Sexual Health Basics

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted during sex through body contact or the exchange of body fluids (i.e. blood, mucus or saliva). Sexual contact includes vaginal or anal intercourse or touching, fingering or sucking/kissing/licking a penis, vagina or anus.

STIs can be caused by viruses (e.g. HIV, herpes, genital warts), bacteria (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea), or parasites (e.g. crabs, scabies).

If you manage your sexual health and play it safe you can significantly reduce your risk of getting an STI, or passing it on to a sexual partner.

Infection rates for some STIs – such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis – are much higher among gay men than in the general population.

The best way to prevent HIV transmission among men is to have safe sex by using a condom and water based lubricant for anal sex.

Using condoms can also help prevent the transmission of some other STIs, but not all STIs.

The Drama Down Under website provides information about some of the most common STIs experienced by gay men (HIV-positive or HIV-negative). The site also has information for gay men about testing for and treating STIs.

HIV & STI Testing

Most STIs can easily be tested for and treated.

Not everyone with an STI will experience symptoms, so regular testing is important.

If you or your partner have any sex with casual partners you should get tested for STIs regularly – at least twice a year. The more sexual partners you have the more frequently you should get tested.

You should test for HIV and STIs at the same time as some types of STIs can increase the chance of transmitting HIV to sex partners by up to 10 times.

You can get tested for STIs at any medical or sexual health clinic and all results are kept confidential.

Find out about getting tested tested in Sydney

Find out about getting tested in regional areas of NSW

Get aTEST-ed

Through our a[TEST] network, we provide a range of free community-based rapid HIV and STI screening services for gay men in Sydney.

To find out more or to make an appointment to get tested, please visit www.atest.org.au.

Find out about ACON’s testing initiatives in selected regional locations in NSW

Gay-Friendly GPs

Gay-Friendly GPs

When it comes to sexual health, lots of gay men like to speak with a supportive doctor who understands the ins and outs of gay sex.

Download a full list of Gay-Friendly GPs here

Workshops

We offer a range of FREE workshops for same sex attracted men (gay, bisexual, or curious).

Participating in a workshop is a great way to make new friends in a safe social environment and to learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, HIV, relationships, the LGBTI community and other relevant topics. There are usually between 10-14 guys in each group.

Our workshops are facilitated by trained professional volunteers and run over 2 – 6 sessions, depending on the workshop. Workshops happen at the ACON offices in central Sydney and selected regional offices.

The below workshops are for all gay men. We also run other workshops for young gay men aged 18-26.

Current Workshops

Getting Together
Our peer facilitated workshop ‘Getting Together’ provides an opportunity to discuss our identities and values with a group of like-minded same sex attracted men. This will explore all the different types of relationships we have in life such as friendships, partners and casual encounters. As a group we learn how best to communicate within social networks, both online and offline. We also look at sexual health, substance usage and HIV within our community.
Duration: 6 sessions
Where: ACON Sydney
When: TBC
Time:  6 30pm to 9 30pm.
Sign up: groups@acon.org.au

Other Workshops

Arse Class
The Arse Class is a free, six week peer education workshop for gay men who want to know more about anal sex and sexual health. The topics covered in the workshop include anal health, anatomy and preparation for bottoming. It also covers anal orgasm and sexual positions and prevention of HIV and other STI’s.
Duration: 6 sessions
Where: ACON Sydney

Better Sex
Better sex’ is a six week workshop designed for all gay men. We will talk about how we feel about sex, how we can negotiate and access better sexual encounters and relationships. You will learn how to have more pleasurable sex in a way that enhances your overall health and wellbeing. The workshop will cover from oral and anal pleasure to other more adventurous activities. You will also hear from a well experienced panel in the final week.
Duration: 6 sessions
Where: ACON Sydney

Looking for Mr Right
Looking for Mr Right is a six week workshop designed for single gay men. You will learn about enhancing your communication skills, the dating do’s and don’ts, HIV, sexual health and intimacy. You’ll also hear from a panel of men who have different experiences of being in a variety of relationship types.
Duration: 6 sessions
When: TBC
Where: ACON Sydney

Find Out More
For more information about any of our gay health workshops or express interest in attending, please contact us: 1800 063 060 | (02) 9206 2075 | groups@acon.org.au

Free Condoms

Condom Distribution

We distribute 400,000 condoms and safe sex packs every year to a range of community venues, clinics and events, and we supply venues with ACON Toolboxes which we regularly stock with safe sex packs. To get free condoms at your community venue, event or clinic, please contact your nearest ACON office.

