AIDS Action Council Newsletter Jan-Feb 2011

Issue Jan - Fab 11

Rapid Testing: Just what the Doctor ordered?

FOR YOUR DIARY January 1 New Year’s Day 4 AIDS Action Council resumes business for 2011 17 Fresh Start (helping you understand and quit smoking for LGBT people) starts 19 Volunteers Meeting: Westlund House 6:00 – 7:30 pm

February 3 Fresh Start (helping you understand and quit smoking for LGBT people) starts 14 National Condom Day 16 Volunteers Meeting: Westlund House 6:00 – 7:30 pm 24 Free Legal Clinic: Westlund House 6:00 – 9:00 pm

3

5

March Fresh Start Course (helping you understand and quit smoking for LGBT people) starts Sydney Mardi Gras Parade and Party

CALLING ALL ARTISTS LYNN PARRY The AIDS Action Council of the ACT has booked the Belconnen Gallery, part of Belconnen Community Services, for 3 weeks next year, 2nd to 20th May 2011 and will be hosting a community art exhibition for anyone who is part of any communities affected by HIV. This includes individuals, families and friends from the LGBT community, Sex Workers, people with haemophilia, migrants from high prevalence countries and of course PLHIV. AAC will cover the cost of staging this event, with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial being held during the time of the showing. Works are able to be sold, but no commission will be taken. We intend that our exhibitors will be our members, our supporters and anyone who is keen to show their work under the AAC banner.

The work can be of any medium, sculpture, textiles, photography. There are no themes. The only restriction being that it is not R rated as children use the area. Maximum number of pieces is 7, depending on size of the work. Plinths are available.

For your diary, the opening will be held on Thursday 5th May 2011 at 6:00 pm. Please contact Lynn Parry by phone on 6257 2855 or lynn.parry@aidsaction.org.au Monday to Thursday if you are interested in participating.

Register your participation quickly as the exhibition space is limited and will be allocated on first in basis.

AIDS ACTION COUNCIL OF THE ACT aidsaction.org.au GPO Box 229 Canberra ACT 2601 T: 02 6257 2855 F: 02 6257 4838

Up Front: RAPID TESTING – A question of human rights?

Andrew Burry

According to the latest gay periodic survey, 4 out of 5 gay men have had at least one HIV/STI test at some point in their lives. However, only about half of us have had a test in the last 12 months. That’s quite low. It is particularly low in light of the survey also showing that Canberra has the highest rate of increase in unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners.

Most of us know that we should be tested at least once a year, and if we have a lot of partners, then we should test much more frequently. Here’s another statistic that worries me. According to the latest surveillance report, two thirds of the gay men that tested positive in 2009 had acquired HIV more than 12 months before their diagnosis.

This means that they had been oblivious to their seroconversion for over a year; a period when HIV is at its most infectious. It also means that those two thirds of gay men diagnosed with HIV in 2009 had not had a test within the previous 12 months.

You might be surprised to know that this is precisely what gay men in most of the rest of the western world can do. In countries like the US, Canada, Germany, Britain, Holland, Austria, France, Switzerland and New Zealand, gay men can access what is called “rapid testing”, and have been able to do so for five years or more. It should be of no surprise that rapid testing is very popular and has produced an increase in both numbers of men and frequency.

So why don’t we have it? Who is to blame?

This is a very good reason why increasing the rate and frequency of HIV testing is such a crucial component in reducing the rise in HIV transmissions, and why we have to do everything we can to encourage gay men to test regularly and why we need to make it convenient. Research has already told us that the SINGLE BIGGEST reason that gay men avoid or delay, is that it is NOT convenient. A clear majority give this as the primary reason.

Interesting questions. One would have thought that in an environment of rising infections, increases in reported unprotected sex and testing rates that definitely aren’t improving (and may actually be falling) we would be moving heaven and earth to get rapid testing implemented immediately. Instead, we have groups of academics, clinicians and research laboratories dithering in the face of overwhelming international evidence and suggesting we have a clinical trial!

