ISSUE # 24 AUTUMN 2017 FREE
MATTY HOME TO HOST GALA BALL HEALING TRAUMA
Da r k Ar t s
CROI Overview
ASF
EDITOR Matt Anning Autumn
has hit the shores of Hobart, and it brought a wave of warm weather, sprinkled with a foreshadowing of showers. I don’t know about you, but I’m always glad when it starts to cool down and it’s time to get wood. It’s quite a busy time of year all around the place, but especially in our space. Tasmanians are blessed with endless activities to get us through the colder months. Mardi Gras may have passed us already, but the Queen’s Ball is just around the corner - check the TasPride website for more information. Speaking of balls, Sarah at TasCAHRD has been very busy organising the inaugural ASF fundraising Gala Ball. It’s less of a mouthful than it seems, but it’s going to be twice as delicious. What is it? It’s a collaboration between TasCAHRD and Rainbow Communities Tasmania Inc. It’s hosted by MC, the magnificent Matt Newell. It’s a classy party with fabulous food and hilarious entertainment, door prizes and a silent auction of adorable objects. You’ll be home alone if you don’t get your tix now. And it’s all to raise money for the Andrew Shaw Foundation. You can read more in the middle of the mag. It’s a good opportunity for me to say a massive thanks to Andy for all his work on Bent Air over the last year or so. We will miss you heaps Andy, and we’ll have you back whenever you are free. And while it is sad for us to have to bid Andy farewell, it’s also exciting because it’s time for someone new to join our team. Interested? Know someone? Drop us a line. Other things for your attention: Find Tracey’s ad for this year’s Artfully Queer competition. It’s the sound of silence that keeps my heart beating. Thanks Dami. What about you? Grant gives us some clear and practical tips on dealing with trauma, and an insight into the possible benefits of a traumatic experience. Yep, you need to read it. And finally check out the invite to the presentation on our collaborative research project with our friends at the UNSW CSRH. We now know a lot more now about the barriers to HIV care and prevention in Tasmania, so come and get the low down from the blokes in the know.
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Lube: One litre water based lube Four Seasons water based lube 75 ml Four Seasons water based lube 500 ml
$17 $4 $10
TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street, HOBART OPEN 9am - 5pm
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
This publication is an initiative of the Health Promotion Program at the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases, (TasCAHRD). Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. Phone: 03 6234 1242 Email: projects@tascahrd.org.au Post: GPO Box 595 Hobart Tasmania 7001 Web: tascahrd.org.au Facebook: Man2ManTas
Editor: Matt Anning Contributors: Matteo Senesi Sarah Lenehan Grant Blake Matt Newell Tracey Wing Our colleagues at TasCAHRD Design & Layout: Ede Magnussen Printing courtesy of: Xerox Hobart
TasCAHRD receives funding from the Crown, through Department of Health and Human Services, to provide these services.
Would you like to see your business or service advertised in this mag? Contact TasCAHRD for rates – pr ojec t s @t a sc ahr d .or g .au .
WA R N IN G
some of the content of this magazine may be offensive to some readers
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CIRO Wrapped up Conferences around the world are valuable events for medical research because scientists and doctors have the chance to present, compare and exchange their findings. In February, CROI (Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections) was held in Seattle showcasing the latest research from around the world on HIV, Hepatitis and STIs. Conferences like CROI are important events for scientists but also for the wider general public because they allow access to preliminary results of new experimental treatments and provide a snapshot of the current research happenings around the world. In this article I report some of the major findings presented during the conference (for a full view of the conference go to http://www.aidsmap. com/croi-2017 ). HIV vaccine and viral control without ART (anti-retroviral treatment) has been
one of the major issues in research for a long time. Current ART allows HIV+ people to reduce the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels [u] and reducing the risk of being infectious to virtually 0. Undetectable status is obtainable only with consistent treatment of accurately prescribed ART, even though side-effects of the drug and dosage regimen make ART treatments difficult to adhere to as prescribed.