ACON Tradies

The ACON Tradies are teams of specially trained volunteers who distribute safe sex packs and safe sex information for gay men at community events. To book the ACON Tradies for your next event, please contact your nearest ACON office.

If you would like to volunteer to become a TRADIE please contact our Head Tradie, Gavin email: gprendergast@acon.org.au or call 9206 2064

ACON Sexperts

The Sexperts are peer education volunteers who visit sex on premises venues and have discussions with the customers about sexual health, HIV and STI testing and other relevant topics.

We already have a really committed and fun group of volunteers which we are looking to add to as we expand the project to new premises.

To express interest in becoming a Sexpert contact us on: 1800 063 060 | (02) 9206 2075 |groups@acon.org.au

PlayZone – Sex on Premises Code of Practice

What is the ACON PlayZone Sex on Premises Venue Code of Practice?

The ACON PlayZone Sex on Premises Venue Code of Practice is a voluntary partnership project between ACON and Sex on Premises Venues (SOPV).

Compliance with the PlayZone Code ensures that patrons of SOPVs have a right to be treated with respect while in the venues, to practice safe, consensual sex and access to sexual health information.

The PlayZone Code also ensures that venue staff and customers have the right to accurate and up to date information about safe sex, HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and education.

When you see this sign you’re entering a PlayZone Code partner venue. That means the venue agrees to both work within the PlayZone Code and to be assessed for compliance by ACON.

The ACON PlayZone Code includes:

The Customers:

• Free condoms and lube will be made available at all times.
• Free condoms and lube will be accessible near areas like the darkroom.
• Information leaflets on sexual health, clinics, HIV and STIs will be available.
• Information leaflets will be accessible near areas with good lighting.

The Venue:

• Lighting is appropriate enough so you can read the resources available; find the free condoms and lube; so staff can clean properly and so you can see where you are going.
• Cleaning is done properly, with the right equipment so you don’t get messier than you want to.

The Staff:

• Will be trained in the basics of sexual health, as well as drugs and alcohol, and will be able to show you where the information leaflets are within the venue if you need them.
• Will be able to help you if you need basic information on sexual health or drugs and alcohol.
• Will also be able to give you information on sexual health clinics.

ACON PlayZone SOPV Code of Practice Materials

• Download the PlayZone Code (pdf 263kb)
• Download PlayZone pocketbook (pdf 190kb)

Feedback on the ACON PlayZone SOPV of Practice

• If you have any feedback, comments or wish to report any information regarding a SOPV in relation to the PlayZone Code, please contact us: playzone@acon.org.au
• Please note participation in the PlayZone Code is voluntary.  ACON will deal with all comments received regarding the PlayZone Code and SOPVs confidentially. Information from the comments provided may also be passed on to the SOPV managers and staff for response.
• If you require a response from ACON staff please provide your contact details.

ACON PlayZone Venues

These venues are committed to the PlayZone Code of Practice:

• 357 Sydney City Steam
• Adult World Newtown
• Aarows
• Bodyline
• Headquaters
• Mr X Adult Lifestyle
• The Den Oxford Street
• The Pleasure Den Kings Cross
• The Pleasure Chest George Street
• The Pleasure Lounge Oxford Street
• Signal

Our Work With Young Gay Men

We run a range of FREE peer-led events, workshops and projects for gay and same-sex attracted guys aged 18-26.

