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. After all, it’s Sydney Mardi Gras – a rite of passage, an event not to be missed, a damn good time… While the Mardi Gras season presents a chance to take a break from the routine and have new experiences – like visiting to a sauna, having group sex, getting sex outside a relationship, hiring an escort or even just checking out a museum – it also represents lower inhibitions and an increased likelihood of having unprotected anal sex because of alcohol/drug use.
That said, 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’ that you know can make it hard for you to practise safe sex.
Once you’ve returned from Mardi Gras (and Turtle Cove or Shipwrecked Island, for those lucky enough to be 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 leaves 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, take 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!
The WA AIDS Council hopes you all have a fantastic time partying until you can party no more… and then some!
For more information, please refer to www.projectx.net.au and go to the Sex In Other Cities page in the Information section under Sexual Health.
Ben Bradstreet
Education Officer, Gay/MSM Program (Project X Team)
WA AIDS Council
You can contact Ben via bbradstreet@waaids.com or on 9482 0000
