A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN FREE! ISSUE #6 - OCTOBER 2010
AGEING
and the Modern Man
In this article I will discuss the distinction between normal ageing and age-related diseases as well as issues relating to the nature of actually being aged. My background is as a busy physician working in general and geriatric medicine for the last 20 years. I am currently employed at the Royal Hobart Hospital but previously I worked in Perth, Western Australia and Cardiff, Wales. Discussions with, and insights from, a large number of elderly people and their families informs much of this article. In the final part of the article I suggest approaches which increase the likelihood of having a positive ageing experience. A critical and often difficult task for doctors, nurses, and other health professionals assessing elderly people is to make the distinction between what is a difficulty due to normal ageing and what is a problem caused by an age-related disease. Normal ageing must be accepted by all of us, whilst an age-related disease requires careful diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There is an unfortunate tendency among elderly people and some health workers to dismiss too many of the ailments associated with age as normal and therefore not worth further consideration. A man with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may off-handedly dismiss his difficulty as “slowing down due to ageing”. He will, as a result, miss out on an opportunity to have helpful medicine and a better quality of life. Normal ageing is recognised as a progressive and generalised impairment of physical and mental function which is associated with increased risk of developing an agerelated disease (e.g. osteoarthritis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and particularly the neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease). Importantly, ageing is also associated with loss of adaptive capacity and resilience in the face of stress (caused for example by infection, trauma, or surgery). It is noticeable how negatively the
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Some Facts And Obs About Normal Ag process of ageing is seen in many standard medical textbooks. Rarely is there much discussion of the positive aspects of growing older such as the acquisition of experience, life skills and wisdom. When comparing the apparent rate of ageing amongst individuals it is striking how much variability there is in the process. Both genetic and environmental factors are in play and, it seems, a significant amount of luck is involved. There is good scientific evidence that people with an optimistic and accepting approach to life in general live longer, have better relationships and are higher achievers in their occupations.
“Rarely is there much discussion of the positive aspects of growing older“
Severe loss of adaptive capacity is labelled as physical or mental frailty. Severe physical frailty might lead to an elderly man being blown over by a puff of wind and sustaining a hip fracture. Similarly, mental frailty could see a similar man, who is normally able to live at home with not much help from his family and has developed a urinary tract infection, become acutely confused or delirious as a result of the infection interacting with an aged and, therefore, vulnerable brain. If we take the time to listen to elderly people who are still reasonably mentally able and articulate, we realise they express common fears and hopes. The most commonlyexpressed fears are those associated
with brain disease. This includes the loss of mental and physical capacity, and the inability to be independent, to make one’s own decisions and plans, and to be a useful and respected family member and citizen. Neurodegenerative disorders and stroke are seen as the most threatening diseases as they can result in dementia, loss of mobility, inability to maintain personal care standards, and the capacity to communicate meaningfully with loved ones. Many well aged people fear advanced dementia and its associated indignity more than death, and wish not to receive life sustaining treatment from doctors in the event of an additional life threatening illness such as pneumonia. If they were affected in this way by such a severe progressive disease, without realistic prospect of recovery, then death is often seen as a release. Such wishes can be documented in the form of an advanced healthcare directive which serves as a way of ensuring that the wishes of a person can be carried out even when that person is no longer able to specify their wish because of dementia or a disability affecting communication*. In recent years much research effort has gone into the promotion of healthy ageing. Generally these approaches are directed at increasing physical and mental capacity and avoiding age-related diseases such as stroke. Some key messages from this research, particularly in relation to brain disorders, are listed below. Anything that is good for the heart is good for the brain. Avoid obesity, smoking, avoid diabetes, high blood cholesterol and hypertension or have these risks factors for blood vessel disease picked up early and have them tightly controlled.
servations geing Avoid things that damage the brain or impair brain function. Examples are excessive alcohol use, excessive use of sedating medications such as sleeping tablets, avoid head injury. Maintain a physically active lifestyle, at least half an hour of brisk walking daily and eat a nutritious diet. Adequate good quality sleep is a key to good mental function and general health. Maintain a mentally challenging lifestyle. Examples include taking on new challenges such as learning a new language, reading, puzzles, using the internet to do research, and being a mentor and passing on your skills and experience to a younger person. Maintain an active social life, try and make new friends, volunteer join a social club etc. Try and cultivate and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude by recognising and recalling your life achievements, avoiding dwelling on past mistakes and losses (everyone has made them and we have all had them), use your strengths everyday. For further reading I suggest “The Brain That Changes Itself� by Norman Doidge. This book has a wonderful chapter called Rejuvenation which inspires us to improve our brains by maintaining mental and physical challenges.
Article by Dr Frank Nicklason Physician, General & Geriatric Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES * When making Advanced Healthcare Directives, the Guardianship and Administration Board can be of assistance. Ph 03 62333085 * Also talk to your GP, family members and close friends.
