People newly diagnosed with HIV often abstain from having a sex life. So strong is the desire to not ever pass on HIV to others that sexual intimate relationships are sometimes forfeit for years after their diagnosis. It is no coincidence or surprise then that for some people with HIV the lack of sex and […]
More Combination Prevention? Cipri Martinez WA AIDS Council Two new HIV prevention strategies are under the spot light this month in the USA, and although they may be years away from being considered or implemented in Australia, their potential impact is significant and worth discussing. Firstly, Truvada, a drug currently used to treat people living […]
Some of you may have noticed that during Pride Fairday 2011, I was handing out shirts in support of the campaign, Positive plus Negative Equals One Community. The aim of this campaign is to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination in the Perth gay community. Encouraging visibility of HIV is an important issue, as many younger […]
Starting HIV medication used to be a very simple proposition in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Many people would do their utmost to delay starting treatments by endeavoring to maintain a positive outlook and healthy lifestyle. However, eventually overwhelming physical symptoms caused by the natural progression of HIV and guidance from a compassionate doctor […]
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of feeling guilty and ashamed is? Many of us were brought up with a moral compass of some kind, normally from our parents, family, or some religious or educational institution. However, as adults and freer thinking individuals, many of our assumptions and beliefs can be challenged and tested […]
By Cipri Martinez, WA AIDS Council The desire, need or right for intimacy, connection and pleasure between men has always been a natural part of life. For many men, this desire is encapsulated within the act of anal sex with their partner. There is also a natural desire, need or right to be alive, hence […]
From the time someone one is diagnosed with HIV, a relationship with hope is established. One of the first hopes I recall having was wishing that somehow medical staff had got my test results mixed up in some bizarre administrative error and that I didn’t really have HIV. After some time and a few additional […]
It’s normal to have feelings of altruism. Choosing to be of service to others for the greater good is a personal desire many of us have and exercise. This can also be very rewarding, with the potential to greatly increase purpose and meaning in our own lives. Some community organisations spring up from an obvious […]
It may or may not surprise you to know that in the USA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that among gay men the HIV prevalence is close to 20%, or one in five gay men. Amongst Inner city gay men in Sydney estimates have ranged between 8.9% and 14.2%, with the most […]
As we approach Christmas and the holiday season, for some of us mixed emotions can arise due to family expectations and values. On the one hand the holiday season can mean an abundant and playful time with family and friends. While for others, the prospect of family time during the holiday season can feel burdensome […]