So, imagine being able to drop in to a convenient location when you feel like it, and be out again in 20 minutes or so with your result. Imagine only a thumb prick instead of having blood drawn. It would be great, wouldn’t it?

Why aren’t gay men being engaged in this discussion?

After all, we have been told testing is a part of being gay, but as a further punishment we have to be subjected to a needlessly cumbersome process involving two visits to a

clinic, each of which can seem like half a day. Surely that’s going to be an incentive to put it off for many men.

Of course, I agree wholeheartedly that pre and posttest counselling is a vital part of the process, but those protocols already exist and can be easily adapted to work in a community setting. In other words, if rapid testing was really the priority the new National Strategy says it is, we could work the whole thing out in an afternoon and gay men could access it tomorrow.

I believe that the significance of rapid testing is not merely that it is quick and less intrusive. The real opportunity it presents is to allow testing in a convenient location with an opportunity to have peer-based pre and post-test counselling. And, I also believe that if this failure to act promptly to provide new and effective technology means that there are more HIV positive men out there who don’t know, then they and their partners are at additional risk.

And, isn’t that a question of human rights?

If you’re a gay man and you think rapid testing should be available now, let us know. Gay men need to call the shots on their own health.

The AIDS Action Council offers regular community based sexual health testing at Westlund House and Champions Mustang Ranch. It’s not ‘rapid’ (yet!!), but it’s free, easy and fun. Check aidsaction.org.au or call 6257 2855 to find out when it’s next available.

AIDS Action Council AGM Scott Malcolm

The AGM is a great event for the AIDS Action Council, especially coming as it does with the annual Peter Rowland Address and our annual awards.

This year saw the introduction of the revised arrangements in our constitution, and the membership elected Board members for two year terms. In addition to myself, three of last year’s Board were re-elected; Alan Verhagen, Maria Neill and Andrew Grimm. I’m delighted to welcome two new members in Darryl Evans and Nathan Boyle. Darryl has been an incredibly hard-working volunteer for some years and has contributed enormously to our peer workshop program.

Nathan, through his association with Amnesty International has contributed through our partner events in recent times.

Fabulous Mmber This life membership is awarded to acknowledge long term involvement in, or support of, the AIDS Action Council.

Don Baxter, Ross Wilson and Andrew Subsequent to the AGM, the Board elected myself as President, Alan as Vice President and Andrew Grimm (again) as Barr MLA Secretary Treasurer. The staff has appointed Andrew McLeod as Staff Representative. We have also co-opted Dee Quigley on to the Board to round off a dynamic group with a diverse range of perspectives and experiences and I am looking forward to the year ahead; one in which a number of important decisions will be required.

Don Baxter, Executive Director of our peak body AFAO (Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations) delivered the Peter Rowland Memorial Address. It was fascinating to hear reflections and insights from someone who has been at the coal face for this entire epidemic. He also let slip that our General Manager, Andrew Burry, has been elected onto the Board of AFAO. As a Council, we are as always highly dependent on the support of our members, stakeholders and the community to do the work that we do. This is one reason why I think our annual awards are so important; it is our chance to acknowledge some real heroes in our community. This year’s winners are …

David Widdup Award This award recognises outstanding contributions by volunteers or members.

David Widdup was a board member and key figure in the ACT gay and lesbian community with a long history of activism on human rights for many years.

Daryl Evans

Peter Rowland Address

Presidents Award

Media and Communications Award

Community Award

Dr Peter Rowland was a key figure in the early response to HIV/AIDS in the ACT. The Board decided in 2000 to honour Peter’s memory at each Annual General Meeting with a Memorial Address.

The sole prerogative of the President of the AIDS Action Council, the President’s Award recognises a group or individual who has done wonderful things within the queer community and for people living with, or at risk of, HIV/AIDS.

The Media or Communications Award recognises a group or individual who has worked to provide quality communication of HIV/AIDS issues.

The Community Award recognises an individual, group or organisation that has advanced HIV/AIDS issues in the community.

Fuse Magazine

Dr Charani Ranasinghe

Don Baxter, Executive Director AFAO 25 years: achievements and challenges

Dee Quigley, awarded by Scott Malcolm

www.aidsaction.org.au

Jan 11 - Fab 11

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Love, Life, Sexuality, Community...

