A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN FREE! ISSUE #8: MAY 2011
BEHIND
THE SCENE
EDITORIAL Welcome to our second issue of Man2Man for 2011. Thanks to your support and the ever increasing popularity of the magazine we have now increased our distribution to 5000 copies state wide which is awesome! Plus we have started up a Man2ManTas Twitter account which you will read about in this issue of the mag. In addition we are now running popular small group dinner sessions in each region of the state where dinner discussions are themed around each issue of the magazine.
Latest Update On The Man2M
To register for these, check out our website for details. In this jam packed issue we give you a behind the scenes look at exactly who the team at Man2Man are, and what other activities we get up to in the Program here at TasCAHRD. With some beat related issues cropping up lately we have interviewed a beat user to get an insider’s view of the scene, and also featured articles which we hope will help you safeguard yourself and minimize any harms associated with using beats. Lastly, we have featured the extremely important role played by the Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officers in assisting our community in any police-related matters. We also take time out to tell you more about the Man2Man website and Twitter page and how you can better interact with us and each other through the forum page and receive our tweets on program updates and events. Well that’s enough from me, so happy reading and stay safe until next time! Brian Morris - EditorMan2Man 03 6234 1242 / m2m@tascahrd.org.au GPO Box 595, Hobart, Tasmania 7001 www.m2mtas.com www.twitter.com/Man2ManTas
Views expressed in Man2Man are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD. Man2Man is produced by David Williams on behalf of TasCAHRD. For production enquiries, call 0459 786 285
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Since the beginning of this year, there have been some significant changes to the Man2Man website’s structure, design and content. In aiming to become a user friendly, reliable and informative source for health and other useful information relevant to Tasmanian men into other men, the website has undergone substantial improvement. Since its introduction in early 2009 the Man2Man website, www. m2mtas.com, has steadily grown in popularity. The website has had over 30,000 page views to date with an average of 2,500 page views per month. There has also recently been a steady increase in the number of new visitors to the Man2Man website with an impressive 2414 unique website visitors in March 2011 alone . And numbers continue to rise. The Man2Man website is divided into different sections or web pages some of which include the following:
Latest News
This section of the website is updated at least daily with the latest news from all over the world. News articles relate to GLBTI issues, HIV, hepatitis, sexual health, youth issues, drug & alcohol, men’s health and many other topics of interest.
....user friendly, reliable and informative source for health and other useful information in relation to Tasmania’s GLBTI community.... RSS Feeds
RSS feeds allow you to easily stay
Man Website
with our team and with each other through the forum, allowing for a useful exchange of information, opinions and ideas, leading to healthy discussions on various topics of importance relating to Tasmanian gay men and other MSM. So why not start chatting on our forum page. informed by retrieving the latest content from our website. By using RSS feeds you save time by not needing to keep visiting the website to check for new postings. RSS feeds ensure you are kept up-todate with the latest content on the Man2Man website as it is put up by our team.
Publications
Here you can access a full range of different resource publications covering a wide variety of areas relevant to gay men and other MSM. It aims to provide you with the latest health related information from a variety of sources.
Factsheets
There will soon be another addition to the website in the form of a webpage containing “factsheets”. These will be concise, accurate and reliable health related facts, hints and tips that will be useful to all our viewers. For those wanting quick, easy to read information, our factsheets page is where you should be headed.
Feedback
The Man2Man Team greatly encourages our website viewers and magazine readers to provide feedback on both the website and magazine.
So, why not sign up to receive our RSS feeds and keep up to date with our new website content?
These are divided into topics areas covering HIV, sexual health, gay men/MSM, GLBTI health, men’s health, co-infection and Aboriginal health to mention just a few.
This enables us to constantly improve the service we provide to you and all those who engage with us through our various programs.
Forum
What’s On
One of the best ways to do this is through the online forum on the Man2Man website.