Through our work, we provide a place where young guys can meet each other and make new friends in a safe, social environment. Here they can share ideas with their peers and learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, healthy relationships and more.

Young gay men have lower rates of HIV and sexual health testing than older members of the community. Of course, this makes sense. Only after people overcome the initial barriers to testing for the first time are they  able to commit to a regular testing pattern. We help young guys to share their experiences around testing and understand why regular testing is important for all sexually active gay men.

We work in both a face-to-face capacity as well as online through social media. Through these different formats young people are able to discuss concerns around online safety, hooking up and negotiating safe sex practices through different apps and websites. The internet is the primary method that most young people learn about sex and sexual health. This is especially true for gay sex that may not be adequately covered in schools or other sex education.

For a roster of social events or to find out how you can get involved, email youth@acon.org.au

Workshops

We offer a range of FREE workshops for young same sex attracted men (gay, bisexual, curious) aged 18 – 26.

Participating in a workshop is a great way to make new friends in a safe social environment and to learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, HIV, relationships, the LGBTI community and other relevant topics. There are usually between 10-14 guys in each group.

Our workshops are facilitated by trained professional volunteers and run over 2 – 6 sessions, depending on the workshop. Workshops happen at the ACON offices in central Sydney and selected regional offices.

Sign up for a workshop here

Current Workshops

Start Making Sense 

Start Making Sense 
This a free workshop for young gay men aged 18 to 26.

The workshop will help you understand:

• Identity – what it means to be gay and young
• Explore the process of coming out with a group of peers
• Learn about the gay community, the scene and how to develop social networks
• Explore friendships, relationships and communication skills with a group a peer
• Learn about HIV and sexual health

Date: TBA
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6 30pm to 9 30pm
Where: ACON 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills
Sign up here

Start Making Sense – Western Sydney
This a free workshop for young gay men aged 18 to 26.

We are teaming up with Headspace Parramatta to deliver a Start Making Sense workshop about the gay community, coming out, sexual health, friends and relationships.

The workshop will help you understand:

• Identity – what it means to be gay and young
• Explore the process of coming out with a group of peers
• Learn about the gay community, the scene and how to develop social networks
• Explore friendships, relationships and communication skills with a group a peer
• Learn about HIV and sexual health

Date: The 6 week workshop will run every Thursday from April 14.
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6 30pm to 9 30pm
Where: 2 Wentworth St, Parramatta (Headspace)
Sign up here

Start Making Sense – Arabic & Middle Eastern speaking background
The Young Gay Men’s Project is offering a FREE WORKSHOP, specifically for young (18 – 30) same-sex attracted guys from an Arabic or Middle Eastern background.

The workshop is run by peer volunteers and explores identity, coming out, cultural expectations, relationships, friendships and community. If you are interested contact youth@acon.org.au

Date: Every Thursday from 28 April
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6 30pm to 9 30pm
Where: ACON 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills
Sign Up Here for the Workshop

Adult Themes
Explore attraction. Deepen your understanding of issues around sex, sexuality and dating. Get tips and techniques about how to have better sex, and how to safely explore the more adventurous side of sexuality. This workshop covers anal pleasure and health, sex toys and adventurous play. It explores how and where to get the kind of sex you want, sexual attitudes, values, intimacy, relationships, communication. You’ll even get to hear from a panel of guys in the know.
Date: Every Thursday from 26 May
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6 30pm to 9 30pm
Where: ACON 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills
Sign up here

Getting It Online
Learn tips and techniques for setting up an effective gay networking profile. Make new friends while exploring popular mobile apps/websites to gain the kind of experiences you want! Discuss the advantages and challenges of using the internet for finding mates, dates and sex, and investigate our social values relating to online etiquette and sexual discrimination. We’ll also talk about how to stay safe when hooking up!
Date: Every Wednesday from 27 April
Duration: 3 weeks
Time: 6 30pm to 9 30pm
Where: ACON 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills
Sign Up Here for the Workshop