The AIDS Action Council has FREE workshops for everyone

For young guys (25

Out There!

now Book e for th y ar Febru Out of round re!

The

and under) attracte d to other guys

Looking Out

For guys (26+ years old) attracted

to other guys

Stepping Out

For women of all a ges attracted to oth

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Together

uple and co , le g in (s n e m y ga r fo s Relationship more) of all ages Call Nick on 6257 2855 or email nick.nguyen@aidsaction.org.au to find out more or get on the waiting list for the next workshop 04 | Jan 10 - Fab 10

www.aidsaction.org.au

2011: an exciting year for trans and intersex people in Canberra Cam Michael

A Gender Agenda is excited to announce the commencement of two major community development projects aimed at the Sex and Gender Diverse community in Canberra. The aim of these projects, which have both received ACT health promotion funding, is to: • develop social connectedness within the sex and gender diverse community and

rooms of health and community services. If you haven’t got your copy of the calendar yet, please contact us on community@genderrights.org.au .

• strengthen the ability of ACT Heatlh and community services to support sex and gender diverse people by providing appropriate information and referrals.

Information and Referral Resource

Social Inclusion Program “Strength in Diversity – Building a Healthy Sex and Gender Diverse Community” is a project with a social inclusion focus, providing safe opportunities and encouragement for trans and intersex individuals to improve their health outcomes by participating in:

The second project involves the development of a “Sex and Gender Diversity Info Pack” which will be an information and referral resource for health providers, community workers as well as sex and gender diverse individuals. This resource will include easy to understand information about trans and intersex issues with a particular focus on helping services to become more aware and inclusive in their service delivery. The resource will also include a listing of “friendly” community and health services.

If you already provide respectful services to trans and intersex people, we’d love to list you in this resource. But even if you don’t provide services to the sex and gender diverse community, you can still be part of this project!

• physical activities • skill sharing and peer discussion workshops • an exploratory course run by a registered psychologist for those questioning their gender identity • some art workshops culminating in an exhibition of created works towards the end of 2011.

The events we are running, like our community, are incredibly diverse – rock climbing, sewing, yoga, an information session on legal rights, self defence classes and cooking are just a few of the activities that are on offer. The aim is that there should be something that appeals to almost everyone!

All this means that 2011 is quite a busy year! We have developed a calendar of events which will be available from late January 2011. The calendar is designed to be distributed to trans and intersex individuals who may be interested in participating, but it is also in a poster format that could be displayed in waiting

We recognise that, for a whole range of reasons, there can be barriers that prevent services from providing appropriate services to the sex and gender diverse community. If you think this might be true for your organisation then we can provide you with a copy of the completed resource so that you are in a better position to provide useful and appropriate referrals to trans or intersex clients.

We will be contacting services over the coming months asking whether you would like to be listed and/or receive a copy of the information and referral resource we produce. Have a think about it - and look out for further information from us soon. If you have any queries – please talk to us!

For more information about A Gender Agenda or any of our current projects, please contact us: community@genderrights.org.au=www.genderrights.org.au

www.aidsaction.org.au

Jan 11 - Fab 11

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www.aidsaction.org.au/worldaidsday

AIDS Awareness Week and World AIDS Day (1 Dec 2010)

AIDS Awareness Week Launch and World AIDS Day Breakfast: November 24 saw people coming together and were challenged by AAC General Manager Andrew Burry as he questioned what we are talking to our kids about HIV in 2010? A week of events and media culminated on World AIDS Day, December 1st, with a community Breakfast at Westlund House with more than 50 people, an information stall at the Canberra Hospital and the Multi-faith Service in the evening.