This is where you get to have your say! The website’s “Forum” section is one that we wish to see used more frequently by visitors to our site. We are also hoping to receive feedback and comments relating to articles in the latest issue of the Man2Man magazine via the online forum, as well as comments on news articles. Our aim is to get you to engage
The “What’s On” section of our website is the most comprehensive listing of GLBTI events occurring around Tasmania. The list is updated frequently as soon as our team receives new dates, and is a great one stop guide for what’s happening around the state for the Tasmanian GLBTI community. Remember if your organisation or group would like to list any of its upcoming events then please email them to us at m2m@tascahrd.org.au
So get online and get into the discussions with the Man2Man Team. Article by Alistair Pinto Program Officer Man2Man
www.m2mtas.com
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Beating Around The Bush A ‘beat’ is any place where men can meet other men. Beats can be purely social or guys may have sex at the beat or go somewhere else. Beats can be parks, railway stations, swimming pools, beaches, shopping centres, public toilets and any other places open to the general public. In some rural areas, beats can be a main point of contact for many men who have sex with men. Beats however, can pose risks for those who use them. The following information provides some things to consider if visiting a beat to increase your safety.
“Beats are shared public spaces which also means shared responsibilities”
Personal Safety: Taking Care of Yourself Unfortunately beats can sometimes attract homophobic violence including physical violence, harassment and theft. Here are some ways you can increase your personal safety: Leave your wallet and valuables at home or locked in your car. Place your car key in your sock, keep pockets empty. Attacks at beats may involve theft and you don’t want anyone finding your ID. Wear clothes and shoes you can run in if necessary. Make sure that you can hear what is going on around you. Don’t use headphones or anything else that could affect your hearing. Look out for and avoid anyone (or groups) acting suspiciously. If threatened, run away (if you can) and try to attract attention by shouting. If you see anyone being hassled, call the police or yell, and take note of their details, (appearance, car rego, etc.). In an emergency always call 000.
Shared Spaces & Shared Responsibilities: Beats are shared public spaces which also means shared responsibilities. It’s important to respect the environment and other visitors. Keep to the constructed paths to protect
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the native vegetation. Be discreet and respect others who use this space. Most police activity at beats is in response to complaints from the public about obvious behaviours. Take ALL rubbish away with you, do not litter. Discarded condoms/wrappers are not only environmentally unfriendly but they also attract complaints , interest from the public and authorities.
Legal Issues: You & the Law It is not illegal to be at a beat, it is a public place. You might be breaking the law if you are caught engaging in ‘offensive behaviour’. This includes exposing your genitals , or engaging in any sexual activity in public. (This may include a car or a public toilet cubicle if the door is open.) Behaviour is not considered offensive if the observer has to take abnormal or unusual action to observe it, such as looking under a locked toilet cubicle door. If the police appear, it is
usually best to co-operate , be calm and polite. You may by obliged to give your name and address if they ask for it but you also have the right to ask the name, rank, and place of work of the police officer. If the police interview you regarding offensive behaviour and you think you may be in the wrong, it might be best to say ‘no comment’ until you can get legal advice.
Privacy: Smaller Communities Risks for men who live in small regional and rural communities can include being ‘outed. Some ways to help protect your privacy include: It is not uncommon for locals to know where beats are. Some people have been known to hang around beats just to ‘out’ the men who use them. It might be a good idea to check out who’s around before visiting a beat. You might be tempted to park your car away from the beat so locals passing by can’t see or recognise it. Remember
PEP: Post Exposure Prophylaxis Things don’t always go to plan and accidents sometimes happen. If your condom breaks, or for any other reason, you think you may have been exposed to HIV - Don’t Panic! PEP is a course of anti HIV drugs that may prevent you becoming HIV positive. You need to act fast, PEP must be taken within 72 hours of being exposed. For more information, check out www.getpep.info or go to your local hospital emergency department. If you experience or witness any sort of threats or violence at a beat, report it by contacting the Police or speaking to a Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officer. You are entitled to help from the police regardless of where an incident happens. Reporting violence can help to protect others. This information has been adapted from the ‘Beating Around the Bush’ resource with the generous support from the Country Awareness Network, Victoria
though, you may also need to leave quickly so make sure you have quick and easy access to your vehicle as well. Be prepared that you might meet a neighbour, colleague or someone else that you know but would not expect to find at a beat!
