The Dirty Truth

A new resource providing information on sexually transmissible infections (STIs) for HIV-positive men has just been released called “The Dirty TRUTH!”.

It is in the form of a handy pocket-sized booklet and comes complete with explicit homoerotic imagery. Its use of actual pornography images and fun style is designed to engage the reader and make it easy for them to become more informed about STIs.

The booklet covers topics such as what STIs are, the interaction between HIV and other STIs, and getting a sexual health check.

Due to its use of sexually explicit material, the booklet has a R18+ rating and comes in a sealed wrapper.

The resource was developed by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO). Executive Director of AFAO, Don Baxter, stresses how it is more important than ever to be informed about STIs and to have regular sexual health checks.

“STIs have been on the rise among gay men in Australia over the last few years. In fact, you are more likely to be exposed to STIs now than any time since the early 1980s, so regular sexual health checks are your best option.”

The resource highlights that STIs can be more difficult to treat and be worse for men with HIV. “Regular sexual health checks are particularly important for HIV-positive men,” Mr Baxter said, “Some STIs progress more quickly and can be more severe if you have HIV. Having some STIs can also increase your viral load if you are HIV positive, making passing on HIV more likely. Having some STIs can also make it easier to pass on and get HIV.”

Robert Mitchell, President of the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) commends the production of this resource saying that it deals with the reality of STIs in a no-nonsense informative style. “It will encourage gay and HIV-positive men to remain vigilant around maintaining good sexual health. It encourages men to take care of their own sexual health, and to be informed so they can take care with sexual partners.”

Taking a Look

“Taking A Look” is another new resource released by AFAO which provides useful safe sex information on the dynamics of HIV transmission.

The focus of this booklet will be on the basics of HIV transmission and specific areas where there is a ‘mismatch’ between knowledge and practices. There are also vital sections around anal and genital health - specifically on anal sex.

Within this resource, the problems surrounding serosorting (where men seek partners for unprotected sex based on HIV status) are also discussed. This topic is extremely important as unprotected sex with other assumed HIV-negative men may be one of the most significant causes of new HIV infections. This is because individuals who are seroconverting, or in the period of primary HIV infection, are likely to be the most infectious due to high viral load.

Importantly, this booklet will also cover other ‘grey’ areas of HIV transmission, including oral sex; ‘nudging’ (brief insertion); piercing; and the relationship between viral load and HIV transmission.

The resource cleverly uses non-realistic images of men having sex in order to emphasise the mechanics of HIV transmission and specific sexual acts (e.g. anal and oral sex,) and the basics of condom use.

The Dirty Truth and Taking A Look are both available at your GLBTIQ venues. Look for the WA AIDS Council resource rack. You can also pick a copy up from WAAC at 664 Murray Street, West Perth. Due to the explicit nature of the resources, WAAC will not able to send them by post.

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