and I still try to live by them. I was posted all over the world: Belgium, France, America, Cyprus, Africa and Afghanistan to name a few.

“Being gay in the army was challenging. I remember having to sneak my boyfriend onto the base on the weekends. Being gay in the army is difficult as many people have this stigma that people aren’t allowed to be gay in the forces. I want to raise awareness and let people know it’s okay. When people learned I was gay they were fine and it was all very relaxed.”

You’ve been a pretty lush Mr Wales, why did you enter the competition?
“After leaving the army I was homeless and it was a tough time for me. My boyfriend finished with me, I was devastated and very down. I needed a push and some motivation to pull me through. I entered Mr Gay Wales to get me through this difficult time and to channel my negative energy into something positive and I also wanted to raise awareness about LGBT people in the armed forces. It can be tough for us, but it’s getting better. I wanted to help people struggling with it themselves in the army. Since then I’ve been honoured to be an ambassador for Shelter Cymru to raise awareness of homelessness. In Wales there’s over 16,000 homeless people.”

I saw you marching with the army in your sash at Pride in Cardiff, how did that feel?
“Marching with the army at Cymru Pride was spectacular, it was the first time the armed forces marched in Wales Pride, it was a huge achievement and a right step for the armed forces. I hope they were as proud of me as I was of them.”

How have your army mates been about you becoming a gay sex symbol and international representative of Gay Wales?
“International sex symbol, Welsh hunk and now Gscene cover pin-up, that’s a new one! My army mates are very supportive of everything I’ve achieved. They’re very proud of Mr Gay Wales. When I won I had messages from my officers congratulating me and still get messages saying how well I’ve done after leaving the forces.”

What does being Welsh mean to you today?
“Being Welsh for me is all about being patriotic and proud of where I’m from – which is Wales NOT England, I’m not English. I’m Welsh and British, it’s an important distinction. When I start-up about it, my partner, who’s in Germany, says ‘oh you’re in the UK mood again’.”

Are all Welsh men as hot as you?
“In a nutshell, yes! But I doubt they’ll find a better Mr Gay Wales than me.”

Who’s your dream threesome?
“Ha ha, cheeky! Austin Wolf (don’t google him on the work computer) and Christian Bale.”

What’s been good about the last year and what are you up to at the moment?
“My proudest moment was winning Mr Congeniality in the Mr Gay Europe competition. It was a massive confidence boost, I felt people actually looked up to me, and they would come to me if they have any issues which was very rewarding. I might not have won the competition but you don’t need a big title to be successful! One Direction only got third place in X-Factor and look at them now. My year’s been amazing. I’ve been so busy year this year, my work with Shelter Cymru as an ambassador is superb. I’ve got lot of trips planned and working hard at the gym and concentrating on my body ready for next year’s goal, to compete in Mr Leather.”

Ben, you’re big, strong and beautiful with a killer smile – what gives you such hope and where can folk find out more about you?
“This smile is really getting me through and persistence gives me hope. When you’re down always think that it’s only going to be for a short period of time, be determined and fight through,” (he beams a big beautiful smile), “Ha ha, check my Instagram: mrgaywales_benjgram89. Be warned – I’m half naked.”

OPINION: Sam Trans Man on the internet

Posted on 26/03/201827/03/2018 by Sam Hall

Dr Samuel Hall on the risky business of opening up online to change how people think.

I made it! When I last wrote my column I was on the brink of surgery that I’m now slowly mending from. And what an incredible month it’s been. I’ve had highs and lows, mishaps and setbacks, euphoria and dysphoria, felt elated and despairing in the same breath, and am finally beginning to settle into a more manageable pace emotionally and physically.

Phalloplasty surgery wasn’t lightly undertaken. This was the first and hopefully worst of three surgeries to get my working penis. A decision I neither undertook lightly, nor wanted to undertake at all for the most part. I mean – who would, right?

Being trans is a constant battle for me; since my mid-30s I’ve been fighting the urge to ‘change sex’. Of course, it all started long, long before that, in my earliest memories a missing penis was a constant reminder of the shame I felt about my body, betraying me the moment my genitals were revealed to me or anyone else. I managed to keep a lid on it for half a lifetime, but eventually gave up fighting about 10 years ago. Exhausted by my own shame, I came out. And now, well now, everything has changed.

For the past few months, even while I was planning a date and negotiating with the surgical team, and I was pretty certain I had to do this, I was still going round in circles asking myself the question, “Is this the right thing to do?” As a person with experience of gender dysphoria and the treatment thereof, I forged ahead, knowing from the previous steps I’d taken in transition that this too would catapult me into a better, more wholesome and functional life.