Sexual Health: Protecting Yourself & Your Partners As with any casual sex there is a risk to you and your partners’ sexual health. It is important to use a condom and water based lube when having casual sex. Condoms are your best protection against HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They do not provide complete protection though, especially when it comes to STIs that are passed on by skin to skin contact. Get regular sexual health checks. Many common STIs show few, if any, symptoms so you can’t necessarily tell by looking at someone if they have an STI. The only way to know
for sure is to have regular sexual health checks. Depending on the number of partners you have you may need to have a check up as often as every three months.
USEFUL CONTACTS
USEFUL RESOURCES
MAN2MAN PROGRAM Tel 6234 1242 or Freecall Information Line 1800 005 900 m2m@tascahrd.org.au and www.m2mtas.com
COUNTRY AWARENESS NETWORK VICTORIA www.can.org.au
TASMANIA POLICE LGBTI LIAISON OFFICERS Tel 131 444
CRUISING RESOURCE BY VAC/GMHC www.vicaids.asn.au
SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE Hobart, Launceston, Devonport & Burnie Freecall Number for Appointments 1800 675 859
TASMANIAN LEGISLATION ONLINE www.thelaw.tas.gov.au DRAMA DOWNUNDER www.thedramadownunder. info WHEREVER SEX HAPPENS www.whereversexhappens. org.au
SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT SERVICE (SASS) 6231 1817 / www.sass.org.au LAUREL HOUSE 6334 2740 / www. laurelhouse.org.au
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“There are predominantly married guys that are using beats....... beats offer them a place to meet other guys with a degree of anonymity�
Beats by definition are public spaces frequented by males with the intention of making contact with other males for social and/or sexual purposes
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A Beat User’s Perspective Recently there has been some issues relating to beat use both in the South and North-West of the state. Based on these issues the Man2Man team set out to ensure that the health & safety of beat users was being attended to. Given a large proportion of men using beats are either married men or non-gay identifying men who have sex with men; we set out to interview a married, regional Tasmanian man who uses beats from time to time. We wanted to find out more about his experiences and more about the beat scene and it’s risks. Here is his story: Who do you think use beats and possible reasons why? There are predominantly married guys that are using beats and probably because beats offer them a place to meet other guys with a degree of anonymity. I would say most guys are mature aged some even up to 60-70 years old, however in the last few years I’ve noticed more younger guys too. The age ranges from 30-40’s up to 60’s and all types of guys too. Most would be working and lunch times appear to be the busiest times. At other times you tend to see more retired guys. At lunch times you tend to see mainly the same guys. Beat users know it’s a place to go for action. Some just sit in their cars and there is no action – maybe they are lonely or just curious. In rural areas there isn’t much happening unless you drink so I think a lot of guys go to beats out of loneliness really. Some use beats because they love oral sex. Of course there is TV and watching DVD’s but people tend to get sick of staying at home. Plenty of guys I have met at beats also just want to chat, and I think they crave human contact and just want to share experiences. There are plenty of clubs available for older guys to chat to other older guys but if you are not in that age group you are a bit alone I think. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your situation? I’m in my early 60’s and have been
married 6 years. I currently live at home with my wife and have a harmonious relationship. She is menopausal and we do not have any sexual relationship at all although I often get sexually aroused. As far as whether my wife knows that I have sex with other guys I am sure she must have a hint about it but she never brings it up. I identify as a married man and not as a gay man but obviously also have sex with guys. I have been trying to give up going to beats as they are losing their attraction. What I would really prefer is to have a few decent guys that I could go and visit regularly for companionship and sex, but it’s hard to meet up with guys or know where to meet them to start with. Basically I am looking for a regular male sexual partner. What level of sexual health knowledge would you say beat users have? Sexual health issues in my experience at beats are never discussed or mentioned at all. If anyone looks dirty or has tattoos then I will just keep away from them and not pursue them. Have there been any adverse experiences that you have had at beats such as violence, sexual assault, homophobia or police issues? As far as my experiences visiting beats I really haven’t had any such problems although I don’t frequent beats a lot and only during the daytime. I am also very discreet and choosy which may help I suppose. But I also haven’t witnessed anything like this at beats either which is good. What would you say are some positive experiences relating to your beat use? A big positive with regards to using beats has been the human contact and company. I enjoy chatting to other guys at beats about anything from politics to the current job situation. I have met quite a lot of guys at beats who are willing to just have a chat and this has been great.
