Workshops & Forums

LGBTQ+ Disability Workshops

ACON is holding a new series of online workshops to support LGBTQ+ people with disability to build community and navigate the NDIS. Workshop topics are:

  • Disability rights, advocacy and community building
  • Applying for the NDIS
  • Using your NDIS funding
  • What to do if your NDIS application is unsuccessful

Workshops will be held over four weeks starting on Tuesday 6 February. Day and evening sessions are offered, and you can attend just the workshops that interest you.

Click here to find out more and to register.

Workshops for gay, bi+, queer men (trans and cis) 18+.

ACON offers a range of FREE workshops for same-sex attracted guys ages 18+ (trans and cis).

Our workshops are designed by the community and are run by Peer Educations’ Volunteer Facilitators who are also gay, bi+ and queer!

Each of our workshops is different and aims to explore a topic that matters to our community. Some of the topics our workshops cover:

  • How to navigate sexuality and identity.
  • How to have safe, consensual, and enjoyable sex.
  • How to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
  • How to use dating apps and navigate hook up culture.

Each of our workshops also provides participants with the latest sexual health and STI information available in a fun and sex-positive way.

Each group runs with 10-16 people and runs over four weeks.

Register for our current workshops below.

Workshops for gay, bi+, queer men aged 18-26 (SPARK)

Our Young gay, bi+, queer Men’s Project, SPARK, offers a range of FREE workshops for young gay, bi+, queer guys (trans and cis) aged 18-26 years old.

Participating in a workshop is a great way to make new friends in a safe social environment and learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, HIV, relationships, the LGBTI community and other relevant topics.

There are usually between 10 and 14 guys in each group. Our workshops are facilitated by trained community volunteers and run over four sessions. Workshops happen at ACON’s offices in central Sydney and some regional offices.

Please contact youth@acon.org.au for more information.

a[STARTx] Workshops

a[STARTx] (previously known as Genesis), is a weekend workshop for gay men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last two years.

It’s a peer-based workshop which means it’s run by other gay men with HIV who can relate to the experience of a new diagnosis.

a[STARTx] aims to provide participants with practical help and knowledge to manage their HIV diagnosis, gain confidence, build resilience and make informed decisions around the various issues that may confront them after a HIV diagnosis.

a[STARTx] also provides participants with an opportunity to meet other guys in the same situation in a safe, confidential and supportive environment.

a[STARTx] gives participants the opportunity to:

  • Explore HIV and its impact on your life
  • Understand how HIV and your immune system work
  • Get an overview of current and future treatments
  • Understand HIV and its impact on your health, sex life and relationships
  • Work out who to tell about your status and when to tell them
  • Take charge of your own health

a[STARTx] is collaboration between ACON and Positive Life NSW.

Testimonials: 

“Having been to a Genesis [workshop] at ACON, I’d highly recommend it to anyone unsure about it. They provide a safe and comfortable environment to ask questions and learn more about HIV while connecting with other men in similar situations. The peer support format is probably how I got the most out of it, especially helping me come to the realisation of ‘I’m not alone on this journey.'”

“I completed the Genesis program last year, two months after my diagnosis. I went into the weekend feeling isolated and quite hesitant, not knowing anyone else living with HIV. I left feeling not only educated, but incredibly supported and welcomed by the team at ACON.”

“It took me a while to pluck up the courage to attend this workshop. I wish I had done it sooner, it has made such a change to my life.”

Upcoming a[STARTx] Workshop

  • Weekend: 2-4 February 2024

Where: ACON Sydney – 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010

For more information please contact our Sydney office 02 9206 2086 or email: astart@acon.org.au.

Community & Social Groups for Women

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The Women’s Coming Out Group is a free, confidential social support group, a safe and friendly place for women who are same-sex attracted, lesbian, gay, bi, queer, questioning or unsure, to meet and talk about various topics around sexuality and other life issues. It is facilitated by trained volunteers of Twenty10 incorporating the Gay and Lesbian Counselling service NSW. Head to the website to find out what happens in a group and to see the list of discussion topics for 2015 groups.