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EDITORIAL We l c o m e back to a n o t h e r information p a c k e d issue which, thanks to your support, has allowed the magazine to grow in popularity with over 4000 hard copies currently distributed state wide and ever-increasing website visits. With all the current, intense research focus and attention on the accelerated ageing effects associated with HIV, we feature some highlights from the recent International Federation of Ageing’s 10th Global Conference, as well as interview an older Tasmanian man living with HIV to gain some sort of personal perspective. In this issue, we also get an interesting insight to the medical aspects associated with the normal ageing process and a rundown on body image issues faced by some older gay men. Plus, we gain a glimpse of what is being done locally regarding residential aged care and what social groups are currently available in Tasmania for older men in2 men. Happy reading and stay safe until next time. Brian Morris – Editor, Man2Man 03 6234 1242 m2m@tascahrd.org.au www.m2mtas.com GPO Box 595, Hobart Tasmania 7001 Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD.
Man2Man is produced by Sauce Publishing on behalf of TasCAHRD. For production enquiries contact David Williams on 0400 940 699 or email david@sauce.net.au
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Older Men’s Bodies Contemporary males are seen differently from those of other eras in terms of their bodies and what these bodies represent. While the body has always played a role in the perception of masculinity, men’s bodies are now being scrutinised far more than they have in the past. Previously men’s bodies were lauded for their ability to perform certain physical acts which ultimately assisted in defining one’s masculinity. While contemporary male bodies also play a significant role in defining masculine identity, it is the shape, muscularity and aesthetic perception which provides the most significant personal and outward masculine identity. In a consumeroriented Western culture in which all forms of the body are commodified, men’s bodies are increasingly being gazed upon, commercialised and exploited. In terms of concerns about body image, the popular press has focused on young straight men as
being the group most affected by this gaze. But scientific literature claims otherwise. It identifies that gay men are immersed in an aesthetic driven culture, and are most susceptible to body image concerns. The culture in which gay men exist is heavily aesthetically oriented. A gay man’s ‘look’, which often includes his physique, clothing and hairstyle, plays an important role in the way in which he is sexually perceived by other men. The overall ‘look’ can have an immediate impact in terms of attracting or discouraging potential sexual partners. This is particularly relevant to younger gay men where the likelihood of casual sex with a range of sexual partners is higher. However, the need to understand the meaning of ageing gay men’s bodies is still important. While I am a straight man, the research I do means that I have become a colleague to, and good friends with, many gay men. I sometimes feel like I have the
Let us know your thoughts about body image, on the Man2Man discussion forum at www.m2mtas.com/forum
“we are more apprehensive and afraid of the unknown” opportunity of being an outsider looking in, taking a critical perspective of the aestheticallydriven gay community. From a research perspective, listening to older gay men talk about how their sense of masculinity is constructed provides important insights to how masculinities in general are developed. Other researchers concur by arguing that the experiences of being young and gay are very different from the experiences of older gay men.
Indeed these men had come to terms with their ageing bodies and were comfortable with how it looked. Similar to the older straight men that I have interviewed, ageing gay men are also concerned with aspects of losing physical functionality. Certainly there was more anguish about the perception of ageing among the young gay men in their 20s than the older gay men who were already experiencing visible and functional aspects of the ageing process.
Indeed from the research that I have undertaken with younger and older gay men there appears to be far more aesthetically-driven concerns for younger gay men.
Maybe it is like many things in life; we are more apprehensive and afraid of the unknown than the things we already know and have experienced.
Despite a number of younger gay men identifying that reaching 30 is the ‘beginning of the end’ in the gay community, the older gay men in my research appear to have a good perception of self and masculine identity.
From a research perspective we do not have enough information on older gay men’s experiences to provide us with a comprehensive picture of the issues this group of men face as they move into old age. One of the issues we have faced as
researchers in this field is accessing adequate numbers ageing gay men for research projects. Previously I have had little problem in obtaining young gay men to engage in qualitative research, which says much about the youth culture wanting to express itself about issues of concern. However, in several research projects on older men’s body image and issues around gay men and prostate cancer we have had great difficulty in accessing men. This is a problem and requires attention in terms of the research processes we currently use as well as the broader cultural issue of representing the ageing gay male community, the importance of them having a voice and all of us making a difference through discussion.