Drag For Dollars (12 Nov 2010)

Drag for Dollars AIDS Action Council fundraiser: As one of the major events of this year’s SpringOut calendar, Cube Nightclub hosted Drag for Dollars. $1,000.00 was raised for the Council from cover charges and drag queens rattling money tins through the crowds after they had wowed them with their incredible performances. A big thank you to Cube for their generosity and helping to raise the profile of the AIDS Action Council. *Images courtesy of Wolf Sverak, Keith Fauxtographix and Cube Nightclub

Reclaim the Night (29 Oct 2010)

Reclaim the Night: Friday 29th October saw women from all across the ACT stand together and declare that the streets should be safe for everyone and no one should have to fear sexual violence. The evening saw belly dancing, clowns and a march through the streets of Civic demanding women’s right to be safe. Lexxie, our SWOP worker, has been involved in organising Canberra’s Reclaim the Night for the last two years.

SpringOut Fairday (30 Oct 2010)

Fairday: The Westlund House SpringOut Fairday was a huge success this year. With the largest crowds to date, the community gathered and enjoyed a balmy afternoon catching up with old friends, checking out the stalls and groups displaying their wares, listening to live music, watching the drag queens and pet parades, all before the heavens opened up after threatening to for so long. *Images courtesy of Wolf Sverak, Keith Fauxtographix and Cube Nightclub

Fairwell to Stephanie Buckle (4 Dec 2010)

Stephanie’s Farewell: The rain held off for the first hour, and was sometimes outdone by the tears of those 70+ people who gathered to say thank you and goodbye to our longest serving staff member and Counsellor, Stephanie Buckle. Live music, beautiful food, great company and shared memories made this a very special event indeed.

Goodbye

I

kept sneaking a look at the RSVP list last week, and as the list grew, so did my excitement. So many friends, old and new people who I had in many cases shared struggles with, either in the counselling room or out in the broader community, as well as all my colleagues from work, from the Sex Therapists and Educators group (ASSERT), from Interchange General Practice, and the Canberra Sexual Health Centre, and many others, came to wish me well at my Farewell on Saturday.

The food was yummy, the champagne flowed, and the cool jazz provided by Canberra School of Music students, sounded just the right note. The setting, under the lovely trees on the lawn outside Westlund House, has been the scene of so many celebrations and community events now over the years, from the very first one in 1995 when “Westlund

08 | Jan 10 - Fab 10

House” got named for its first General Manager, John Westlund; so it was a fitting setting for this occasion to mark my leaving the AIDS Action Council after 20 years.

Thank you so much to everyone who came, and for the numerous lovely cards and tributes. I had a ball! The hardest thing was not being able to finish a conversation with anyone, and in some cases, not even getting to have one at all.

If you didn’t manage to make it on Saturday, I am still here for a couple more weeks, finishing off paper work, tidying filing cabinets, and feeling a bit teary as the memories keep coming. It’s been a wonderful 20 years, I couldn’t have wished for a better workplace, and I feel proud and privileged to have been associated with all our communities.

Very best wishes to all, and have a wonderful – and safe – Christmas.

Stephanie Buckle

www.aidsaction.org.au

Testing times: How do rapid HIV tests work?

David Mills

If you’ve ever gotten a sexual health check-up you’ve probably had a HIV test and had to endure a nervous wait of about a week to get your results.

Perhaps coming back for your results was a major inconvenience, perhaps you were too nervous to get your results in person, perhaps you never made it back at all? You wouldn’t be alone.

Rapid HIV testing seems to offer a solution, but how well do the tests work?

Conventional HIV tests require a venous blood sample to be taken and sent to a lab which usually processes the samples in batches in order to be economical. It’s the time it takes for the sample of be sent off and for enough samples to be received by the lab that takes time, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test used is relatively quick and routine, and positive results can be confirmed using a Western blot test.

There’s not a single rapid HIV test – there are several tests available from different manufacturers using slightly different technologies – but what they share in common is that they test for HIV antibodies (in common with conventional ELISA tests) and produce results in about 30 minutes without needing to be sent off to a lab. Most require a couple of drops of blood from a finger-prick but could also be used with plasma or serum, and some others use saliva, oral mucosal fluid or even urine. Since they are antibody tests all of them are only valid after a ‘window period’ after which sufficient numbers of antibodies would have appeared from any HIV infection.