Developing
an alternative, long-lasting treatment for HIV+ people to control their viral load has been one of the priorities of numerous research centres around the world. Although results from animal experiments showed long-term viral suppression, clinical results where so far unsatisfactory. Preliminary results from the new ongoing BCN02 vaccine trial is showing promising long-term viral suppression effects in a sub-set of participants. This new vaccine was administered together with infusions of romidepsin, an anti-cancer drug with immune-stimulant properties used in the past for the “kick-and-kill” experiments. Out of 15 participants, 13 interrupted ART so far and 8 of them had the HIV viral load rising back to levels similar to preART treatment and currently back on ART; the other 5 participants stopped ART and despite their viral load became detectable again, the level in the blood is considerably lower. This “viral control” ability has been reported spontaneously only in 1-2% of HIV+ people after stopping ART, but in this study the vaccine and romidepsin raised this “super-power” to 38%, representing a noteworthy increase from what normally observed in the general population and opening new avenues for future research.
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s and etroviruse R n o e c n ns Confere tic Infectio Opportunis
Discovery and distribution of direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) drugs improved the
cure of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in more than 90% of cases. A direct effect has been observed after the Netherlands rolled-out last year unrestricted access to DAAs, decreasing HCV cases in MSM HIV+ by 50%. The results were presented together with data about the rise of HIV/HCV co-infection in America and the possible eradication of co-infection in France. All over the world, there is a strong positive response about DAAs because they can be prescribed regardless of the progression of Hep C stage with limited side effects, while the previous treatments like interferon and ribavirin with cure rates of 40 to 70% had considerably more side effects. The researchers also added that the decrease in new HCV infection is directly linked to the efficacy of DAAs and not just to external factors such as decrease in sexual activity. Here in Australia, DAAs have been approved on the PBS scheme and the Burnett Institute, one of the major contributor to HCV research down-under, is focussing in a 50% reduction of new HCV infections by 2020 and the possible eradication of HCV by 2030.
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Mental health
treatment has been highlighted as potential candidate to improve the outcome of HIV treatment itself. Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancers, HIV has a significant impact on life quality but mental health treatment and resources are limited, especially in lower-income groups. Pamela Collins from the National Institute of Mental Health, highlighted how depression is the most common mental disorder in the HIV+ group, with higher incidence than in the general population. Within the group, women, the unemployed, people with low CD4 counts, older people and people with physical symptoms are subjected to experience depression, even more so than the average HIV+ person. Furthermore, the correlation between HIV and depression works both ways, with depression potentially affecting the risk of new infections and HIV, as chronic disease, affecting the mental condition. On the other hand, ART treatment is specifically associated with better mental health due to the improvement of physical health, which it brings. Figures showed that up to 26% of HIV+ people consider depression and overwhelming feelings true obstacles for adherence to ART treatment. In conclusion, despite a lack of resources especially in low-income countries, Dr Collins believes that a screening for mental disorders should be incorporated in the HIV patient care to improve the outcome of HIV treatment.
A new HIV drug called Bictegravir has been presented during the CROI 2017 reportedly with fewer side effects, higher efficacy and acting successfully alone, without the required interaction of “boosters” from other drugs. The new drug is an HIV integrase inhibitor and prevents HIV from inserting its genetic material in the DNA of the cell, inhibiting the replication of the virus. Integrase is one of the key enzymes used by the HIV together with reverse transcriptase, used to translate HIV RNA into protein and protease, essential for the maturation of HIV protein in their final state. Common ART treatment is generally constituted by a mix of two or more of these key enzyme inhibitors, totally precluding in HIV the ability to replicate. Enzyme inhibitors have been shown to represent not only the weaponof-choice in case of HIV infection but also as a prevention against new infections in HIV- people: taking the very same enzyme inhibitors emtricitabine and tenofovir (aka Truvada) is a strategy (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, PrEP) to prevent HIV- from being infected with HIV. Although this treatment does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis or chlamydia, it allowed for the first time since the 1980’s the decrease of new HIV infections in countries where Truvada was either allowed through PBS scheme or just through an experimental setting. Dr. Matteo Senesi
Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania 6
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You can view this magazine and all its past editions online at:
http://www.tascahrd.org.au/man2man-magazine A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men
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Matty Newell dropped into our office to talk
about being the MC for the upcoming Rainbow Gala Charity Ball. Many people already know Matty from some of his previous incarnations, but we thought we would get a few extra details while we had the chance, and so we asked him some questions. Here’s how he answered:
What are your goals for now? My goals for the present are to focus on the radio. Now that I’ve arrived back in Tassie, I want to focus on making a fresh start here. Melbourne’s concrete jungle just isn’t the place for me. What are your goals for the future? So, radio is actually a long term goal for me at the moment. I want to move on from a complicated couple of years, and get back into the things I love most - bushwalking, being around my family, and keeping spaces open for whatever comes my way. What motivates you about Marriage equality? After a religious upbringing, a shot at conversion therapy and an attempt at a girlfriend, I finally know what it is to be me. I just want to feel the same way my straight friends do about relationships. I want to experience what they experience. I want my family and friends to be able to participate in my wedding one day, in the same way they celebrated my sister at her wedding. How are you feeling about Tassie these days? After moving back here recently, I appreciate Tassie so much more for what it is. We are so lucky to be surrounded by the bush (I sound like a hippie). Tassie is family for me, and I just love it here.