I have also been able to chat to them and swap ideas and sometimes we catch up again but mostly they are a bit cagey and don’t want to. It’s a bit disappointing when you cannot catch up with them again after getting along well with them at the beat, but I suppose they have a private life to live and they may not be out about their sexuality, or married and prefer to remain, to some extent, anonymous. Have you had any experiences with police at beats – such as patrolling to maintain safety of beat users, intimidation or harassment, or episodes of entrapment? In my time using beats I have really never had any experiences or problems with the police at all. I have noticed the occasional police car going by from time to time and I am careful when the cops are around. I assume they have a job to do and as long as we are not doing anything wrong then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. I am aware of the presence of LGBTI police liaison officers but most other beat users wouldn’t I would say. At beats what type of sexual activities are practiced by beat users and what level of safe sex is adhered to? The most common sort of sexual activity is definitely oral sex by far. Some guys will also perform anal sex and in my experiences most will offer condoms. As far as being aware of sexual health services and getting tested I don’t think most guys using beats would be aware of this. I have only recently been to get tested myself. The Man2Man team would like to thank Scott (name changed) for kindly agreeing to be interviewed about his experiences using beats While Scott fortunately hasn’t experienced any violence at beats, other men do, much of which goes unreported.
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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 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.ep.net.au GAYunities New social networking site for the Tasmanian gay community. Visit www. gayunities.com Indeed Supporting Tasmania’s relationship registry. EMAIL: indeedrelationships@gmail.com WEB: www.relationshipstasmania.org. au/indeed.html
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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: www.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 and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) Currently do not have a Tasmanian representative but information is available at 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 WEB: www.comingoutproud.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 and 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 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
EMAIL: northern.meetup@hotmail.com or info@meetup.com POST: Launceston Meetup, PO Box 7666, Launceston Tas. 7250
QSOC South UTAS Queer Students on Campus. Contact on: qsoc_south@hotmail.com
Tas Unity An ecumenical support and study group for LGBTI people, their friends, families and supporters. PHONE: Pat on 03 6344 2357
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 year-round program of events. CONTACT: 0447 225 682 or 03 6223 2690 POST: GPO Box 1872, Hobart Tas 7001 EMAIL: wellingtonwanderers@yahoo. com.au Working It Out Southern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family. PHONE: Sue on 6231 1200 EMAIL: accounts@workingitout.org.au
NORTHERN Allsorts GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport through Working It Out North. PHONE: 03 6334 4013 or 0419 361 128 EMAIL: north@workingitout.org.au 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 Working It Out Northern Trans Support & Discussion Group Monthly social gathering for anyone in the trans family. PHONE: 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.
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 GLBTI and friends under 25 youth group meeting monthly in Launceston & Devonport 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 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
EAST COAST 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
GAY-FRIENDLY CAFES •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, Around The Corner Cafe, Tasmania Inn, Hotel SOHO, Hot Mothers Cafe, Restaurant Red, Pickled Evenings Indian Restaurant, Cafe Bozzey.