Currently only a few rapid tests are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

All use blood, plasma or serum and under the 2006 National HIV Testing Policy these tests can only currently be used in limited circumstances such as in very remote areas, in the defence force or if someone presents with very severe illness that is believed to be HIVrelated. It might be used to help decide if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be given (for example if you think you might already be HIV positive). But how accurate are they and why shouldn’t they be used in other settings?

When talking about the accuracy of the test it’s important to be clear between the meaning of sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the likelihood of the test returning a positive

result when HIV is present. Specificity refers to the likelihood of the test returning a negative result if HIV is not present. Currently available rapid HIV tests have excellent sensitivity (with a caveat about the window period, below) and a very good specificity. This means that false negative results are very rare but false positive results occur occasionally. Because of this a positive result on a rapid test is called a ‘reactive’ result instead and a blood sample we need to be taken and a conventional test performed to confirm the result.

This ‘limbo’ period between a reactive result and a confirmation test will usually take a few days and likely be distressing. It is important that pre and post test counselling explain clearly what the results mean. With populations where HIV prevalence is relatively high, such as amongst gay men in Australia, the proportion of false positives will be relatively low.

On the other hand, in populations where HIV prevalence is relatively low, the proportion of false positives and unnecessary distress probably outweighs the benefits –at least until the specificity improves further.

The window period varies between tests. Typically the rapid tests available have a four week window period as compared to latest-generation conventional tests which have a two week window period where available. Where a risk event occurred more than two weeks ago but less than four a conventional test may be more appropriate.

Rapid HIV tests have been very successfully utilised in other countries including New Zealand, the US and the UK. The ease and convenience they offer is compelling, and in virtually all programs where they have been used they have increased rates of sexual health screening. There will be some settings where conventional tests are more appropriate, but there are no technical reasons that rapid HIV tests should not be part of our testing arsenal.

What’s it like to get a rapid HIV test?

Last year I visited Auckland and took up the opportunity to try a rapid HIV test. A counsellor greeted me and we took a seat on his lounge suite. We had a brief chat about my sexual history and my interest in having an HIV test and he showed me the rapid test kits (there was a kit for HIV and a kit also for syphilis), took them out of the sterile packaging and showed me the marks on the plastic shells that explained how to read the results.

The counsellor asked me to draw a small mark in pen on each kit so I could know they were mine. He gloved up and, telling me what he was doing the whole time, took the small, sterile lance and pricked my finger gently. I gently squeezed a couple of drops of blood into the indentations in both kits, and put a bandage on my finger.

As the results would take about 15-20 minutes, the counsellor covered up the test kits and we engaged in the pre-test counselling to ensure I was prepared for the results and what a ‘reactive’ result meant. I could still walk away if I didn’t feel I could cope with my results.

Feeling ready, we checked the kits, ensuring my marks were still there and checking the lines that had showed up quite clearly on the strips that show through the shells.

I could have been in and out within about 30 minutes for a very convenient, relatively relaxed check up for HIV and syphilis if we hadn’t chatted at length about the HIV responses in Australia and New Zealand, and the New Zealand AIDS Foundation’s experience implementing rapid testing. Their statistics speak for themselves; the numbers accessing their services have grown exponentially.

Yes, getting an HIV test will always be a little nerve-wracking, but the greatly reduced waiting time, the counselling and the setting ensured it was no drama at all. There are plenty of great reasons to visit New Zealand, but ultimately I believe we shouldn’t have to cross the Tasman just for the opportunity to get a rapid HIV test.

Gay men are demanding rapid HIV tests Research shows that gay men in Australia want rapid HIV tests. The Canberra Gay Community Periodic Survey shows that about 12% of gay men have never been tested or never returned for their results, and almost a third of HIV-negative men had last tested more than 12 months ago. How can we increase testing frequency?

The Pleasure and Sexual Health study by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society shows that the number one barrier to regular sexual health check-ups is time. When asked “What would encourage you to test more often?” test results in a few minutes topped the list:

What would encourage you to test more often:

%

Able to obtain results in few minutes

75.2

Home testing

65.5

Greater convenience

58.4

No need to see doctor

41.8

If could trust doctor’s confidentiality

28.9

Testing at gay venues

19.7

Note: Items not mutually exclusive – multiple responses were possible.