Article by Associate Murray Drummond, University
Professor Flinders
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Poz Life in Rural Ta Colin is an older man with HIV in rural Tasmania. Many people assume this would be challenging, but when Man2Man spoke to Colin we found he is exactly where he wants to be. You’ve lived in two different rural districts in Tasmania. Have you been out? What was the response? I lived on a farm for about 13 years. It was just what I wanted, out on my own. I’d come from Perth in WA, living in the suburbs. I liked Tasmania. It was such a pretty place. I was ready for a change. I wasn’t isolated because I made a lot of social contacts. I didn’t hide the fact that I was a gay guy. I was the only one, so I think I was the novelty, but they accepted it. I got to the stage where I needed somewhere else and moved into a small town not far away and help out at a B&B. My friends are mostly straight, some are gay. I enjoy the mixture of company. There’s more gay guys moving in now. If we get on with what we’re doing and get involved with the social aspects of the place, people don’t seem to take too much notice. I’ve never encountered any hostility. Tell us a bit about your background? I broke up with my wife about 20 years ago. I knew I was “that way inclined” before the split but I just really wasn’t that comfortable with it. I wanted to be married and to have kids. But you can’t live a double life. You have to choose which way you’re gunna go. The HIV came in late ‘93. My local doctor took eight weeks to work out what was wrong with me. Apparently I was ashen after I got the call. My first thought was that I was dead. I’d seen my friends go. I couldn’t believe it had happened to me. I thought I was indestructible. I called a friend who arranged for someone from the AIDS Council of WA to come up and have a chat to me. He’d had it for seven years and he gave me an insight into how I could go on with this. The hospital told me I had two years to live. But he showed me there was a life ahead of me. Since then, I’ve never thought of it as a death sentence. Has it been hard staying positive about being positive? I decided I wasn’t going on to medication. The spiritual side of my life felt strong enough at the time to
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go without tablets. The doctor was furious, but I kept off them for four years. After a year in Tassie I really was struggling. The weight was failing off me and a friend who can be a bit of a Mother Superior dragged me along. The anti-viral cocktail had improved by then. I’m lucky that I’ve never been ill apart from the side-effects. I’ve had three heart attacks. That was when I was out on the farm which was a bit scary. I got a couple of stents and they took me off the drugs that caused it, so I haven’t had a problem since then. I’ve also had two lots of injections for lipoatrophy caused by one of the tablets. Paying for the first lot was a bit of a struggle but the second was on a trial. I have another script, and am waiting for it to come on to the PBS scheme later this year, but if it doesn’t, I’ll have to pay. I keep a good diet, walk everyday with my dog and don’t overtire myself. Socialising is important too. I like people. Where I am at the moment is magical because I’m meeting new people all the time. Most people know about your sexuality. What about disclosing your HIV status? I’m very careful who I tell about that. I wait till I get to know people. I raise it in a general, casual sense to see if I can trust them. I feel like I’ve dealt with having it, but I don’t go charging in. There’s some people who don’t need to know, and there’s others I feel it’d be nice for them to know all about me. That’s the social side. What about HIV and sexual partners? There’s been a couple of happenings – the one-off sort where you do all the right things with the condoms. But I haven’t had a partner with whom to negotiate these things. There’s someone in the pipeline who’s HIV as well. We’ve never been sexual, yet. But it’s already been discussed. Tell us a bit about your family and relationships? I have two sons and their children in Australia, and a brother and two nieces and their families overseas. We were all together four years ago for my brother’s 70th. That was a riproaring weekend. I miss them and I love all of them dearly, but I’m a very independent fish. I like my own
life. It’s very nice to get caught up in the family, but it’s also very nice to say ‘okay’ and come home. I like my own life, which is probably why I’ve never gone into another relationship. I’m pretty easy to get along with, but the older you get the more set in your ways you get. Sometimes, I think it’d be nice to have somebody. Maybe I just haven’t met the right one. What else is important to you in your life? I’m part of the Positive Speakers Program. Me and Barry (he’s a straight guy, so there’s a nice balance between the two) speak about our experiences. I enjoy talking about how it happened and what’s happened since, how my life’s gone. I think it does a lot of good. What works best when talking to people about HIV? I always keep it very light. If I talk about my journey and crack a few jokes in the middle of it I find people are a bit more comfortable. They have had other presenters talk about the serious stuff, so when it comes to me and Barry I say things like ‘he’s the gay one and I’m the straight one’. If people see you’re relaxed with it and it’s part of your life and not ruling your life, they’re more comfortable to ask the questions they really want to ask. Having us talk to them helps them to relate to people who have the virus. If we seem confident in ourselves, it helps others feel confident dealing with us. It’s not such a big, scary thing for them anymore. What does the future hold for you? I like to set goals for a five year period, not because I think that’s all the time I’ve got left, but because five years is far enough ahead for anyone. I’d like to carry on travelling. I’d like to go overseas again. I’ve seen most of Australia, but I’d like to see the Cape. Looking further into the future, aged care is a problem, but not one I get bogged-down in. I’d rather use that energy when I actually get to it. I know you’ve got to plan, and hopefully I’ll get very old, but for now I’ll be happy with a home of my own to rest my head and a garden to keep. Whatever happens, it would be nice to know there is a place for me.
asmania: Colin’s Story “If we seem confident in ourselves, it helps others feel confident dealing with us.”