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The Man2Man Program – Wh ISSUE #1 NOVEMBER 2008
A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN ISSUE #3 - OCTOBER 2009 FREE!
e ! nc od ha iP C n ur n A Yo Wi To
A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN
Choosing The right G.P Mental Health Week
Interview Time to
De-stress!
A HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE RESOURCE FOR MEN IN2 MEN FREE! ISSUE #7 - MARCH 2011
In This Issue: IN THIS ISSUE:
MAN2MAN’s New Web Site HIV & Tassie Youth Ecstasy & It’s Risks Coming Out in Tassie
Negotiating Relationships Opposites Attract Online Safety
The MAN2MAN Program is a program of TasCAHRD and was established in Tasmania to provide men who are in2 men with easy access to important and reliable information on health and lifestyle related issues. Formally known as the Gay Men’s Health Program, the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases (TasCAHRD) acknowledged the importance of broadening this to encompass all men who are attracted to other men. This includes men who consider themselves as bisexual, curious or heterosexual but do have sex with guys from timeto-time What We Do We produce the popular MAN2MAN magazine each quarter as an avenue to provide useful information about health issues relevant for men into men. The free MAN2MAN magazine is Tasmania’s only public, GLBTI health publication. The print run for this issue has now hit 5000 copies. It is distributed state wide to all the usual GLBTI venues and organisations, as well as gay-friendly cafes and businesses, community health centres, state libraries, bars and nightclubs, backpackers, hairdressers, laundromats, arts and cultural venues, University and Polytechnic campuses and Online Access Centres to mention just a few. We conduct online outreach in chat sites accessed by men into men and provide a confidential way of interacting and receiving health information, particularly regarding sexual health and safe sex. We
provide
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information sessions in the community
regarding the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) among gay men and other men into men.
sexual health services & its effective establishment of relationships with local government, services & groups in regional Tasmania.
We conduct health promotion campaigns targeting Tasmanian gay men and other men who have sex with men.
Most recently the MAN2MAN Program was given special mention for innovation in service delivery in the External Quality Review of TasCAHRD, conducted by Quality Management Services.
We provide regular, state wide small group health related sessions as opportunities for guys to meet other guys in similar situations in a safe environment.
Contacting Us We look forward to hearing from the general community, its readers and viewers about anything and everything to do with our program and the services we provide.
The MAN2MAN Program was awarded the Community Well-Being Award in the Community Services Division in 2009 at the biennial Rainbow Dinner & Awards for its work in re-establishing an emphasis on the sexual health of men who are attracted to other men, as well as for effectively reaching out to men in all parts of Tasmania but notably those in the North & North-West of Tasmania.
6234 1242 Tel: Free Call: 1800 005 900 Email: m2m@tascahrd.org.au
Recognition was also given to its online outreach work resulting in increased numbers of men accessing
Article by Alistair Pinto Program Officer – Man2Man Program
Please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone, email or via the online forum to express your views, ideas and suggestions on how we can improve the services we offer you.
ho Are We & What Do We Do? Who We Are? THE MAN2MAN TEAM consists of two staff who work on the various components and initiatives that are part of the MAN2MAN Program such as the MAN2MAN magazine, website, internet outreach, health promotion campaigns and community education, to name just a few.
Drama Downuder North Hobart Billboard
TasPride Family Picnic Day
UTAS Sexpo
Rainbow Award
Brian Morris MAN2MAN Program Coordinator Brian comes from a medical background having worked as a medical practitioner in Tasmania, Sydney & Melbourne in the specialty areas of internal medicine & acute care medicine. His past work in the area of community services include sexual assault counselling & forensic medicine, suicide counselling, drug & alcohol work, as well as street based outreach work with homeless street kids. In addition Brian has worked as a medical practitioner performing humanitarian third world volunteer work in Africa. Brian has been on the MAN2MAN Program for the last 4 years working for the health & wellbeing of same sex attracted men. He brings his knowledge and experience of working in the health sector, community outreach work and HIV clinical medicine experience to the MAN2MAN Program.
