It’s that time of year again when many an intrepid West Aussie makes the journey East in a migration of feathers, sequins and killer party threads. The Sydney Mardi Gras, a rite of passage, an event not to be missed, a damn good time. The WA AIDS Council hopes you all have a fantastic time partying until you can party no more… and then some!

So, you’ve got to Sydney with all the buzz, excitement, boys, booze and drugs. You’ve gotten away from it all, time for a break in routine and new experiences with new people. You could have more sex while you’re away, or do things you wouldn’t normally do- like visit saunas, hire an escort, have group sex, have sex outside of your relationship, even visit a museum! It’s pretty common to break out when away from home and familiarity.

There can also be an increased likelihood to have unprotected anal sex because alcohol/drug use, and being in new surroundings have a tendency to lower inhibitions. It is a fact that many gay men have become infected with HIV when away from home.

It’s important to plan ahead. Remember to pack your condoms and water based lube along with your toothbrush and hair product. Look after yourself and your friends while partying, to make sure drugs and alcohol aren’t increasing the risk of getting into a situation you may be uncomfortable with in the morning. Make a commitment to yourself before you leave that you will use condoms for anal sex and consider any ‘triggers’ which you know can make it hard for you to practise safe sex.

Once you’ve got back from Mardi Gras (and Turtle Cove or Shipwrecked Island for you lucky guys who are kicking on), don’t forget to pop into the sauna clinics, sexual health clinics or WAAC for a check up (contact 9482 0000 for more info on testing). Using condoms is really good protection against HIV, but having sex with casual partners still leave us at risk of Chlamydia, Gono, and Syphilis which can be passed on from oral sex. The great news is that they are all easily treated and cured. A quick check up to make sure you haven’t picked up any nasties can put your mind at ease.

Most importantly, taker good care of yourself, have a fabulous time, enjoy the parade, rock out at the party and enter into the true spirit of Mardi Gras- fun, fun and more fun!

For more information please go  to our other  Sex In Other Cities page.

Editorial by Ben Bradstreet
Education Officer, Gay/MSM Program (Project X Team)
WA AIDS Council

bbradstreet@waaids.com / 9482 0000