Workshops for gay men and men who have same sex attractions are run at the WA AIDS Council throughout the year. Each workshop has a different focus and they have been running for over 20 years. Some workshops focus on a range of sexual health and sexual technique issues (Nitty Gritties), others on effective communication and assertiveness (Talk to Me), and others on coming out, being attracted to other guys, and safe sex (Men on Men). The main purpose of these workshops is to provide a safe, comfortable space for guys to share their experiences with each other and learn form others. They are also about making contacts and networking, having a laugh and realising that you are not alone!

Joining a workshop.
When I first found out about these workshops two years ago I didn’t think they were applicable to me because I had been out for over ten years and assumed they were for guys who were just coming out. However, In the middle of the year I decided to do a workshop after hearing a friend of mine talk about one he had just finished. I also wanted to meet more guys like me. So I phoned the WA AIDS Council and spoke to Ben, who took down my contact details and told me a workshop was starting the next month; I was pretty excited, but also nervous.

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What to expect on your first night.
All the workshops are held at the WA AIDS Council. Most workshops start at 6.30 pm, with participants arriving 10 minutes before. When you arrive at WAAC, enter through the front door, where you will be greeted by one or both of the workshop facilitators (usually one of the guys you already contacted when signing up). They will give you a sticker with your name and show you through to the training room, where chairs are usually arranged in a large circle. On my first night there was initially a bit of an awkward silence as a few of us where waiting for the others to arrive, but within 20 minutes we were talking to each other about our favourite movies and food. The following six weeks provided me with a great chance to talk about my experiences as a gay man, and I found out quite a lot of stuff I didn’t know about which has been really useful.

What’s coming up next.
Men on Men starts on Wednesday 12 November. At the start of 2009 Nitty Gritties starts on Wednesday 21 January and Talk to Me begins on Thursday 22 January.

Luke Kitchens