Alistair Pinto Program Officer - MAN2MAN Program Alistair also comes from a medical background, having been a medical practitioner in India and the Russian Federation. He has academic qualifications in psychiatry, health management, business administration, community services and community development, having recently graduated from the Tasmanian Polytechnic in Hobart. Previously with us on a student placement, Alistair joined the MAN2MAN Team in January 2011 and works part time looking after the website, magazine and conducting internet outreach. He brings his knowledge & experience of working in the health sector in different countries, as well as, in community development.
PAGE 11
Follow Man2Man On Twitter! Since being created in March 2006 the Twitter website has gained popularity worldwide and is estimated to have more than 200 million active users. It is sometimes described as the “SMS of the Internet”.
profile or your blog, sent to your followers and are searchable on Twitter search.
Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest information about what you find interesting.
...Keep informed on the latest news, events and other important information ...
Our Twitter account enables us to inform our followers instantly on the latest news, events and other important information that is taking place in Tasmania.
Twitter & MAN2MAN: In order to continue to keep up-todate with the latest technology and to better enable us to reach our target
Article by Alistair Pinto, Program Officer Man2Man Program
You can simply find the public streams that you find most compelling and follow the conversations. Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent messages. People write short updates, often called “tweets” of 140 characters or fewer. These messages are posted to your
Users can tweet via the Twitter website, smart phones or by SMS available in certain countries.
audience, the Man2Man Program at TasCAHRD has now started a Twitter account. You can follow us on Twitter and receive the latest “tweets” on what’s happening in the Man2Man Program.
Information about the Man2Man Program regional visits, dinner sessions and the latest issues of the magazine are some of the tweets our followers receive to keep them updated. We hope to see you on our followers list soon!
www.twitter.com/Man2ManTas
PAGE 12
l l a B s n e e u Q D THE
AROUN
WITH WORLD
S
80 GAY
TasmaniaÕs Legendary Dance Party and Fundraiser for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community, and their family and friends � and the most outrageous costume party in the world! Celebrating our queer multicultural diversity.
Sunday 12 June Republic Bar 9pm to 4am 299 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart $27.50 full / $22.50 conc. / $17.50 GLCC Members / $2.50 more at the door. Presales: Centertainment - www.centertainment.com.au, 03 6234 5998 53 Elizabeth Mall, Hobart; TGLRG stall at Salamanca Market. Fees & charges are included. www.taspride.com | www.facebook/com/TasPride
PAGE 13
LGBTI liaison officers provide discrete, nonjudgemental advice and assistance in the reporting of crimes
Tasmania Police LGBTI Liaison Officers Tasmania Police is committed to ensuring equality and fairness to the community it serves. As part of this commitment Tasmania Police, in 1998, established a network of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual Transgender and Intersex Liaison Officers across the state. The mission of the LGBTI liaison officer program is to contribute to the creation of mutual trust between police and LGBTI people so the community has increased confidence in police through the provision of a fair and equitable policing service. LGBTI liaison officers are specifically trained to assist members of the community by providing discrete, non-judgemental advice and assistance in the reporting of crimes. When attending a police station to report a matter, you may ask to conduct your business in a private room. If you feel you are not being treated fairly you may request to speak
PAGE 14
with another officer to contact a LGBTI liaison officer. By contacting a LGBTI liaison officer, victims can discuss the relevant incident and decide on the most suitable process for the matter to be reported. The liaison officer can also provide expert advice and assistance to police investigators. LGBTI liaison officers are regularly contacted about various matters. Typically, LGBTI liaison officers are contacted for advice in relation to disputes between neighbours and more serious matters such as violence in same sex relationships, harassment or physical assaults. Where an LGBTI liaison officer is contacted for a matter that is not a police related matter, we are happy to provide advice and contact details for other relevant agencies that may be able to assist, such as the Antidiscrimination Commission. There are LGBTI officers located at many police stations throughout Tasmania; however, any police
officer is able to take a report of a crime. LGBTI liaison officers are generally available by telephone during business hours. To contact an LGBTI liaison officer please phone the Tasmania Police switchboard on 131 444 and request to speak with an LGBTI liaison officer. If an officer is unavailable at that time, you may leave a message for one to contact you later. If the matter is urgent, do not wait to speak with a liaison officer, call 000 immediately. Article by Fiona Lieutier, Inspector State Community Policing Services, Tasmania Police
USEFUL CONTACTS TASMANIA POLICE LGBTI LIAISON OFFICERS Tel 131 444 MAN2MAN PROGRAM Tel 6234 1242 or Freecall Information Line 1800 005 900 m2m@tascahrd.org.au
PAGE 15
UPCOMING TASMANIAN GLBTI EVENTS SATURDAY 14th MAY 2011
Mitchalicious & DJ PowerMuff Grrrl.
