h a r d c o p i e s o f t h i s m a g a z i n e , s c a n t o
e n t e r y o u r d e t a i l s .
This publication is an initiative of the Health Promotion Program at TasCAHRD, the Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis and Related Diseases.
TasCAHRD receives funding from the Crown through the Department of Health to provide these services. Photos in this magazine are courtesy of Unsplash Photographers.
WARNING: Views expressed in Red Thread are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of TasCAHRD.
Would you like to see your business or service advertised in this magazine? Contact TasCAHRD for more information – projects@tascahrd.org.au
Progress in HIV awareness and support in Tasmania
"Thanks to TasCAHRD, I felt empowered to talk about my HIV status for the first time."
“I feel really comfortable working with TasCAHRD support.”
Sourcing appropriate and safe Housing has been an aspect of difficulty for many of our clients, particularly this year. There is a myriad of organisations to traverse within the housing sector. Navigating the housing market can be exhausting, and to deal with the process it is often less isolating to have a companion.
We are well aware of the Mental Health issues affecting our clients, and TasCAHRD aims to be as supportive as possible by providing professional guidance when distress or trauma arise. There are a few gateways we access to address mental health crises, and we believe our referral mechanisms make our clients’ lives easier.
“So grateful to TasCAHRD who have always been there for our family.”
It’s encouraging to see our efforts in community education and support making a difference in the lives of those affected by HIV.
While we celebrate successes, there is still much work to be done. Living with HIV in Tasmania can be challenging, especially for those in remote and regional areas.
Many individuals find it difficult to reach doctors or support groups, leaving them feeling isolated in their journey.
TasCAHRD provides a range of assistance from practical or financial support, or just as a listening ear. We have noticed the advice we give often provides comfort in our clients’ daily living.
Encouraging our clients to join a community library has been a breakthrough for some. They report that reading brings joy to their day and night! Community library hubs are all over Tassie and the staff are always welcoming.
Stigma remains a significant barrier. Negative attitudes towards HIV can prevent people from sharing their experiences or seeking help. This fear of judgment can lead to feelings of loneliness and can deter individuals from accessing the care they need.
Managing other illnesses adds another layer of complexity for many living with HIV. Other health issues, like diabetes or mental health concerns, can complicate treatment plans. It’s crucial to have healthcare that addresses both HIV and these additional health challenges, yet access can be limited in regional areas.
At TasCAHRD, we’re committed to continuing our work in raising awareness and providing support to those living with HIV in Tasmania. Call us on 03 6234 1242 or email us at people@tasppl.org.au
Beforeplay
Where is the gay community in Hobart?
Are you looking to experience all that gay Hobart (nipaluna) has to offer?
nipaluna is the capital city of lutruwita (Tasmania). We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Muwinina people which nipaluna (the palawa kani word for ‘Hobart’) stands, and pay our respects to elders past and present.
Whether you’re looking for a casual drink, a dance party, or simply want to meet other guys into guys on your trip to Hobart, we’ve got you covered.
Where is the gay community in Hobart?
You’ll find LGBTQ people throughout the city, but there isn’t a specific neighbourhood that’s predominantly gay.
Several areas in nipaluna are popular with travellers and locals — such as Hobart City and Battery Point, especially along Salamanca Place and Liverpool Street.
Although Hobart tends to have a more traditional vibe than its Northern neighbours, these areas have plenty of gay-friendly businesses, including bars, cafés, and restaurants.
To find out where to eat, drink, play and sleep in Hobart, scan the QR code and continue reading online.
By Jen Wiedman
Consent, alcohol, and navigating relationships: a delicate balance
In the vibrant tapestry of queer relationships, the conversation about consent is both essential and complex, especially when alcohol enters the mix. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we often navigate unique dynamics in our intimate relationships, where understanding consent becomes even more crucial.
Consent is the clear, enthusiastic agreement to engage in sexual activity. It's a fundamental aspect of any intimate encounter, yet alcohol can muddle the lines. While many might see a few drinks as a way to ease inhibitions and enhance experiences, they can also impair judgment and decision-making. This duality makes it vital for individuals to be aware of how alcohol affects their own capacity to give or receive consent.
Imagine a scenario: two people at a bar, both enjoying drinks and flirting. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, and the energy is palpable. Yet, as the night progresses, what begins as playful banter can quickly transform if one or both parties become too intoxicated. At what point does a flirtation shift from enthusiastic consent to confusion or ambiguity? Recognising this transition is crucial.