But as a clinician and a scientist, I have and do struggle with justification for these life-changing, expensive and sometimes dangerous treatments. Like most doctors, I’d rather not do anything to my body that isn’t essential for health and wellbeing. Despite my own first-hand experience of vast improvements in self-esteem, mental and emotional health, capacity to function and ability to concentrate on my family and career, still I hesitated to take this final step.

Some of my reluctance was related to my conservative Catholic upbringing and the deep-rooted beliefs I have had to grapple with these past 10 years. Further hesitancy stemmed from knowledge of the surgical risk, pain, failure of the graft, scarring and damage to my arm, which has become the donor site for my precious new penis. Still, more of my musings were about the morality of this kind of surgery and whether this would really make a difference to how I felt about myself – surely what was in my underpants wasn’t really going to change my life to any degree? No-one else knows or needs to know, right?

But I knew. I’m the one who felt like a fraud, masquerading as a man but not fully male. Who knew? This is a ridiculous way to think, I know. But I did think this and it crippled me. Now, after just the first operation, my shame has gone. The simple act of looking down at my genitals and seeing my penis, has healed this lifelong burden.

I’ve long been an admirer of Dr Michael Dillon, one of the earliest documented people to transition from female to male, also a physician, who pioneered genital surgery as a guinea pig in the 1950s. We’re still guinea pigs, with genital surgery for female-to-male people very much a poor cousin to male-to-female in terms of expertise and development, and difficulty of access. The techniques are crude and in need of further research and investment worldwide, although we are fortunate in this country to have a team of surgeons working in this field.

As a doctor, I know I have a more detailed and intimate understanding of what is involved than most, and I’m able to talk about the surgery I’m having in a dispassionate and medicalised way that facilitates the education of others and fosters a better understanding. I had flirted with the idea of speaking up in a public forum for a time, but right up until the morning of surgery, wasn’t sure I had the balls for it. Suddenly I was imbued with enough conviction to post on Facebook as I waited for, woke from, and wondered about the consequences of my decision. I would open myself up to the world in the interests of changing how people think. It was my time to step up.

Of course, this kind of vulnerability, the kind that the internet has afforded us, is risky. The worldwide web is a cruel place, we live in bubbles, it’s largely unpoliced, it’s easy to see it as more real than the ‘real’ world, and we can be badly hurt if we’re not prepared or emotionally robust enough to cope with the backlash when it comes.

Even if we are prepared, sometimes the price is just too high. I worry about all the trans people who are speaking up at the moment, in their homes, schools, towns, city halls, at regional and national government elections, in the media, in private and public sectors, in the NHS, the armed forces and in celebrity circles. I worry that a backlash is coming.

I worry that with the increased visibility we trans folk are enjoying, with the rising up of Trans Pride that corresponds with the loss of shame we feel as we step up to the plate, with the freedom that comes with being out, also comes the vitriol, the hatred, the discrimination, both overt and covert, the micro-aggressions, the unwarranted personal attacks and widespread vilification of whole communities of people just because they are ‘different’.

I worry that we haven’t even seen half of what is coming our way in this country. Dirt lifting to the surface. The political shift that we have seen these past 10 years is terrifying, and the internet is the place where the battle for what is right will happen.

OPINION: I Have A Phobia

Posted on 26/03/201806/04/2018 by Ray A-J

What if I told you fear could be dissolved in under an hour? Completely – gone in a matter of minutes. Would you believe me? Asks Ray A-J.

Sitting in a brightly lit little waiting room, I was nervous. My phone yelled at me the time – it was four o’clock and I had just made it to the building with minutes to spare. Anxiety brewing at what I might have to face, I stared at the coffee machine in hopes of seeking some comfort studying the mundane object. I didn’t know exactly what I was in for. But before I could make a break for it out of the door, footsteps came from around the corner and with them a familiar face.

I was in therapy, seeking help for my phobia. It had been 13 years that I’d suffered with it, and I’d had enough. Luckily there happened to be a therapist near my home in Brighton, so I went with hopes I’d leave with one less thing holding me back. Rightfully so.

In the smaller session room, I felt like an imposter – my phobia isn’t that debilitating compared to others, I can still go outside and carry out my life as normal. Thoughts crept up on me like a sudden rising tide; did I deserve to be there? But as the session continued, I realised it doesn’t matter how severe your phobia is, it still holds you back.