If you have any questions about what it’s like to live with HIV as an older person or would like to share your views, go to the discussion forum at www. tascahrd.org.au/hivforum
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TASMANIAN GLBTI SE STATEWIDE Antidiscrimination Commission Assist in pursuing claims of discrimination on grounds of sexuality, gender identity etc. Located at Level 1, 54 Victoria Street Hobart. PHONE: 03 6233 4841 OR 1300 305 062 EMAIL: antidiscrimination@justice.tas. gov.au WEB: www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au Bi-Tasmania Social and support group for bisexual Tasmanians CONTACT: 0401 054 003 Coming Out Proud Program (COPP) Provides strategies enabling GLBTI people to “come out with pride” and live in their community with dignity. CONTACT: Julian Punch julian@logtas. org WEB:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~copptas Country Network Offers hospitality and friendship among rural GLBTI people to assist overcoming their social isolation. CONTACT: Dave Arnold on 03 6228 4166 www.countrynetwork.com.au secretary@ countrynetwork.com.au Galstays Choices for the gay and lesbian traveler. Visit www.galstays.com.au GALTA Australia’s gay & lesbian tourism organisation. Visit www.galta.com.au Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Tasmania (GALTAT) Representing the gay and lesbian travel accommodation providers in Tasmania. Visit www.galtat.com Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Confidential peer-based telephone counselling, information and referral service specifically for the GLBTI communities of Victoria & Tasmania. PHONE: 1800 184 527 WEB: www.switchboard.org.au Gay Info Line 24hr recorded message service funded by GLC Centre PHONE: 03 6234 8179 GayTAS Website The leading gay online newspaper & information source for the Tasmanian GLBTI community. Visit http://gaytas.e-p. net.au GAYunities New social networking site for the Tasmanian gay community. Visit www. gayunities.com
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Indeed Supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry. EMAIL:indeedrelationships@gmail.com WEB:www.relationshipstasmania.org.au/ indeed.html League of Gentlefellows Regional social events for rainbow people in a safe and caring environment. PHONE: Julian Punch on 03 6239 6606 or John Perry on 03 6223 6003 EMAIL: julian@logtas.org WEB: www.logtas.org MAN2MAN Program Program run by TasCAHRD which aims to prevent the spread of HIV & STI’s among gay men and other men who have sex with men. This program incorporates the MAN2MAN magazine, MAN2MAN online outreach, volunteer program, venue outreach, as well as information & support. You will also find us in your favourite chatroom. PHONE: 03 6234 1242 or 1800 005 900 EMAIL: m2m@tascahrd.org.au WEB: m2mtas.com Outright Youth Group Group offering social events for young rainbow people in a safe and caring environment. Contact Scott Ryan or Connie Lavicka at scott@logtas.org for more details Parents & Friends of Lesbian & Gays (PFLAG) Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available from the following; EMAIL: pflagtas@yahoo.com.au WEB: www.pflagaustralia.org.au QueerTas Tasmania’s GLBTI Yahoo group. WEB: queertas-subscribe@yahoogroups. com.au Relationships Tasmania Info about the deed of relationships www.relationshipstasmania.org.au S.A.F.E Spirituality and Faith Exploration meet fortnightly for LGBTI people who wish to explore their spirituality. CONTACT: Joc - 03 6228 6715 EMAIL: safetas@gmail.com WEB: www.care2.com/c2c/group/safetas Same Sex Travel A directory of same sex operated accommodation properties throughout Australia and New Zealand. WEB: www.samesextravel.com Sexual Health Service Offers counselling, support, referrals and STI & HIV testing. HOBART - 03 6233 3557 DEVONPORT - 03 6421 7759
BURNIE - 03 6434 6315 LAUNCESTON - 03 6336 2216 FREECALL NUMBER - 1800 675 859 EMAIL sexual.health@dhhs.tas.gov.au TasCAHRD Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases including the MAN2MAN Program. PHONE: 03 6234 1242 FREECALL INFORMATION LINE 1800 005 900 (9am - 5pm) EMAIL: mail@tascahrd.org.au WEB: www.tascahrd.org.au Tasmanian Council for Sexual and Gender Diverse People Inc Supporting GLBTI people to come out with pride and live in their communities as fully respected and participating members SOUTH: Brian Doran (Greater Hobart) brian@logtas.org or Jo Goodman (Kingborough/Huon) on jo@logtas.org NORTH: Donald Mc Donald (Greater Launceston/East Coast) on donmac@ logtas.org NORTHWEST: Wilfred Laycock (NW/West Coast CLC) on wilfred@logtas.org Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) Is a community-based organisation campaigning for LGBTI human rights in Tasmania. TGLRG also have a stall at the Salamanca Markets every Saturday. CONTACT 03 6224 3556 EMAIL rodney.croome@tglrg.org WEB: www.tglrg.org Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officers HOBART – 03 6230 2111 LAUNCESTON – 03 6336 7000 NORTH WEST – 03 6434 5211 WEB: www.police.tas.gov.au/ community/community-policing/lgbt_ liaison_officers TasPride An organisation dedicated to celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian GLBTI community as well as bringing you the annual TasPride Festival. See GLC Centre for contact details. WEB: www.taspride.com Working It Out Tasmania’s sexuality and gender support and education service which also provides counselling and support for LGBTI Tasmanians, their friends & family. Coordinate and implement anti-homophobia & diversity education & training programs in schools, workplaces, government & NGO’s SOUTH – Ph: 03 6231 1200; Email: south@ workingitout.org.au NORTH – Ph: 03 6334 4013; Email: north@ workingitout.org.au NORTH-WEST – Ph: 03 6432 3643; Email: northwest@workingitout.org.au WEB – www.workingitout.org.au
ERVICES AND GROUPS Working It Out Rainbow Support & Discussion Groups Support/discussion groups held statewide by Working It Out for GLBTI people HOBART – 0438 346 122 or info@ workingitout.org.au LAUNCESTON – Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au DEVONPORT - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au BURNIE - Sharon 0419 361 128 or north@ workingitout.org.au Yahoo Tasmanian GLBTI Groups (Queertas, gayhobart, tassiecasualfun, womenupnorth, bitasmania, Allsortsqueeryouth, qsoc_tasmania, gaytassieguys, triplegtas, Tasgayguys, GayTasmania, taswomen2women) http://groups.yahoo.com SOUTHERN Borderlines Hobart’s queer radio show every Monday at 10-12am on Edge Radio 99.3FM Flamingos Dance Bar Tasmania’s weekly club 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. Located at 201 Liverpool Street, Hobart. Online at www.flamingosbar.com and www.myspace.com/flamingosbar Gay and Lesbian Community Centre Inc (GLC Centre) GLC Centre or TasPride is Tasmania’s GLBTI social and community development group. A member-based organisation, GLC produces the TasPride Festival, hosts regular events, provides the Gay Information Line, and publishes a regular bulletin. Contact on info@taspride. com or online at www.taspride.com Hobart Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Marcus on 0457 071 646 EMAIL: macdougall_60@hotmail.com or info@workingitout.org.au Lalaland Hosts a monthly dance party. First Saturday of every month in Hobart. www.clublala.net Les Girls Hobart GLBTI night club located at 101 Harrington Street, Hobart (formerly Mangoes Bar). With drag shows every weekend. Open every Friday & Saturday night. Free entry to all GLC members on display of membership card. WEB: http://www.myspace.com/ lesgirlshobart or http://lesgirlshobart. blogspot.com EMAIL: xshowgirl@hotmail.com
QSOC The Queer Uni Students Society in Hobart contactable via email at queerep@ yahoo.com.au QSOC South UTAS Queer Students on Campus. Contact on: qsoc_south@hotmail.com Queery UTAS GLBTI Social Group New UTAS social group for queer students on campus and open to other GLBTI people which meet regularly at the UTAS Queer Space CONTACT: Alex West EMAIL: akwest@utas.edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com Rodney Croome – Gay Activist - Web Blog www.rodneycroome.id.au Tasmania University Union (TUU) Sexuality Officer CONTACT: Alex West on akwest@utas. edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com Wellington Wanderers GLBTIQ activity group which runs a yearround program of events. CONTACT: 0447 225 682 or 03 6223 2690 POST: GPO Box 1872, Hobart Tas 7001 EMAIL: wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au
Tas Unity An ecumenical support and study group for LGBTI people, their friends, families and supporters. PHONE: Pat on 03 6344 2357 Transisters Community based social and support group for transgender women in Tasmania, meeting once a month in Launceston. WEB: http://groups.yahoo. com/group/transisters/ NORTH-WEST Allsorts Queer youth group meeting regularly in Launceston & Burnie through Working It Out North West PHONE: 03 6432 3643 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: northwest@workingitout.org.au Burnie Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au North West GLBTI-Friendly Youth Group For under 25’s meets fortnightly in Burnie. PHONE: Sharon on 03 6432 3643 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: northwest@workingitout.org.au
Working It Out Southern Trans Support & Discussion Group Social gathering for anyone in the trans family. PHONE: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au
North West Same Sex Attracted Men’s Group Group for over 18’s meets monthly in Burnie. PHONE: Layne on 0439 733 277 EMAIL: ramonshoebridge@live.com.au
NORTHERN
EAST COAST
Allsorts Queer youth group meeting regularly in Launceston & Burnie through Working It Out North. PHONE: 03 6334 4013 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au
ECQLS East Coast Queer Life Support Is a support association in the NE to coordinate and provide services and social activities for GLBTI people. EMAIL: ecqlstasmania@gmail.com OR CHECK OUT www.ecqls.org
Fruity Bits Launceston based email newsgroup. PHONE: 03 6334 4013 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au
GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES
Launceston GLBTI Social Events Group Through Working It Out Hosts regular social events and dinners for GLBTI people CONTACT: Sharon on 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au Northern Tasmanian Men’s Meetup Launceston based discreet social group of gay and bisexual men and their friends who meet regularly for meals, BBQ’s, drinks and other events. EMAIL: northern.meetup@hotmail.com or info@meetup.com POST: Launceston Meetup, PO Box 7666, Launceston Tas. 7250
DS Coffee House, Red Velvet Lounge, Fleurty’s Café, Restaurant Waterloo, Mummy’s, Citrus Moon Café, Lebrina, Kusina, The Alley Cat, Republic Bar, Criterion Café, Sirens, Lansdowne Café, Retro Café, Machine Laundry Café, Jackman and McCross, Magnolia Café, Groovy Penguin, Fresh on Charles, Deloraine Deli, Kabuki by the Sea, O’Keefe’s Hotel, Stonies Fifties Café, Fitzpatrick’s Inn, The King of Burnie Hotel
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HIV and Ageing The issue of early ageing of people with HIV was on the agenda of the International Federation of Ageing’s 10th Global Conference in Melbourne in May. Several presentations from people involved with the Australian HIV sector dealt with the subject, which is receiving more attention worldwide as more effective treatments mean HIVpositive people live longer.
disease (there is evidence that the vascular systems of some positive people are as much as 25 years older than HIV-negative people of the same age), osteoporosis and bone disease (positive people are three times more likely to have it after ten years of living with HIV), arthritis and neurocognitive problems (may be partly caused by decreased cerebral blood flow in positive people).
Current HIV treatments do not completely suppress the virus (despite people having undetectable viral loads) and this low level inflammation may lead to chronic problems.
While we have known about links between HIV treatments and problems such as lipodystrophy, increased cholesterol levels (leading to cardiovascular disease) and insulin resistance (leading to diabetes), it is not widely understood in the community that HIV does damage to people even when treatments are keeping viral loads to a minimum.
For example, researchers have now found that inflammatory processes caused by the virus are contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular
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The combined effect of the virus and treatments are contributing
to higher demands on GP and specialist services by people in their fifties and sixties, in particular. David Menadue referred to this “baby boomer� part of the HIVpositive demographic as those now most likely to experience HIV-related co-morbidities (other illnesses or conditions). He presented research showing 64% of an HIV-positive cohort over 60 lived with two or more co-morbidities (such as diabetes, increased cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis) compared with only 11% of an HIV-negative population. Ross Duffin noted that one implication of these developments is that people will need aged care services at younger ages than the rest of the population. The training and preparation required for the aged care workers involved will be intensive and extra resources will be required to do this well for larger numbers in the future.
“Many fear that aged care workers won’t accept their sexuality” Most people who are ageing and requiring high level care prefer to stay in their own homes and advocacy will be required to lower the eligibility requirements for Aged Care packages from the current cutoff age of 65 for HIV-positive people by making a case about premature ageing of this population. Linda Forbes from AFAO also spoke
“HIV positive people will need aged care services at younger ages than the rest of the population” in this session about respect for the human rights of people with HIV given the potential for problems in an aged care sector that has not been kept up to date with the latest on HIV, is still fearful about transmission risks and will not understand the culture of gay men or their lifestyles. Russell Westacott from ACON spoke about his organisation’s development of a gay and lesbian ageing strategy which included extensive consultations with people
with HIV in NSW about their future care needs.
either with home care workers or in aged care facilities.
Rob Lake from Positive Life NSW spoke about the need to develop the idea of “ageing well” with HIV and that this needed to include programs and resources to support people to adjust to the physical and psychosocial changes involved with it.
Many fear that aged care workers will not accept their sexuality or their lifestyle, will not accept sexual expression of any kind, and would certainly not understand HIV and how to look after people with it. She stressed training needs to be done for aged care workers to prepare them for the increased needs of this client group in the future.