TUESDAY 7TH JUNE 2011
SUNDAY 19TH JUNE 2011
CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT
For further details contact Bec Burke
TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION
YUM CHA IN LAUNCESTON
Lunch hosted by Working It Out at
on BecB@plasticfab.com.au
GROUPS (18yrs +)
King Palace Chinese Restaurant. For
5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North
more details contact Sharon: 0419 361
Rivers Edge cafe, Longford at 12pm. For more details contact Sharon:
FRIDAY 27TH MAY 2011
Hobart. For more details contact
128 or email: northwest@workingitout.
0419 361 128 or email: north@
MIZ IMA STARR’S ‘AMERICAN PIE’ CD
Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or email:
org.au
workingitout.org.au
LAUNCH PARTY
accounts@workingitout.org.au
Flamingos Dance Bar, Hobart. Tickets
MONDAY 20th JUNE 2011
SUNDAY 15th MAY 2011
$15 from www.centertainment.com.
SATURDAY 11th JUNE 2011
MONA, BERRIEDALE
TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION
au or 6234 5998. More info at www.
FLAMINGOS PRINCESS PARTY
Hosted by Wellington Wanderers.
GROUPS (18yrs +)
imastarr.com
Flamingos Dance Bar @ 10pm.
5-7pm at 45 Canning Street,
www.flamingosbar.com
Launceston. For more details contact
For more details contact Robin on 6243 4670
SUNDAY 29th MAY 2011
Sharon: 0419 361 128 or email: north@
PONTVILLE COUNTER MEAL & MONDAY 16th MAY 2011
SUNDAY 12th JUNE 2011
CHAUNCY VALE NIGHTWALK
TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION
TASPRIDE QUEENS BALL
Hosted by Wellington Wanderers.
GROUPS (18yrs +)
“Around The World With 80 Gays”
For more details contact Ross on
FRIDAY 24th JUNE 2011
5-7pm at 45 Canning Street,
- a Queens Ball celebration of our
6273 3831
DINNER/DRINKS
multicultural diversity.
King of Burnie Hotel
Venue: Republic Bar. Tickets on sale
Contact Sharon: 0419 361 128 or
at Centertainment in late May.
email: north@workingitout.org.au
CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT
TUESDAY 28TH JUNE 2011
Hosted by Working It Out in
RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
Launceston.
GROUP (18yrs +)
For more details contact Sharon: 0419
Hosted by Working It Out in
361 128 or email: north@workingitout.