The therapist asked how I was – the normal niceties, and I relaxed a little. But then the topic of Peter Pettigrew came up. That character from a ridiculous movie (Harry Potter) has plagued me for my entire childhood, right into adulthood. It was just one chance encounter of the rat man, when I was five, and I was tortured for years. His face imprinted itself into my whole life. But, of course, we had to talk about it. In order to move on and bring up the suffocating feelings of terror for the therapy to kill, I had to remember.

I was back in my house with my family. Five years old, and we were watching a film before it was bedtime (as we usually would). Blinds were shut, curtains closed, and a shroud of nighttime darkness filled the room. My often overactive imagination had already taken hold of my brain, painting its own little creatures and monsters out of the dark shadowy room.

All of a sudden my pulse elevated. Hands began to sweat. A burning sensation rose from my throat and flooded itself into my eyes and cheeks. A simple rat (the pet of Ron Weasly) had leapt from his hand. Scurrying along the floorboards of the attic room, it darted forward into a crevice. Slowly, his face grew outwards, stretching and stretching until his nose was long and teeth busting out of his mouth. Gradually, he took on a more human form; with puffed out cheeks, long coarse hair wildly sticking out at all ends, sharp unforgivingly angry eyebrows digging into his face he gnawed at the air in a rat-like pose. It was this transition that got me.

Like the rat he was quick, and hurled himself across the room to escape Harry, Sirious and the other characters. But they found him, named him Wormtail and held him so he couldn’t move. Sirious told the story of this crazed figure. It was he who had killed Harry’s parents, he who had made an attempt on Harry’s life. He was their childhood friend, and he betrayed them. As soon as that word ‘betrayed’ was spoken, a flurry of panic overcame me. Helplessly I clung to a pillow, blocking the TV screen from harming me further. But the damage had already been done.

Back in the therapy room, my eyes burned with the panic and fear of that memory. Tears came pouring down my face with no regard for my integrity. The therapist could see I was distraught, debilitated. She asked what the emotion felt like and I tried in vain to answer.

It was an ice cold, turquoise block in my chest. My hands were sweating out a river, and my heart pounded a stampede of horses, but that wasn’t emotion. She explained that those were the fight or flight responses, and what was really the problem was the energy from my emotional reaction. When you feel fear as intense as a phobia’s, your body reacts – not your brain. An emotion gets trapped in your energy lines, if you’re not allowed to process it fully. If you can’t truly feel it and let it go by itself. Forcing it down and suppressing emotion is what we’re told to do if it’s negative. But we shouldn’t.

Mine had been trapped in my body for years, forever knocking at the door each time Pettigrew’s face appeared, in hopes of it being answered and understood. It was being retriggered every time. It needed to go.

She then asked for me to give the emotion a colour and shape; a turquoise block of ice for me. And words were selected to describe the feeling (I think I just said “oh cr*p” and “I need to look away, this isn’t making me feel good”). I felt ridiculous saying it, but that’s what my brain was telling me. We were now ready to begin Emotional freedom technique (EFT).

EFT aims to rid the victim of their lingering negative feelings around their trigger, dislodging them until they are fully acknowledged and can leave. We had to tap on the ends of the meridian lines whilst reciting a mantra of “even though I’m scared, I still love and accept myself” in order for the emotion to be released. It was about four rounds of this, each time checking my reaction to the character and noticing the intensity quickly decreasing, in total that got me.

It felt stupid, I felt stupid, but it was beginning to work…

Call us now

Day: March 26, 2018

HIV campaign helps Londoners make safer sex choices

The Do It London HIV campaign has dramatically boosted public awareness of the choices available for preventing HIV transmission through sexual contact, according to an independent evaluation.

Stand to attention with Mr Gay Wales!

Gscene’s own Valleys boyo, Eric Page, catches up with the rather hunky Mr Gay Wales, Ben Brown, to see what’s occurring and how he won that lush sash!

OPINION: Sam Trans Man on the internet

Dr Samuel Hall on the risky business of opening up online to change how people think.

OPINION: I Have A Phobia

What if I told you fear could be dissolved in under an hour? Completely – gone in a matter of minutes. Would you believe me? Asks Ray A-J.

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The Do It London HIV campaign has dramatically boosted public awareness of the choices available for preventing HIV transmission through sexual contact, according to an independent evaluation.

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Gscene’s own Valleys boyo, Eric Page, catches up with the rather hunky Mr Gay Wales, Ben Brown, to see what’s occurring and how he won that lush sash!

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Dr Samuel Hall on the risky business of opening up online to change how people think.

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What if I told you fear could be dissolved in under an hour? Completely – gone in a matter of minutes. Would you believe me? Asks Ray A-J.

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