(Source: Pleasure and Sexual Health)

As part of our evaluation of our STRIP sexual health clinics, we asked participants whether they would be less likely, just as likely or more likely to get a sexual health check-up “If you could get your results on the spot within 30 minutes”. 83% of participants would be more likely to get a sexual health check-up while 17% would be just as likely.

www.aidsaction.org.au

Jan 11 - Fab 11

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“

“

Make it easy.

Have the packet already open and in easy reach

Gregory, 43 Natural Therapist & Yoga Teacher

Photography by

aidsaction.org.au 010 | Jan 10 - Fab 10

www.aidsaction.org.au

I

Doing it Again

Keiran Rossteuscher

The AIDS Action Council is in the business of sex. Safe sex that is. We make sure we have a healthy supply of free condom packs available to hand out at big events, or when Hush and Cube are running low, or even when the Uni’s are having their O-Week shenanigans. Many of these packs will have complimentery campaigns, including posters and other resources to go with them so that the messages are familiar and people feel comfortable picking up a handful of condom packs.

With the success of the use of the Fairies at Fairday 2008 to promote the launch of the Spring themed Up Ya Bum campaign, we felt that we would have another campaign launch at the 2009 Fairday. But what would it be? We wanted something that would speak to people at Fairday and the rest of SpringOut. We wanted it to be uniquely Canberra.

We worked with what we knew about gay and bisexual men, visual inspiration from the Rip & Roll campaign from QLD and the discovery of some latent creativity amongst the Community Development Unit staff, the I Sex, I Condoms campaign was born. The campaign would be focused around SpringOut events and LGBT hangouts: Cube, Hush and the Mustang Ranch, as well as limiting print media to the AAC newsletter and FUSE.

The messages within the I

Sex, I

Condoms campaign had three purposes:

1.To remind guys who already know the reasons for using condoms why they use them, 2.Removing some of the barriers that guys may have with ensuring that the condoms are used with their casual sexual partners, 3.Tips or suggestions for ensuring that sex with a condom is still enjoyable.We used a range of methods to communicate the importance of condoms; pop culture references in the campaign logo, obvious branding from the Council, quotable and easy to remember phrases, vivid colours to highlight the condoms. The single most important element however was the use of the models. The use of local, recognisable ‘celebrities’ within the community would connect the guys to the campaign and provide that nudge so often needed to get people to change their behaviour. Think of this as using peer pressure for the purposes of good!

Not enjoying sex with condoms is frequently cited as a reason for not using them. As Andrew Burry has said before, no one has sex so that they can use a condom; they use these little life savers so that they can have sex with the peace of mind that they have reduced their chances of contracting or transmitting HIV and many other STIs. Our own experiences with group work with gay and bisexual men around sexual health has shown that many guys do not talk to people, including their sexual partners, friends or doctor about condom use, and so don’t ever get the chance to overcome some very simple hurdles. We were hoping that this might provoke some conversations while sharing a drink at the community events.

In 2010 we focus tested the campaign. We were pleased to hear that we had ticked most of the boxes we had aimed to.

Some of the responses included the recognisability of the models and that everyone in the room knew at least one of the models, even if just from a distance. The variety of the models (age, body shape, ethnicity, even gender) was appreciated, that they were accessible and everyday people they could imagine either having a beer with or even, if lucky,

take home. Some people even said it was the first time that they had seen a campaign that was so obviously by the AIDS Action Council.

During and after the roll out of the campaign we would check in on the models to see how they were going with their new found fame. All of them reported mostly positive experiences coming out of the exercise. Some felt that they were actively doing something good for their community, others felt empowered about getting through the photography process and being a model on a poster, or as one of them said ‘the last thing you see before having sex’. Some felt they got extra attention when they went out to Hush or Cube, now being seen as ‘the guy on the poster’ and people would go and talk to them about safe sex. This attention wasn’t always appreciated as one of the models who frequented Mustang Ranch reported that some guys felt they had more of a ‘right’ to him and would not heed his rejection of their unwanted advances. He was looking forward to the posters coming down from there.

looking to get ‘Leo’ or ‘JD’ packs for their stash at home.