Lizzi Craig, a Community Support Worker with the Victorian AIDS Council, spoke of her long involvement with clients with HIV and the issues she is currently dealing with for those who are ageing. She quoted from a report called “My People” by Dr Catherine Barrett from the Australian Research Centre for Sex Health and Society which looked at the needs of GLBTI seniors. She talked about the great fears older gay men, including some with HIV, had about how they would be cared for in their old age,
Many speakers said that the issue of HIV ageing was still relatively new for service providers and the impact is only just becoming apparent as some HIVpositive people get into their sixties and seventies. More research needs to be done to understand how ageing will affect people with HIV as it seems some will suffer the effects of ageing more quickly than others – just as happens with the rest of the population. Still there is mounting evidence that a significant percentage of positive people will experience premature or earlier ageing. Article by David Menadue Founding Member of National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA)
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To this end, Longview Communities was formed. Land was donated with spectacular views across Mountain River, down the Huon Valley and across Kingston to Bruny Island. The land is on the edge of farm country, and borders mountain reserve that abounds with wildlife. An Environmental Impact Study involving many separate studies of the land has been compiled and is about to be presented to the Kingsborough Council.
Longview Communities The story so far...
A group of gay people in Tasmania’s south met for a positive-aging focus group. Out of that discussion came the concept of clustered communities of single residences for people who can no longer manage to live independently, be it from age, infirmity, a disease, or permanent injury. Should you be incapacitated and not well off financially, you can be catapulted into a nursing home, where, if you’re lucky, there is a view of more than dusty plastic plants and the nurses aren’t too overworked. Instead, for those of us who may be reluctant to give up the dog or cat, décor control or the need to play music very loudly and occasionally behave outrageously, and who could get along perfectly well with just a little help from the person next door, a managed community with a few frills, run as a charity to maintain independence from government control, could provide a standard above and beyond the expected. What do we want? Views! We’re also pretty keen on purpose-built
Social Groups Available To Older Men In2 Men One of the most important ways to improve the health and well being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people is to create opportunities for them to meet and socialize in a safe, non-threatening environment. Loneliness and isolation can be a particular problem for many GLBTI people. Sometimes they feel they have to stay in the closet out of fear of ostracism, discrimination and even hate crime. Sometimes they feel like they are ‘the only gay in the village’. While there are opportunities in Hobart and Launceston for GLBTI people to meet, fewer opportunities exist in regional and rural areas where discrimination can be more prevalent. For gay men and women who are older, finding a safe space to come out and be themselves can also be difficult. They may feel it is harder to challenge their family and friends’ preconceptions of who they are, and may feel out of place at youth-oriented GLBTI venues. A
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response to these needs
residences, environmentally conscious and sited privately or grouped around a common garden area with community centre, entertainment and dining areas, a sauna and plunge pool with a massage/ physiotherapy area, with raised gardens and graded paths to greenhouses. Management should offer fresh food, only real orange juice, and a take it or leave it social calendar.
in Tasmania has been the setting up of the League of Gentlefellows, the Wellington Wanderers, Working It Out’s Rainbow Support and Discussion Groups, Northern Tasmania Men’s Meetup, Outright Youth and other social groups. Many members of these groups have moved from a position of isolation and denial to a more positive position of being relaxed about their sexuality and gender identity. Some have met partners or developed a network of friends. Most have gained from developing stronger social connections. The Leagues of Gentlemen & Gentlewomen (LOG) hold social functions in various parts of Tasmania. LOG members meet at one another’s houses, or hold special events like film or theatre nights out, car rallies and BBQs, to share time in each other’s company, develop new friendships and share a meal together. LOG also has a strong associate membership base of family and friends. Most importantly, LOG raises funds for the Coming Out Proud (COPP) Trust at our social functions. The COPP Trust is growing a capital investment base to finance social, wellbeing and
Once Council approval is granted, you will hear more about Longview Communities - the charity launch, the fundraisers, the next site and the next. As gay people we have to ensure our own future, our independence, and our identities. After a lifetime of suffering possibly daily prejudice, we need to know in our final years that we are amongst gay and gay-friendly people. Anyone interested in assisting this worthy project in any way, please contact Julian Punch.
Web: www.comingoutproud.org Email: julian@logtas.org
Article by Dr Stephen Edwards, Huonville General Practitioner enterprise initiatives that will assist GLBTI people in Tasmania’s regional communities. The future of these important initiatives depends on the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, please contact LOG, or the other organisations mentioned in this article. All are listed in the contacts on page 8 & 9 of this publication.
Article by John Perry President, League of Gentlefellows
To obtain a copy, go to www.m2mtas.com
Out Late A guide for older men coming out
To obtain a copy, go to www.m2mtas.com
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Balloon Art: Brett Willis www.brettwilliscartoons.com / Poster Design: Nathan Little www.nathanlittle.net
30 Oct - 14 Nov 2010 Tasmaniaﾃ不 Celebration for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Intersex, Transgender and Queer Community and their Family & Friends.
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www.taspride.com !"!#$% &'(& .../010234565/789
It's huge. 85 Federal laws that discriminated against same-sex couples in social security, taxation, family law, the workplace, health, ageing and more have been reformed. To celebrate, 85 artists have created 85 T-shirts inspired by the changes. Find out which ones fit you.