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You’ll be the MC for our Gala Ball, why did you say yes to that gig? I’m excited to be part of what will be a fantastic night. I’m very happy to support a cause which directly helps people affected by HIV in Tasmania. With such a small community, an event like can help reduce stigma, and facilitate a sense of connection and well-being in the greater community. Will you sing something for us on the night? Definitely! I like all kinds of music, especially Lady Gaga. I love John Farnham, he was the first gig I saw live. I listen to RuPaul when my friends are close by, and when I’m by myself I listen to Adele and John Mayer. You’ll have turn up on the night to see what I’m going to sing for you hehe. A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men
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Comedy
Boo
Entertainment
Tickets available n
Drink on arrival Live band and DJ Three course meal Charity auction and raffle Coach to and from Flamingos in the CBD, dropping you directly at the after party! 10
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The Rainbow Gala Charity Ball with MC Matty Newell
Single EarlyBird Tickets $149 (before April 30)
ok a table of 10 for your friends, family and colleagues
now at trybooking.com.au – just search Rainbow Gala
Presented by
and
Rainbow Communities Tasmania Inc. Supported by TasPride A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men
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Who was Andrew Shaw?
Andrew Shaw was a young Tasmanian who died of an AIDS related illness in 1987. In Andrew's memory, TasCAHRD and his family established the Andrew Shaw Foundation
What is The Andrew Shaw Foundation?
ASF offers emergency financial relief to people living with HIV who are experiencing economic hardship. The Andrew Shaw Foundation survives on public donations alone, and is the only source of targeted emergency relief funding in the state.
How can YOU help?
TasCAHRD is raising funds to continue the work of the Andrew Shaw Foundation. We currently have three ways that you can support us in 2017!
The Entertainment Book and mobile app are for sale now! Stuffed full of discounts for Tasmanians and through our link you can even purchase the digital copies for other Australian cities! By buying the app or the hardcopy book through us, you are raising funds for the ASF and you gain access the very
Become a regular donor. Do something that will make a real difference to the lives of people in need within our community. All donations are tax deductable. Please see our givenow page, which you can find here https://www.givenow.com.au/tascahrd
Support the Rainbow Gala Charity Ball, held in conjunction with Rainbow Communities Tasmania Inc. and supported by TasPride. By purchasing a ticket or a whole table, you will not only experience one of the hottest events on the Hobart calendar but you will be doing so for a cause! 12 12
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Trauma Responses to an HIV+ Diagnosis In psychology, an event might be described as traumatic when it presents a serious threat to the life, safety or wellbeing of an individual. Most people in their lives will experience a least one traumatic event, although most people do not go on to develop mental health symptoms associated with that traumatic experience. Symptoms associated with traumatic experience are quite varied. They can include unpleasant dreams and nightmares, depression, anxiety, fear of 14
relationships, difficulty communicating with others, lowered self-esteem and reduced self-confidence. Although being diagnosed as HIV positive is no longer considered a ‘death sentence’ like it might have been in the past, a trauma response to the news can occur. The person might become afraid of intimate (e.g., sex) and non-intimate touching (e.g., sharing drinks), avoid relationships, lose confidence in themselves, and A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men
experience depression. They may also struggle with trusting others, especially when they may have contracted HIV from a sex partner who said they were HIV negative. A traumatic experience, whilst by definition is an unpleasant experience, can also result in a personal growth that enriches a person’s life with new meaning and purpose. Psychologists call this “post-traumatic growth.” Posttraumatic growth is evident when, after the traumatic event, the person adapts to their circumstances and develops a greater appreciation of life, engages with more meaningful relationships, finds new meaning and personal strength, and/or develops an empowered sense of spirituality. Problematically, there can also be a darker response to being diagnosed HIV+. For those with more avoidant styles of coping, they might rely on drugs or alcohol to push away negative feelings, deny the diagnosis, or refuse treatments due to that denial. This can become a public health concern when the individual engages with riskier sexual practices and does not disclose their status. As the consequences of their behaviour are not imminently evident, they are often unaware about the impact of their actions. This can be used by the individual to justify their behaviour. Additionally, these psychological processes and riskier behaviours can be exacerbated by the A Health & Lifestyle Resource for Men in2 Men