Here are a few considerations:
1. Establish Boundaries Early:
Before the night unfolds, it’s helpful to communicate personal boundaries. Discuss what feels comfortable and what doesn’t, even if you’re sober. This establishes a foundation of trust.
2. Check In Regularly:
As the night progresses, make it a habit to check in with each other. Simple questions like “Are you still feeling good about this?” can ensure both parties remain on the same page.
3. Know Your Limits:
Understand how alcohol affects you personally. Setting a limit on how much you drink can help maintain clarity. Encourage your partners to do the same.
4. Be Prepared to Walk Away:
If the situation becomes uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to step back. It’s okay to prioritise your safety and well-being above all else.
5. Educate and Advocate:
Create spaces within your community to discuss the nuances of consent and alcohol. Share experiences and learn from one another to foster a culture of understanding and respect.
Ultimately, the intersection of consent and alcohol is about communication and respect. By embracing open conversations about our needs and boundaries, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone in the queer community. Remember: consent is an ongoing dialogue, and it's always okay to pause and reassess, regardless of the situation.
For many in the queer community, navigating the complexities of consent while under the influence of alcohol requires an extra layer of awareness.
By Jen Wiedman, Mental Health Social Worker, Wild Calm Therapies
By Tascahrd
Long acting HIV treatment
Convenient and effective
As the landscape of HIV treatment continues to evolve, injectable antiretroviral therapy (ART) is gaining significant traction in Australia.
Long acting
Cabenuva is the latest innovation in HIV medication. It consists of long-acting injections that last 2 months at a time, after the introduction phase.
How to start
There are two ways to start the new treatment. You can take an oral version for 28 days or go directly to receiving long-acting injections. Your doctor will help decide which option is best for you.
Effectiveness
Research shows that injectable treatments are just as effective as traditional oral medications, helping individuals maintain an undetectable viral load and preventing transmission.
Lifestyle
The shift to injectable ART can simplify treatment regimens. Those who have made the switch reported benefits such as reduced stigma associated with visible medication, removing the daily reminder of the virus, the need to stock and travel with medication and issues with ingesting tablets.
Suitability
Is cabenuva right for you?
The new treatment is complex and may not suit everyone. It can require more visits to your healthcare professional to administer the injections, depending on the frequency. There are some minor side effects such as pain and swelling in the injection site. You must already have a suppressed viral load before you switch to injectables. Certain medications can interact with the new treatment, so you will need to check with your doctor to make sure Cabenuva is right for you.
Recently, some dangerous overdoses have been reported. Some of these cases involved both fatal and non-fatal incidents. The warning is for substances sold as heroin and meth, which may contain extremely strong opioids. This makes them much more dangerous to use. (TUHSL)
It’s important to know the signs of an opioid overdose:
• Loss of consciousness or no response
• Slow or snoring-like breathing
• Small, constricted pupils
• Skin or lips turning blue (for lighter skin) or grey (for darker skin).
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Anyone who spends time with people who use opioids should have Naloxone on hand. You can get it free and without a prescription from TasCAHRD, or your local NSP, and receive short training on how to use it.
For more support or information:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS): 1800 250 015
Scan the QR code for a list of NSPs in Tasmania.
If you see someone having an overdose, call 000 right away. Give them Naloxone if you have it and follow the instructions from emergency services.
National Day of Women living with HIV (9th
March)
Around 11% of all people living with HIV in Australia are women (Positive Life NSW).
While HIV affects everyone differently, women often face particular challenges.
Remember, as a woman with HIV you have the right to:
• choose when and if you tell people about your HIV status
• take control of your health and make your own decisions about how you live with HIV
• work with your doctor to choose which antiretroviral treatments you take, and the right to change treatment if it isn’t working for you
• a full and active sex life
• have children
• work and to make changes to the way you work
• high quality health care in an environment which is supportive, sensitive and free from discrimination
Read more on Living Well - Women with HIV website here:
See posts, photos and more on Facebook.
By Tascahrd
Community consultation 2025 Help us shape our future
TasCAHRD is here to support and strengthen our community in HIV prevention and support. We want to hear from YOU in our planning.
Your voice matters to us, and with your help, we can make sure TasCAHRD is doing the best it can to meet the needs of our community. We’re asking people like you to share your ideas and feedback. This will help us improve the way we offer services and support in the years ahead.
Your input is valuable, whether you’ve used our services before or are just interested in helping us plan for the future. Together, we can build a safer, healthier community.
Thank you for helping us grow and improve. We look forward to hearing from you.
It’s easy to get involved!
Just scan the QR code on this page to sign up. By joining the consultation, you’ll be able to share your thoughts on what TasCAHRD should focus on, what services are most important to you, and any new ideas you might have.
Mpox (monkeypox)
Cases have been identified in multiple countries including Australia
Passengers are urged to look out for mpox symptoms:
Seek medical help urgently if you think you’ve been exposed or have symptoms
health.gov.au/monkeypox-mpox
THE SIGNS LOOK OUT FOR
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE
FEVER (OVER
38°C)
A DISTINCTIVE RASH MPOX (MONKEYPOX)
SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES
Cases of mpox have been identified in multiple countries including Australia
People returning from overseas are urged to look out for mpox symptoms
Mpox is spread by touching an infected person or their clothes, linen or towels
SEEK MEDICAL HELP URGENTLY
if you think you’ve been exposed or have symptoms
NSP OUTLETS &
PRIMARY
Northwest
Youth, Family and Community Connection
62 Stewart Street Devonport
Anglicare 51 Wilmot Street Burnie
South
Bridgewater Community Centre
6 Bowden Drive Bridgewater
Anglicare 436 Main Road Glenorchy
Anglicare 159 Collins Street Hobart
Clarence Integrated Care Centre
18-22 Bayfield Street Rosny
North
Salvation Army
111 Elizabeth Street Launceston
SECONDARY
Northwest
Burnie Community House
24 Wiseman Street Burnie
North West Regional Hospital
23 Brickport Road Burnie
King Island District Hospital and Health Centre
35 Edwards Street Currie
Devonport Community Health Centre
23 Steele Street Devonport
Rosebery Community Hospital Hospital Road Rosebery
Smithton District Hospital
74 Brittons Road Smithton
Wyndarra Centre Inc.
43 Smith Street Smithton
West Coast District Hospital
60-64 Orr Street Queenstown
South
The Link Youth Health Service
57 Liverpool Street Hobart
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
56 Patrick Street Hobart
Geeveston Community Centre
9b School Road Geeveston
Gagebrook Community Centre
191 Lamprill Circuit Gagebrook
Tasmanian Council on Aids, Hepatitis and Related Diseases 319 Liverpool Street Hobart
Bridge Treatment and Recovery Services
63-83 Creek Road New Town
North
Cape Barren Community Health Centre
5 Everett Court Cape Barren Island
Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre
James Street Flinders Island
Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc
16 West Street Lady Barron
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre 182 Charles Street Launceston
Ravenswood Community Health Centre
39-41 Lambert Street Ravenswood
St Helens District Hospital 10 Annie Street St Helens
VENDING MACHINES
South
Anglicare Hobart NSP 159 Collins Street, Hobart
Northwest 40-48 Best Street, Devonport –Ground level, Multi-level carpark
North Salvation Army 111 Elizabeth Street Launceston
Youngtown Pharmacy
369 Hobart Road Youngtown
These NSP locations have been reproduced from the Department of Health webpage.
Fentanyl test strips detect the presence of fentanyl
Fentanyl Test Strips are FREE and allow you to be more about informed the drugs you use
Anglicare Hobart NSP 159 Collins Street
Open 12:30pm – 5pm weekdays
Anglicare Glenorchy NSP 436 Main Rd Open 10am-4:30pm weekdays
Speak to your friendly NSP staff to find out more.
NSP PHARMACIES
NORTH WEST
Healthpoint Pharmacy Burnie
Pharmacy 4 Less Burnie
Upper Burnie Alliance Pharmacy
King Island Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart – Valley Road
Mersey Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Latrobe
Advantage Pharmacy Penguin
Railton Pharmacy
Turnbull's Pharmacy
Guardian Pharmacy Smithton
Somerset Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Ulverstone
Peter Thompson's Pharmacy
Westside Pharmacy
Dixon's Pharmacy
Healthpoint Pharmacy
Yolla Community Pharmacy
Zeehan Pharmacy
NORTHWEST
Tamar Pharmacy
Bicheno Pharmacy
Bridport Pharmacy
Deloraine Amcal Pharmacy
Deloraine Guardian Pharmacy
Your Pharmacy
George Town Pharmacy
Epic Pharmacy Kings Meadows
Priceline Pharmacy Launceston
Terry White Chemmart Health Hub
Hatton and Laws Pharmacy Launceston
Terry White Chemmart Launceston
Longford Discount Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart
Terry White Chemmart Newstead
Perth Pharmacy
Ravenswood Discount Pharmacy
Riverside Pharmacy
Galloway's Pharmacy
St Helens Pharmacy
St Marys Pharmacy
Westbury Pharmacy
Youngtown Pharmacy
SOUTH
Bellerive Quay Pharmacy
Rhys Jones Pharmacy
Central Highlands Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Bridgewater
Brighton Pharmacy
Chigwell Pharmacy
Claremont Discount Pharmacy
Derwent Park Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Dodges Ferry
Geeveston Pharmacy
Elizabeth Hope Priceline Pharmacy
Guardian Pharmacy Glenorchy Central
Priceline Pharmacy Hobart
Your Hobart Chemist
Davey Street Discount Pharmacy
Shoreline Amcal Pharmacy
Rosetta Pharmacy
Wentworth Pharmacy
Huonville Pharmacy
Priceline Pharmacy Kingston
Chemist Outlet – Kingston
Terry White Chemist Kingston
Kingborough Medical Centre Pharmacy
Lauderdale Pharmacy
Lenah Valley Amcal Pharmacy
Lindisfarne Village Chemmart
Rosetta Pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse Moonah
New Norfolk Amcal Community Pharmacy
Guardian New Norfolk Pharmacy
Epic Pharmacy New Town
Friendly Care Chemmart New Town
North Hobart Amcal Pharmacy
Tasman Pharmacy
Oatlands Pharmacy
Risdon Vale Pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse Rosny
Terry White Rosny Park
Rhys Jones Pharmacy
Magnet Court Chemmart – Terry White
Healthpoint Pharmacy Snug
Chemmart Sorell
Chemist Warehouse Sorell
Sorell Plaza Pharmacy
South Hobart Capital Chemist
Swansea Pharmacy
Triabunna Pharmacy
Warrane Pharmacy
West Hobart Amcal Pharmacy
SIGNPOST
A guide to inclusive organisations in Tasmania
Care Forward
Carers Tasmania Ltd
City Organics
Clarence City Council
Clarence Doorways
Cloddy IT
Colony 47
Convict City Rollers
CVGT Hobart
Danu Herbs
Dianne Ainslie NDIS Support Worker
Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre
Ella Haddad MP
Emily Parkinson – Registered Psychologist
Equal Opportunity Tasmania
Eye Am Hair
Family Planning Tasmania
Fiori Florist
Flourish Mental Health Action in our Hands Inc
FRIENDZ LGBTIQ SOCIAL GROUP
Glenview Community Services
Goodbyes Hobart
Hairy Legs Cafe
Halcyon South
Hall Payne Lawyers
Hamlet
Hobart Brewing Company
Hobart Cat Café
Hobart Folk Dances (Folk Federation of Tasmania)
Hobart Functions & Conference Centre
Hobart North Uniting Church
Hobart Out Tennis Inc
Holyoake
Hospice volunteers South
inside Hobart
Inspired Office
Ironic Party Planning
Joyous Celebrations
Kingston Neighbourhood House
Laid Back Manor
Lindisfarne Psychology & Wellbeing Centre
Locker Room Hobart
Mitch Robson Counselling
Moto Vecchia Cafe
Mures Tasmania
New Town Chiropractic
New Town Health
Ogilvie Jennings Lawyers
Peppermint Bay
Positive Solutions
Pulse Youth Health
QTAS Arts
Queer Sporting Alliance
Rainbow Care Clinic
Rainbow Youth Events Hobart
Raw Strength Tasmania
State Cinema
Stress Free Fast
Sush
Sush Track
Tassie Bird and Poultry Supplies
Tempo Therapy & Consulting
Terry White Chemmart Lindisfarne
Terry White Chemmart Rosny Park
The Art of Tea Bouteaque
The Circus Studio
The Grand Poobah
The Hobart Bookshop
The Huon Domestic Violence Service
The Link Youth Health Service
The Page And Cup
Theatre Royal
Thistle Witch Gardening
Transform Counselling and Psychotherapy
Youth Arts & Recreation Centre
NORTH:
Attitude Counselling
Beaconsfield Child and Family Centre
Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre
Bright Beginnings Yoga
CVGT Launceston
Deloraine House Inc
Diversity Launceston
Dorset Community House
Enterprising Aardvark Counselling and Consultancy
Florage
Gentle Death Education and Planning
Launceston Community Legal Centre
Launceston Football Club
Launceston Head to Health
Mediation Matters Tasmania
Positive Solutions
Prydes Support
Respect at Work
Reynish Counselling
Salveo Healthcare
Skittles LGBTQIA+ Youth Group
Tamar Visitor Centre
The Blue Door
The Church Campbell Town
Tresca Community Centre
NORTH-WEST:
Burnie City Council
Connect4Life
Dr Claire Jensen
East Devonport Neighbourhood House
HAEL XIII
Headspace Devonport
Secret Buddha Cafe
Serenity House
The Postmaster Inn Bed and Breakfast
Victoria Street Clinic
Wajan Hale Counselling
Warrawee Women’s Shelter
Weddings For Everyone
Youth, Family & Community Connections
TASMANIA WIDE:
Almost Heaven Clydesdales
Anglicare Tasmania
Australian Unemployed Workers Union Tasmania
Baptcare Family and Community Services Tasmania
Cancer Council Tasmania
Carers Tasmania
Community and Public Sector Union
Council on the Ageing
Daydream Photography
Engender Equality
Equal Together
Equality Tasmania
Heidi Harrison Psychotherapy
Independent Living Centre Tasmania
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service
Libraries Tasmania
Lifeline Tasmania
Love Is All – Civil Celebrant
Marry Me, Memily
Mental Health Council of Tasmania
Mission Australia – Disability Employment Services
Pride Society of UTAS
Rainbow Communities Tasmania
Rebecca White MP
Scarlet Alliance Tasmanian Sex Worker Project
Sensual Potential
Sexual Assault Support Service
St John Ambulance
Statewide Sexual Health Service
TasCAHRD
A Tasmanian Lifeline
Tasmania Police
TasPride
TasTAFE Student Support Team
Tender Funerals
Transgender Tasmania
Uniting AgeWell
UTAS Ally Network
Working It Out
Signpost is a project of Working It Out. signpost@workingitout.org.au
SERVICES DIRECTORY
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TASMANIA
https://equalopportunity.tas.gov.au
Ph 1300 305 062
The office of the anti-discrimination commissioner
SCARLET ALLIANCE TASMANIAN SEX
WORKER OUTREACH PROJECT
outreachtas@scarletalliance.org.au
Ph 0451 835 897
www.scarletalliance.org.au
TASPRIDE
www.taspride.com
Celebrating and uniting the Tasmanian LGBTIQQ community
WORKING IT OUT
www.workingitout.org.au
Sexuality and gender support and counselling
SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/sexualhealth
Toll Free: 1800 675 859
Clinic 60 – 60 Collins St Hobart
Ph 03 6166 2672
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Clinic 34 – 34 Howick St Launceston
Ph 03 6777 1371
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm
Devonport – Ph 03 6777 1371
by appointment only
Counselling, support, referrals, STI/HIV testing and PrEP prescriptions
TASCAHRD – TASMANIAN COUNCIL ON AIDS, HEPATITIS & RELATED DISEASES
www.tascahrd.org.au
Ph 1800 005 900
TAS POLICE LGBTIQ LIAISON OFFICERS
www.police.tas.gov.au
Ph 03 6230 2111 (Hobart)
Ph 03 6336 7000 (Launceston)
Ph 03 6434 5211 (North West)
ATDC TAS – THE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & OTHER DRUGS COUNCIL OF TASMANIA
http://www.atdc.org.au/ Advocating and initiatives
THE LINK YOUTH HEALTH SERVICE & HEAD SPACE FOR PEOPLE AGED 12-24
http://www.thelink.org.au
57 Liverpool St Hobart | Ph 03 6231 2927
Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Counselling, outreach, case management, support for mental and sexual health, alcohol and drugs (incl NSP), family planning
HOBART COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE
www.hobartlegal.org
166 Macquarie Street, Hobart | Ph 03 6223 2500
Shop 3, Covehill Fair, Bridgewater
Ph 03 6263 4755
FAMILY PLANNING TASMANIA
http://www.fpt.org.au
421 Main Rd Glenorchy
Ph 03 6273 9117 | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5.00pm
93 Patterson St Launceston
Ph 03 6343 4566 | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5.00pm
199 Mount Street Upper Burnie
Ph 03 6431 7692 (Tues, Wed and Thurs)
Contraception, cervical screening, gynecology, sexual health checks, planned and unplanned pregnancy..
