Gay Couples HIV Campaign
posted: 29/06/2010
Gay men in relationships are the focus of a new HIV prevention campaign by Terrence Higgins Trust. Men in couples are left out of many HIV prevention campaigns, which focus more on HIV risks in casual sexual encounters. But a good number of HIV transmissions happen in couples.
Condoms, talking and testing
This new campaign reminds men of two things they can do to protect themselves and their boyfriend – carry on using condoms with each other or, if they want to ditch condoms, both test for HIV first.
Toothbrush talk
The poster has two toothbrushes in a glass to show a relationship, and asks men to think about the question 'When you find a boyfriend, can you lose the condoms?' The ad advises 'Use condoms unless you’ve both tested. And keep using them if you’re having risky sex with others.' The campaign knows that not all couples are monogamous (even if they think they are), and that sex outside the relationship is how HIV joins some relationships.
Talking matters
The idea is to get men talking about one of the most important aspects of their relationship: their sex life. The message to couples is a clear one: condoms are one of the best ways to protect against HIV and testing is the only sure way to know both your status and your partner’s. So before you have unprotected sex, why not talk first?
Alan Wardle, Head of Health Promotion at THT said: “We know that for some men in a relationship, condoms can be one of the first things to go. Why do you need them if you’re in a relationship? Yet the fact is, if you’ve not talked to your partner about their sexual history and yours before you ditch the condoms, you could be at risk. We know that some men may find it difficult to discuss their past sex life with their partner, but if you don’t talk about it how will you know?”
Outside of London, men are more likely to see the campaign on gaydar. Mostly the campaign will be seen in ads in the London gay press, and in posters and postcards in London bars, saunas, STI clinics and community centres, because it is funded by and for London.
Positive and negative couples?
The campaign assumes neither man is diagnosed with HIV. Where one man has HIV and the other doesn’t, or the other man hasn’t tested recently, help is definitely available and the choices can be different.
George House Trust is happy to advise in confidence and tell you about the support we and other HIV services in NW England offer.
Find out more by email
or telephone 0161 274 4499
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