Author: Besi

On Thursday, January 16, a group of HIV-positive gay men are going to meet up in Soho and go on a pub crawl.

In many respects this is entirely ordinary: there are hundreds of gay men living with HIV drinking in the gay bars of Soho every evening. What will be different is that they will be there as openly HIV-positive gay men. And they’ll be wearing red.

Matthew Hodson, Chief Executive of GMFA the gay men’s health charity, said: “Although about one in twelve gay men in London are living with HIV, and the numbers are continuing to rise, the visibility of HIV has decreased in recent years. That means that many gay men believe that they don’t know anyone who has HIV, and myths and misconceptions about HIV are given the opportunity to flourish. By being out there and visible, we have the opportunity to acknowledge that people with HIV are standing shoulder to shoulder with you in our bars and clubs – and we hope that by doing this we may challenge the stigma that many men living with HIV encounter. And at the same time, we hope that we’ll have a fun, sociable and supportive evening.”

All HIV-positive gay men are welcome to join in.

The organisers have asked people to wear red, so that members of the group can identify each other. Matthew explained: “I chose red because I thought it was a colour that most people would have something of in their wardrobe but not so common that we’ll struggle to identify each other. You don’t have to wear red to join us, but we will be much more visible if you do.”

The pub crawl will start off in the Kings Arms in Poland St at 7pm, wandering down to Comptons at 8pm and then onto the Manbar at 79 Charing Cross Road at 9pm. It’s a pub crawl so all timings are approximate. If it’s a success the organisers plan to set up something similar for next month.

Matthew concluded, saying: “So far we’ve just been talking about it on GMFA’s website and via Twitter, and already we’ve had people contacting us from all over the UK and even from across Europe and the US, supporting the idea. I’ve no idea how many people will show up on the night, we’ll have to see. It’s no small thing to be open about your HIV status but being open about your status in public may encourage others to think about their own attitudes and their own behaviour. The more of us there are, the bigger impact we will have, and the better opportunity to make new friends and have a fun time.”

What: Poz pub crawl

When: Thursday, January 16

Times and venues:

Kings Arms, Poland St – 7pm

Comptons, Old Compton St – 8pm

Manbar, 79 Charing Cross Road – 9pm (timings are approximate)

Dress code: Red

Remember to use a condom this Christmas and New Year.

Health professionals in Norfolk are urging people to practice safer sex following a 43% increase in the number of diagnosed syphilis cases this year. The majority (80%) of these were among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Although the number of cases is low, the increase is significant. Syphilis is an unpleasant infection which can go unnoticed for weeks and if untreated can lead to serious complications. Some people experience sores or ulcers at the site of the infection. This can then develop into nasty rashes and people can experience flu-like symptoms.

Men who have sex with men are advised to have an HIV and STI screen at least annually, and every three months if having unprotected sex (this includes using protection half way through a sexual activity) with new or casual partners.

 A recent case study shows how having unprotected sex can affect your life:

• A 32 year-old male visited his GP with a rash and sore throat. He didn’t mention a recent visit to a London sauna where he had sex with two men. Antibiotics cleared the rash but the patient was still worried about HIV so went to the sexual health clinic to be tested. He was then diagnosed with recently catching HIV and syphilis. Tests currently show HIV has not damaged his immune system but he will have regular blood tests in future to monitor this and will receive treatment for HIV. Telling his regular partner was difficult but prompted him to also be tested. Fortunately the partner tested negative. They are still together and now always use condoms.

Dr Giri Shankar, Consultant in communicable disease control, Public Health England said: “Unprotected sex, especially with casual and multiple partners, is the biggest risk for getting syphilis or any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Along with the more traditional ways of people meeting for casual sex, social networking sites are making this behaviour easier, especially in the gay community. The only way to get protection from STIs is to practise safer sex. If you are a man who has sex with men or has changed partner recently, get tested for Syphilis.” 

Dr Jo Evans, Consultant in Genito Urinary Medicine, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, added: “Lots of people carry STIs in their system and are unaware of this, so it is essential to use a condom every time you have sex to avoid catching something unpleasant. We are particularly worried about the recent increase in syphilis, especially amongst men who have sex with men. If you’ve had a new partner recently and not always used condoms get yourself checked; if you are a man who has sex with men you are at a higher risk, even if using condoms – get tested now.”  

Dr Augustine Pereira, Consultant in Public Health at Norfolk County Council concluded, saying: “The chance of catching other sexually transmitted infections such as HIV is high for those who are already infected with syphilis and other STIs. Our advice is to use a condom at all times and during all forms of sex, including oral sex.”

A recent article in the Lancet shows that men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK are experiencing record high diagnosis rates for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV.  According to this, over a half of the new diagnosis of HIV and almost three quarters of new cases of syphilis is diagnosed among MSM.

Syphilis can start off as a painless ulcer, usually on the genitals or mouth.  These are highly infectious. As the infection progresses people may develop swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, and rashes. Syphilis can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Anyone concerned about their sexual behaviour, any symptoms they may be showing or need some advice on practising safer sex, should contact their local sexual health clinic, Norfolk LGBT Project or GP.

Broken Rainbow UK’s advice for surviving domestic violence and abuse this Christmas.

Christmas is a difficult time for lesbian, gay, bi and trans* (LGBT) people who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. At this time of year many of us spend more time with partners and our families, time that can be stressful, put a strain on finances and often involves a fair bit of alcohol – all of which can trigger incidents. Also at this time of year it is easy to feel you need to ‘try harder’ for the sake of family celebrations and not wanting to spoil the holiday. But not reaching out if things are difficult can be very isolating – we hear you.

Broken Rainbow’s LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline is open as usual throughout the festive period. They will be open to take calls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

They have compiled 7 key points to remember this Christmas:

1) If you are in immediate danger call the police on 999.

2) Call the Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline on 0300 999 5428 to talk confidentially to another LGBT person who will listen and help you understand your options.

3) Email Broken Rainbow UK if you don’t feel like talking over the phone. Our email address is help@brokenrainbow.org.uk.

4) Talk to a friend. Tell someone what’s going on. It helps to share your problems with someone you can trust.

5) Remember that the violence or abuse is not your fault, no matter what excuses you’re given.

6) Plan for your safety – think about the worst-case scenario; if you had to leave in a hurry, what would you take with you? Where could  you go to be safe and get help? Remember you can always go to the police for help.

7) Keep your mobile fully charged and handy.

Remember, you’re not alone: Broken Rainbow receive thousands of calls each year from people going through domestic violence.

For more information, CLICK HERE: