How many times have you heard people say that there are not enough gay venues in Perth, and that some of our gay venues are becoming too straight? Perth’s gay community, like all communities, always changes and evolves; people come and go, every now and then a new club comes along then closes, new community groups pop up and the Pride Parade shrinks and expands.

The syphilis outbreak began in Western Australia just over two years ago. Before this time syphilis had virtually disappeared and was thought of as a thing of the past, but a world-wide outbreak amongst men who have sex with men finally crept its way over the West Australian borders around Christmas time in 2006.

The following article is reprinted from the February issue of the American gay publication “The Advocate”.  The notion of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one that is getting more attention here in Australia and is included here so that some thought and discussion can commence around this issue.

When push comes to shove – when desires make risky behaviour

Married men who have a same-sex attraction have fleeting opportunities to express this attraction. Many men suppress these feelings until they become overwhelmed by their desire for male contact forcing them into circumstances that are impetuous, not allowing them time for well-considered planning. This risky behaviour brings dangers to the privacy and secrecy that married men value, as well as dangers to the health and safety of themselves, their wives and their families.

We first met “Da Boi” in the last latest news when he submitted an article called “Reflections of a Questioning Slave”. Project X thought it would be a great idea to follow up and see how his situation is going.

The Western Australian AIDS Council’s ‘Venues Outreach’ program has been providing ‘one on one’ consultations at various gay / msm (men who have sex with men) venues around Perth since 2004. From August this year, the project has set up a new consultation room at ClubX’s Ram Lounge; situated at 114 Barrack St. Perth.

The last gay men’s periodical survey, (which is conducted every 2 years at Fairday), revealed some interesting information about how gay and bi men in Perth are deciding to have anal sex without condoms. There has been a considerable increase in men discussing HIV status with casual partners before deciding not to use condoms. There has also been an increase in the number of men having anal sex without condoms with multiple casual partners since their last HIV test.

I started my exploration in BDSM as a virgin to the rituals. I was excited and interested in finding out more about it. I found a Master who could teach me and satisfy this in me – infrequent, one-off meetings. When I was in the presence of my Master it was all-consuming. Being near to him put me into a euphoric, trancelike state without the need for amyl or recreational drugs.

Condoms when used correctly are extremely effective in stopping HIV and other STIs. If you’ve been fucking with a condom and it hasn’t broken, slipped off, or been taken off during sex, then you have protected yourself against HIV and can expect negative test results.

During recent discussions among health professionals and local media writers around MSM issues in Australia, the term “Down Low” was raised on several occasions. It is interesting to note that this term is very similar to the definition of ‘MSM”, or men who have sex with men but do not identify as gay. Synonymously, this term also refers to guys who are having sex with other guys while still married or who have female partners.

Discussing unsafe sexual practices and beliefs instead of safe sexual practices may be seen to be controversial. We are also being very explicit with our terminology. We make no excuse for either of these things. We need to be explicit about the sexual practices that spread HIV, unprotected anal intercourse in particular. We are trying to redress the myths, beliefs and emerging cultural norms that have grown over time as a result of the extended impact of HIV/AIDS. HIV is still a real and present danger within our community.

The WA AIDS Council (WAAC) runs a confidential, free, medicare-based HIV/STI testing clinic for men from Monday to Friday. The clinic was established to give guys an easy, fast and sexuality sensitive option for testing. The clinic runs out of WAAC’s office which is at 664 Murray Street, West Perth.