Some people swiped a poster or two – which was fine by us as we always brought spare copies.

The campaign got a second wind at Valentine’s Day 2010, also known as National Condom Day, when the AAC teamed up with Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT and used the I ♥ sex, I ♥ condoms logo (without the other bits) and worked with Cube, Uni Pub, and Moose Heads to promote the campaign for that weekend. SHFPACT reported that it was the most well received campaign that they had ever run and requested being able to use the logo (crediting AAC of course) for the next two years.

With the success of the first phase of the campaign, it seemed only natural to do a second phase. This second phase was launched at the 2010 Westlund House SpringOut Fairday. There have been a number of changes. Some in response to feedback, others are a natural evolution of the campaign.

Firstly, there are all new models including a couple, Joel & Shaun. There is now also an online presence, with ads appearing on Gaydar, the FUSE website and a brand new page that discusses condom use for gay and bisexual men on the AAC website. The campaign is going to be run for longer, until the Mardi Gras festival in March 2011. It will still almost exclusively be found at LGBT events, venues and publications in the ACT. The Council also worked with TeamM8 underwear to have underwear and tank tops printed with the logo. These normally sell for $30.00 - $40.00 off the shelf, but we are selling them for only $15.00 to try and make them as accessible as possible. Where better to see our campaign logo than on a sexy chest gyrating around Cube, or emblazoned on a guys butt as a reminder during the throws of passion. These are still available to purchase from Westlund House or you can even buy them from the AAC website!

Feedback so far seems to be mostly positive, and we can’t keep up with the supply of posters of ‘Troi’ at Cube as people take the message, and his posters, home with them.

We have also just started a photo competition using social networking site Facebook to help raise the profile of the campaign amongst the more technologically tapped in punters out there.

Each model had their groupies, and at any event you could see people picking through the bowls of condom packs

Where will this campaign go? Well, who knows really? There could very well be a third phase being launched at the end of 2011. Time will tell – evaluations of the latest must be completed first. But we now have a recognised brand, and a formula that for the time being seems to resonate with the community. We could have created a monster.

Given the changing nature of the lives of men, women and children living with HIV in 2011 and beyond, the AIDS Action Council has developed a new resource for providers of human services in the ACT and region. AAC staff deliver a professional presentation to staff and volunteers from a variety of organisations such as community services, government services and also private practitioners and their allied health teams.

Multimodal resource materials are also provided including fact sheets, newsletters, booklets and video materials. It is also through programs like HIV TODAY that the Council is able to build and strengthen community relationships and advocate individually and more broadly groups and communities.

HIV has changed enormously since the early eighties when the virus manifested itself through the emergence of sudden and debilitating terminal illnesses. The major changes have been related to the advent of combination antiretroviral medications in the mid nineties. These therapies are able to keep the virus at bay by interrupting the process of viral replication. By no means are these medications a cure but they do assist PLHIV to manage and take control of their condition.

However, of greatest importance is the reason behind the development of HIV TODAY. Our aim is to ensure that all people living with HIV receive high quality, flexible health, community and government services that recognise the needs of each and every individual, couple, family and community.

HIV Today Nada Ratcliffe

So why do we think that information and education programs like HIV TODAY are so important? While there is general understanding in the community and by service

providers that times have changed for positive people, myths and out of date perceptions still surround HIV, even in the human service sectors. It is essential that those providing services to people living with HIV have access to accurate and up-to-date information relating to a variety of clinical, psychological, social and cultural aspects of having what is now largely regarded as a chronic, manageable condition. In addition, all people with HIV are individuals and some groups have special needs including women and those who have lived with the virus for many years. For this reason, each presentation is especially developed to best target the audience at that time. www.aidsaction.org.au

If you would like further information on HIV TODAY or would like to book a presentation for 2011, please contact Nada Ratcliffe, Client Services Manager at the AIDS Action Council on 6257-2855 or by email to nada@aidsaction.org.au Jan 11 - Fab 11

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