UPCOMING TASMANIAN GLBTI EVENTS THURSDAY 7th OCTOBER WORKING IT OUT DEVONPORT RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au SUNDAY 10th OCTOBER EASY WALKS ON SOUTH ARM PENINSULA Hosted by the Wellington Wanderers. Contact Robin for more information on 6243 4670
WORKING IT OUT BURNIE RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout. org.au WORKING IT OUT BURNIE ALLSORTS YOUTH GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout. org.au THURSDAY 21st to SUNDAY 24th OCTOBER
discussion session over dinner at a Launceston restaurant. Contact Brian Morris on 6234 1242 or m2m@tascahrd. org.au for more details. Numbers limited THURSDAY 11th NOVEMBER WORKING IT OUT DEVONPORT RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au FRIDAY 12th NOVEMBER
WORKING IT OUT HOBART RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP
MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK LONG WEEKEND TRIP Hosted by Wellington Wanderers. Bookings by 8th October. For more details contact Richard on 6223 2690
LAUNCESTON SOCIAL EVENTS GROUP THROUGH WORKING IT OUT Held at O’Keefe’s Hotel. For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au
For more details contact 0438 346 122 or info@workingitout.org.au
SATURDAY 30th OCTOBER TO SUNDAY 14th NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY 17th NOVEMBER
HOBART SOCIAL EVENTS GROUP THROUGH WORKING IT OUT For more details contact Marcus on 0457 071 646 or macdougall_60@hotmail.com
TASPRIDE FESTIVAL For more information and to see a copy of the festival program of events go to www.taspride.com
LAUNCESTON SOCIAL EVENTS GROUP THROUGH WORKING IT OUT Held at O’Keefe’s Hotel. For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au
SUNDAY 31st OCTOBER
FRIDAY 15th OCTOBER
SATURDAY 16th OCTOBER RAINBOW WAREHOUSE PARTY THROUGH WORKING IT OUT Come to a party and look at our range of rainbow merchandise for sale. Held at Deloraine Community House. For more details contact Louise on 0425 758 794 TUESDAY 19th OCTOBER WORKING IT OUT LAUNCESTON RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au WORKING IT OUT LAUNCESTON ALLSORTS YOUTH GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au WEDNESDAY 20th OCTOBER UTAS QUEERY SOCIAL GROUP MEETING Held at UTAS Queer Space, Sandy Bay. For more details contact Alex West at akwest@postoffice.utas.edu.au or queerrep@hotmail.com
MONDAYS: “BORDERLINES” QUEER RADIO, 10am-12pm Hobart’s sexuality & gender issues radio show on Edge Radio 99.3 FM
A HEAVENLY BBQ WITH L.O.G Join the League of Gentlemen for a BBQ lunch. For more details contact Julian on 6239 6606 or at jpunch@ tassie.net.au MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER WORKING IT OUT SOUTHERN TRANS SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Jane on 0438 346 122 or accounts@ workingitout.org.au FRIDAY 5th NOVEMBER LES GIRLS 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTY CELEBRATION For more information contact Sandie on xshowgirl@hotmail.com or visit http://lesgirlshobart.blogspot.com
WORKING IT OUT BURNIE RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au WORKING IT OUT BURNIE ALLSORTS YOUTH GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au FRIDAY 19th NOVEMBER WORKING IT OUT HOBART RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact 0438 346 122 or info@workingitout.org.au TUESDAY 30th NOVEMBER WORKING IT OUT LAUNCESTON RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au WORKING IT OUT LAUNCESTON ALLSORTS YOUTH GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au
SATURDAY 6th NOVEMBER
THURSDAY 2nd DECEMBER
LES GIRLS 2nd BIRTHDAY PARTY CELEBRATION For more information contact Sandie on xshowgirl@hotmail.com or visit http://lesgirlshobart.blogspot.com
WORKING IT OUT DEVONPORT RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP For more details contact Sharon on 0419 361 128 or north@workingitout.org.au
TUESDAY 9th NOVEMBER
SATURDAY 4th DECEMBER
NORTH WEST COAST MAN2MAN – LIVE & LOCAL Join Man2Man for a topical discussion session over dinner at a Devonport restaurant. Contact Brian Morris on 6234 1242 or m2m@ tascahrd.org.au for more details. Numbers limited
ANNUAL RAINBOW DINNER BY LEAGUE OF GENTLEFELLOWS Event held at Mecure Hotel, Hobart. Cost $ 65 per person. To book or for more details contact Julian Punch 6239 6606 or julian@logtas.org
WEDNESDAY 10th NOVEMBER LAUNCESTON MAN2MAN – LIVE & LOCAL Join Man2Man for a topical