Other Workshops

Cruising 101
Ever wanted to find out more about gay saunas, but were too afraid to ask? Cruising 101 is an exclusive, behind-the-scenes 2-day crash course in how to use saunas and sex clubs. Learn how to cruise, respectfully reject unwanted advances, minimise risk, maximise pleasure and stay safe in the cruising environment.
Duration: Two days
Where: Sydney and selected regional offices

Find Out More
For more info, please contact us: 1800 063 060 | (02) 9206 2076 | youth@acon.org.au

Tell Your Story

Hearing someone else’s story helps us to understand who they are, what they have experienced, and why they think and act as they do. Storytelling is one of the oldest, simplest and most effective methods we can use to teach people about different topics. We learn by interpreting messages from the authors who communicate them, and by noticing the actions of protagonists who are similar to ourselves.

This form of observational learning is one that can and has been used for HIV peer education. When we connect to characters in a narrative, these characters may have great influence on our attitudes and beliefs, encouraging us to adopt a set of behaviours: Stories can emphasise the importance of wearing a condom with fuckbuddies because a series of consequences have been shown to us; they can teach us to balance pleasure with caution, to get tested, to follow the wisdom of a champion who has survived a close encounter with his sexual health.

Our voices matter.

With new forms of digital media and online sharing made available to us, never before has it been easier to be heard.

What is digital storytelling?

This term describes the new practice of ordinary people who use digital tools to tell their ‘story’. Digital stories compel and engage us, prompting us to respond. Storytellers use videos, images, texts, and voiceovers to tell their story, selecting those symbols that best say what they want to say.

The stories in our collection have been created by participants in our workshop program that has run over 6 Saturdays in partnership with Thinkspace at the Powerhouse Museum.

Our current collection of digital stories includes:

I Knew You Didn’t Have Anything

Sero Disco

Participate in Market Research

Young Gay Men aged 18-22 wanted to participate in market research.

We are conducting research with young gay and other same-sex attracted guys aged 18-2 to help inform health programs aimed at same-sex attracted men in NSW.

The research, conducted by an independent market research agency and is totally confidential, will be via an online portal that can be accessed through a computer or mobile device. The online research will run for a period of 8-10 days, and will require you to log in each day to do a different activity.

We estimate it will take about 15-20 minutes per day to complete each activity. We are interested in hearing from a mix of participants from metro/rural/regional areas as well as both community-attached and ‘non-scene’ respondents.

Participants will be paid $150 upon completion of the research.

You’ll be asked to fill out a short questionnaire to see if you qualify for participation in the research.

If you’d like to be involved or have further questions please email tmunro@acon.org.au

Sexual Health Basics

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted during sex through body contact or the exchange of body fluids (i.e. blood, mucus or saliva). Sexual contact includes vaginal or anal intercourse or touching, fingering or sucking/kissing/licking a penis, vagina or anus.

STIs can be caused by viruses (e.g. HIV, herpes, genital warts), bacteria (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea), or parasites (e.g. crabs, scabies).

If you manage your sexual health and play it safe you can significantly reduce your risk of getting an STI, or passing it on to a sexual partner.

While the infection rates for STIs among lesbians is far lower than for gay men, lesbians and bisexual women are still at risk of STI infection.

I Love Claude

The iloveclaude website is an online visual art project and sexual health resource for women who play with women. It provides information about: women’s sexual health, testing for and treating STIs and has a Q&A section where you can ask anything about sex and sexual health.

Women in NSW can order a free play pack from Claude containing gloves, condoms, lube and more.

The Birds and the Birds Lesbian Sex Workbook is a fun, informative and free resource about sex and sexual health for lesbians and same sex attracted women, available to download here.

STI Testing & Treatment

Most STIs can easily be tested for and treated.

Not everyone with an STI will experience symptoms, so regular testing is important.

If you or your partner have any sex with casual partners you should get tested for STIs regularly – at least twice a year. The more sexual partners you have the more frequently you should get tested.