disinhibiting effects of alcohol and other drugs, meaning that substance use for coping can make things worse for everyone involved. So, why is it that some people might experience post-traumatic growth and others struggle? Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question. However, what we know is that the following things can have an impact: Coping style (avoidant coping versus problem-focussed coping) Personality (neuroticism versus open to experience) Access to emotional supports (isolated versus supportive environment) Knowledge (little or no knowledge about HIV versus being well informed) Thinking styles (pessimism versus optimism) Positively, many of these factors can be addressed with the assistance of your doctor and other health professionals. How to help a friend who was recently diagnosed. • Listen, don’t judge • Get informed: Jump on the TasCaHRD website to better understand HIV+ • Encourage them to speak with a professional, such as a counsellor or psychologist. Grant Blake is a registered psychologist at ForensiClinic Consulting. 15
Research Presentations Thursday 27th April at 2pm At TasCAHRD meeting room, upstairs 319 Liverpool Street, Hobart Afternoon Tea provided Presentations include:
Trends in HIV and sexual health: findings from the 2016 Tasmanian Gay Community Periodic Survey by Associate Professor Martin Holt, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney The Tasmania Gay Community Periodic Survey is a cross-sectional survey of gay men recruited online throughout Tasmania. The survey is conducted in partnership between the Centre for Social Research in Health, TasCAHRD and the Department of Health and Human Services. The major aim of the survey is to provide data on sexual, drug use and testing practices related to HIV and sexual health among gay men. The most recent survey, the second to be conducted in Tasmania, was conducted in November-December 2016. This presentation will review key indicators in HIV and sexual health, focusing on changes between 2014 and 2016, particularly the uptake of HIV testing, safe sex practices, relationships, partner-seeking, and knowledge of new prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Where available, interstate comparisons will be provided to contextualise the findings. 16
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Barriers to effective HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care: an examination of stigma and discrimination in Tasmania by Dr Toby Lea, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney This qualitative research project was supported by the Tasmanian Government’s LGBTI Grants Program. It aimed to understand barriers and incentives to HIV prevention and care among gay and bisexual men in Tasmania, focusing on experiences of homosexuality- and HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Interviews were conducted by trained peers from TasCAHRD with 16 gay men, eight of whom were HIV-positive. This presentation will discuss these men’s experiences of living as gay men in Tasmania, particularly their sense of community and social support, and their experiences of finding and accessing sexual health services. The presentation will consider how these men navigate a relative sense of isolation and lack of visibility of homosexuality and HIV in Tasmania.
Please RSVP by Monday 24th April by phoning TasCAHRD (03) 6234 1242 or emailing CEO@tascahrd.org.au
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Services Directory NATIONAL Q-Life, National LGBTIQ web based and phone counselling and support service, everyday, 3.00 pm until midnight. P: 1800 184 527 www.qlife.org.au
STATEWIDE Antidiscrimination Commission Assists in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information & referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania. P: 1800 184 527 www.switchboard.org.au Scarlet Alliance Sex Worker Outreach Project. www.scarletalliance.org au Sexual Health Service Counselling, support, referrals & STI & HIV testing. P: 1800 675 859 (Free call) E:sexual.health@dhhs.tas. gov.au TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases. P: 1800 005 900 (FreecallInformation,9am - 5pm) www.tascahrd.org.au Tasmanian Gay & Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) A community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. Stall at the Salamanca Market every Saturday. www.tglrg.org Tas Police LGBTI Liaison Officers P: (03) 6230 2111(Hobart) P: (03) 6336 7000 (Launceston) P: (03) 6434 5211(North West) www.police.tas.gov.au
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TasPride Dedicated to celebrating & uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. www.taspride.com Working It Out Tasmania's sexuality & gender support & education service which also provides counselling & support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. www.workingitout.org.au
SOUTHERN Family Planning Tasmania 421Main Road, Glenorchy P: 03 6273 9117 Mon-Tue & Fri9:00am-5pm;Thur 9:00am-6:30pm http://www.fpt.asn.au Provides free and confidential sexual health care to people of all ages. Services include: contraception, pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral. Sexual Health Service 60 Collins St, Hobart P: 6166 0990 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm. Clinic times may vary. http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ sexual health/sexuaI_ health_service_ tasmania Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health. Anglicare NSP Hobart 18 Watchorn St, Hobart P: 1800 243 232 Mon – Fri 12.30 am – 4.30 pm The NSP provides free clean, sterile equipment, information, education, support and referrals to people who access the service. A 24 hr vending machine is located at the lower section of the building. There is a $2 fee for this service. Nufit (Anglicare NSP) Glenorchy 436 Main Rd Glenorchy P: 1800 243 232 Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Nufit is an NSP which provides clean, sterile equipment, information, education, support and referrals.