Launceston. For more details contact
org.au
Sharon 0419 361 128 or email north@
Launceston. For more details contact Sharon: 0419 361 128 or email:
DINNER & FREE GLBTI MOVIES
north@workingitout.org.au
Hosted by Working It Out at the King
WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY 2011 RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP (18yrs +) Hosted by Working It Out in Burnie, at the King of Burnie Hotel. For more details contact Sharon 0419 361 128 or email north@workingitout.org.au FRIDAY 20th MAY 2011 CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT Dinner hosted by Working It Out in Hobart at the Tasmanian Inn. For more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or email: accounts@ workingitout.org.au RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP (18yrs +) 5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North Hobart. For more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or email: accounts@workingitout.org.au SATURDAY 21st MAY 2011 A GAY SOIREE & BBQ RSVP ASAP & before 10th May 2011. For further details contact Julian on 6239 6606 or email jpunch@tassie. net.au
of Burnie Hotel. For more details contact Sharon 0419 361 128 or email north@workingitout. org.au TUESDAY 31ST MAY 2011 RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION GROUP (18yrs +) Hosted by Working It Out in Launceston. For more details contact Sharon 0419 361 128 or email north@ workingitout.org.au ALLSORTS LGBTI friendly Youth Group for Under 26 5-6:30pm at 45 Canning Street, Launceston. For more details contact Sharon: 0419 361 128 or email: north@workingitout.org.au WEDNESDAY 1ST JUNE 2011 ALLSORTS LGBTI friendly Youth Group for Under 26 3-5pm at The Zone, Devonport. For more details contact Sharon: 0419 361 128 or email: north@ workingitout.org.au FRIDAY 3RD JUNE 2011 RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
SKITTLE QUEER & ALTERNATIVE LAUNCH PARTY Held at The Brisbane Hotel from 9pm to 3am. Featuring DJ M.A.F.I.A, DJ Triplix, SheBounce, DJ Outlaw, DJ
GROUP (18yrs +) Hosted by Working It Out in Devonport. For more details contact Sharon 0419 361 128 or email north@ workingitout.org.au
workingitout.org.au
workingitout.org.au MONDAY 13th JUNE 2011 QUEENS BALL RECOVERY WALK,
ALLSORTS LGBTI friendly Youth Group
HOBART RIVULET
for Under 26
Hosted by Wellington Wanderers.
5-6:30pm at 45 Canning Street,
For more details contact Richard on
Launceston. For more details contact
6223 2690
Sharon: 0419 361 128 or email: north@ workingitout.org.au
WEDNESDAY 15TH JUNE 2011 RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
FRIDAY 1ST JULY 2011
GROUP (18yrs +)
RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
Hosted by Working It Out in Burnie,
GROUP (18yrs +)
at the King of Burnie Hotel. For more
Hosted by Working It Out in
details contact Sharon 0419 361 128
Devonport. For more details contact
or email north@workingitout.org.au
Sharon 0419 361 128 or email north@ workingitout.org.au
FRIDAY 17th JUNE 2011 CONNECT4LIFE SOCIAL EVENT
TUESDAY 5TH JULY 2011
Hosted by Working It Out in Hobart.
TRANS SUPPORT AND DISCUSSION
For more details contact Sue Tel:
GROUPS (18yrs +)
(03) 6231 1200 or email: accounts@
5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North
workingitout.org.au
Hobart. For more details contact Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or email:
RAINBOW SUPPORT & DISCUSSION
accounts@workingitout.org.au
GROUP (18yrs +) 5-7pm at 39 Burnett Street, North
WEDNESDAY 6TH JULY 2011
Hobart. For more details contact
ALLSORTS LGBTI friendly Youth Group
Sue Tel: (03) 6231 1200 or email:
for Under 26, 3-5pm at The Zone,
accounts@workingitout.org.au
Devonport. For more details contact
MONDAYS: “BORDERLINES” QUEER RADIO, 10am-12pm
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT UNTIL
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, THE
2ND JUNE 2011
LEAGUE OF GENTLEFELLOWS
BEAUTY & THE BEAR
Meets every Friday at the
Viewable by Tasmanians via
Tasmanian Inn. Contact Julian
Hobart’s sexuality & gender issues radio show on Edge Radio 99.3 FM
Austar at 7pm every Thursday
on 6239 6606 or
until June 2nd.
Email: jpunch@tassie.net.au
Sharon: 0419 361 128 or email: north@ workingitout.org.au