You should test for HIV and STIs at the same time as some types of STIs can increase the chance of transmitting HIV to sex partners by up to 10 times.

You can get tested for STIs at any medical or sexual health clinic and all results are kept confidential.

Find out about getting tested in Sydney

I Love Claude

The I Love Claude website is an online visual art project and sexual health resource for women who play with women. It provides information about: women’s sexual health, testing for and treating STIs and has an Q&A section where you can ask anything about sex and sexual health.

Safe Sex Resources

The Claudes

The Claudes are specially trained volunteers who distribute safe sex packs and safe sex information for lesbians and same sex attracted women at community events. To book the Claude Outreach Team for your next event, please contact your nearest ACON office

If you would like to volunteer to become a Claude please apply here

Our Work With Aboriginal People

We’re here to help improve the sexual health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, sistergirl/transgender or living with HIV. We do this by providing culturally sensitive HIV and sexual health education, including:

• HIV and STI education campaigns targeting Aboriginal people including our Aboriginal gay men’s HIV testing campaign
• Arts-based community development activities in partnership with Aboriginal Community organisations
• Outreach at selected community events such as NAIDOC Week events
• Partnership activities with Aboriginal health organisation such as the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW
• Support for NSW Aboriginal Sexual Health Workers

For more information, please contact us: Aboriginal@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2042 | Facebook: www.facebook.com/AboriginalProjectACON

Ngalawi Djardi ‘Sit and Yarn’ Health Retreat

This annual health retreat aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with HIV by providing:

• Culturally appropriate respite and relaxation
• An opportunity to connect and share stories with other HIV positive people
• Opportunities to share culture, art and good yarns
• Access to professional workers, treatments and other support service

The name, Ngalawi Djardi means ‘sit and yarn’ in Dharug language. The retreat is facilitated by Aboriginal workers, with non-Indigenous guest presenters and counsellors. Sessions are voluntary so you can participate in as little or as many sessions as you wish.

The retreat is particularly valuable for those living in rural and regional areas of NSW who may not have regular access to HIV support services in their area.

All aspects of the retreat are conducted in the strictest confidentiality and the privacy of all participants is respected.

Each participant is welcome to bring a support person (partner, friend or family member). The support person need not be Aboriginal or living with HIV.

Our retreats are held in motel-style accommodation in a peaceful location just outside Sydney. All transport from ACON, accommodation and meals are provided. People who need assistance with transport to Sydney are encouraged to talk to us as soon as possible so that we can assist you to seek travel assistance.

The next retreat is scheduled for Friday 30 October to Monday 2 November. Interested people must contact us by 31 September at the details below so that we can assist you with your application.

For more information or to get involved, please contact us: Aboriginal@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2042

Community Outreach

We get out and about as much as possible to relevant community events, especially those where we can have contact with gay men, sistergirls and people with HIV. We aim wherever possible to partner with Aboriginal community organisations to do this. Our community outreach activities include:

• Gadigal Information Service’s Mardi Gras season Klub Koori
• Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative’s Mardi Gras season show
• World AIDS Day events at the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern

If you have an idea for outreach or would like to volunteer to help, please contact us: Aboriginal@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2042

Performance & Creative Arts

First Australians and Mardi Gras

Each year we help organise the First Australians float in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Participants gather at two community meetings to work together to design the parade entry, developing new skills and creating activities the whole community can enjoy.

This culminates in the Mardi Gras Parade, raising awareness and visibility of sexual and gender diversity in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Planning for the performance and creative arts program begins in October. For more information or to get involved, please contact us: Aboriginal@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2042

Creative Arts Workshops

From time to time we also offer short course activities such as music or photography as a way for community members to express themselves, tell stories, learn new skills, meet new people and celebrate culture.

If you have any suggestions for activities, or would like to register your interest, please contact us: Aboriginal@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2042

Stay In Touch

We communicate regularly with the community via our Facebook page.

Please like our page to stay in touch with all our events and news about our services.