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The Link Youth Health Service and Head Space 57 Liverpool St, Hobart P: 03 6231 2927 Mon – Fri 9.:00 am - 5:00 pm www.thelink.org.au The Link offers free counselling. case management, support, information and referrals for young people aged 12-24 in regards to mental health, alcohol and drugs, sexual health and family planning. Outreach is also available. Free condoms and an NSP is also available for people aged 12-24. Hobart Community Legal Service Provides advice and representation to clients in areas such as: discrimination law, employment law, consumer credit, Centrelink disputes, and child support. They offer free evening information sessions at the Hobart office on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm, where volunteer solicitors give information on all legal areas. Mon-Thur 9am-5pm; Fri 9am-lpm www.hobartlegal.org.au Appointments are required for some services, ring ahead to find out. 166 Macquarie Street, Hobart P: 03 6223 2500 7 Station Lane, Sorell P: 03 6265 1911 Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater P: 03 6263 4755 Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania's weekly dub committed to providing a tolerant, safe, informative and fun environment for people of alternative sexualities and their friends to be able to enjoy themselves and socialize in a non threatening environment. www.flamingosbar.com
NORTHERN Shield Uniting & Supporting Northern Tasmanian LGBTI youth www.shieldtasmania.org Launceston - Family Planning Tasmania 269 Wellington St, Launceston P: 03 6343 4566 Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm http://www.fpt.asn.au Provides free and confidential sexual health care to people of all ages. Services include: contraception, pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral.
Launceston - Sexual Health Service 34 Howick Street, Launceston 7250 P: 03 6777 1371 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Clinic times may vary. www.dhhs.tas.gov.au Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health. Burnie - Family Planning Tasmania 1 Pine Ave, Upper Burnie P: 03 6431 7692 Mon, Wed & Thur 9:00 am-4:30 pm www.fpt.asn au Provides free and confidential sexual health care to people of all ages. Services include: contraception, pregnancy counselling, sexual health checks, pap smears, information and referral. Devonport - Sexual Health Service P: 03 6777 1371 or Toll Free: 1800 675 859 Clinic times may vary. Free and confidential counselling and medical appointments for any issues concerning sexual health. NSP Salvation Army Building 111 Elizabeth St, Launceston P: 03 63316760 Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:00pm This is the only primary NSP in Northern Tasmania. The service provides non judgemental clean, ster access the service.
EAST COAST East Coast Queer life Support (ECQLS) North East support association coordinating & providing services & social activities for GLBTI people. Call Peter on 0467 000 748, or email ecqls.tas@gmail. com.
GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES DS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty's Cafe, Restaurant Waterloo, Lebrina, Kusinat, Republic Bar, Criterion cafe, Lansdowne cafe, Retro cafe, Machine Laundry Cafe, Jackman and McCross, Basket and Green, Deloraine Deli, O'Keefe's Hotel, Stonies Fifties cafe, Fitzpatrick's Inn, The King of Burnie Hotel, Hotel SOHO, Restaurant Red, Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant, Cafe Bozzey.
If you notice any details that are out of date in these listings or if you would like to add your details here, please call us on 03 6234 1242 19
TasCAHRD in collaboration with Tasmanian Sexual Health Service
No medicare card required Rapid HIV testing Full STI screening PEP and PrEP (including help with access to PrEP)
Answer all your questions Thursdays from 4:00pm – 6:30pm (final appointment at 6:00pm) Free. Confidential. For bookings call 6234 1242 319 Liverpool St Hobart