If you don’t use Facebook and would prefer to receive news via our occasional email newsletter please sign up

Our Work With Asian Gay Men

We’re here to help gay men from Asian cultural backgrounds take control of their health by providing a range of programs, workshops, resources and events.

We’re committed to:

• Understanding and reducing the impact of HIV and STIs among Asian gay men in NSW
• Understanding and addressing health and wellbeing issues which are specific to Asian gay men in NSW
• Strengthening the community networks for Asian gay men in NSW by partnering with groups and organisations which support them

For more information, please contact us: asia@acon.org.au

Asian Tea Room

The Asian Tea Room is a monthly free safe space where Asian gay men can share our experience on sex, sexuality being gay, HIV and STIs.

Let’s talk about Asian gay guy’s health issues.

Duration: 2 hours

When: Thursday 10 December, 7pm – 10pm
Where: The Shift, 85 Oxford St. Darlinghurst
RSVP: By 18/1/16. 02 9206 2080 or asia@acon.org.au

For more information or to get involved, please contact us: asia@acon.org.au

Gay Asian Men’s Community Survey

ACON and UNSW are conducting a comprehensive survey of HIV prevention needs among gay men and men who have sex with men of Asian background living in Sydney.

If you are 18 or above, have sex with other men and are Asian, please go online and help us by filling in the survey.

For more information, please contact us: asia@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2080

To participate in the survey, click here.

Our Work In Western Sydney

We run a range of events, workshops and projects for LGBTI people in Western Sydney.

Through our work, we provide a place where LGBTI people can meet each other and make new friends in a safe, social and friendly environment. Here they can share ideas with their peers and learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, healthy relationships and more.

Community Groups

We partner with and support a range of LGBTI community and support groups in Western Sydney including:

• Parramatta Queer Forum (PQF) is a local interagency group that seeks to provide events and spaces where LGBTI people can meet and stay  connected. Find Out More …
• Queer Out West Radio show is a weekly program for the LGBTI community in Western Sydney – 89.3FM – Monday nights 10pm to midnight. Find Out More …
• PFLAG  stands for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. A non-profit voluntary organisation its members have a common goal of keeping families together. PFLAG is here to give help, support and information to families, friends of all gay people.  Find Out More …
• The Western Suburbs Haven is a peer-run drop in centre for people with HIV in Blacktown, Western Sydney. Find Out More …
• Blacktown Outdoors Group is a gay men’s bushwalking, social and outdoors group . Find Out More …

Support Groups

• Open Door Penrith is a non-denominational religious group accepting all sexualities, genders and identifies and meets every Sunday at 6pm in a relaxed and informal and friendly setting. Find Out More …
• Out West is a Parramatta youth group that meets every second Wednesday. Find Out More …

Online Support Services for the LGBTI community

• PinkMountains is an online community information guide, and pink pages business directory for LGBTI people, their friends and supporters, living in or visiting the Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia. Find Out More …
• Not So Straight is a website specifically built to help young people find information and support about sex and sexuality. A lot of people find it hard to talk to each other about sex or their sexuality, especially if people think you are different. Find Out More …

Social Groups

• Bush Lemons is a lesbian and same sex attracted bushwalking, social and outdoors group in the Blue Mountains. Find Out More …
• Lemon Zest is a lesbian and same sex attracted women group in the Blue Mountains. Find Out More …
•  Mates/dates Blue Mountains is a social group for gay men. Find Out More …
• Southern Cross Outdoors Group is a popular fitness and exercise group. Find Out More …
• Three Sisters Social group 3SSG organises a number of LGBTI events for the community in the Blue Mountains including the Queen’s Birthday Annual Costume Ball. Find Out More …
• Heaven Social Dance is one of Western Sydney’s longest running LGBTIQ Social Dances and is held up to seven times a year at the NBC Sports Club in Parramatta. Find Out More …

If you have any questions about any of our activities, events or initiatives in Western Sydney please contactGavin Prendergast, ACON Partnership & Engagement Coordinator email: gprendergast@acon.org.au