The Australian Lesbian Medical Associations (ALMA) DocLIST website features an extensive list of information and resources to help lesbian, bi and queer women connect with their community and get information on health, legal and human rights issues.

On the list you will find over 600 national and state-based organisations, groups and services and resources. Examples include community events, health services, counselling and support services, social groups, sporting groups, artistic organisations, and young people’s groups.

The ACON Here for Women Facebook pages share news about events, workshops and parties.

Looking for Mr. Right

Welcome to ACON’s Looking for Mr. Right workshop!

For guys who like guys (trans and cis) aged 18 and above.

This face-to-face session runs over four weeks and is designed to give guys the tools and confidence to find, start, and maintain healthy relationships.

Looking for Mr. Right will connect you to like-minded and provide you with all the info to keep things safe and sexy!

Find out more and register here

Leading Rainbow Western Sydney

Leading Rainbow Western Sydney is a leadership gathering series for established and emerging community leaders and groups who support multicultural LGBTQ communities in Greater Western Sydney to connect with, learn from, and support each other.

Meet like-minded people and make cross-cultural connections as we support each other, build skills and foster ongoing community activity. 

The theme of our last session was “Multicultural LGBTQ Leadership”:

  • What does it look like?  
  • How to overcome the challenges we face?  
  • What do you need to know to become a better multicultural LGBTQ leader? 

Outloud was happy to support ACON’s event and brought a zine table to the night. Flick through the zine here for a summary of how the day looked.

To stay updated with our future Leading Rainbow Western Sydney events, join our GWS Leadership Network here

Finding Mr. Right

Learn new tips and tricks when cruising, hooking up, or surfing the dating apps.

In this one-day FREE masterclass, you will learn how to create and perfect your pick-up game. Think rolling on the floor laughing, discussions, a bunch of activities, and advice and guidance to help you find your Mr. Right Now.

We will cover:

  • How to create a profile that best represents you!
  • Learning how to stay safe whilst not killing the buzz.
  • Find out how PrEP, UVL and Condoms can enhance your sex life.
  • Hook-up etiquette – such as how to start or end a hook-up sesh.
  • When and how to disclose.

Click here to find out for more and to register

Digitising Rainbow Resilience Training

 

Digitising Rainbow Resilience is a free digital engagement training program designed by and for multicultural LGBTQ+ community members and leaders.

This training will connect multicultural LGBTQ+ folks, enhance their digital engagement skills, and build capacity to support their communities online and in person.

Get trained up with us across the following skills:

  • Digital strategies to grow online communities
  • Digital design
  • Social media advertising
  • Content creation
  • Safe and accessible events
  • Cultural safety

Across four consecutive Saturday sessions, each day will include guest speakers, practical skills-based exercises, group activities, and reflective tasks. After the four training sessions, participants will be supported to run their own event for multicultural LGBTQ+ communities, using all of the skills they have learnt throughout the program.

Click here to learn more and to register. 

Booty Basics

Booty Basics is in session!

For guys who like guys (trans and cis) aged 18 and above, and non-binary people who read themselves into the space.

This face-to-face session runs over four weeks and is designed to provide individuals with the tools and confidence to engage in intimate activities!

Find out more and register here

For Fun (Thai Gay, Bi+, Queer Men in NSW)

Our “FOR FUN” Session is the sister to Good Vibes held in Thai. This session is for Thai Gay, Bi+, Queer Men (cis and trans) in NSW. We will introduce you to all of the various toys you might like to experiment with while also giving important health information so that you can have fun with your toys while staying safe too!

Click here for more information in Thai and to register. 

Playful Pleasure

Are you looking to increase your ‘playfulness’ or ‘pleasure’ in the bedroom? – but aren’t sure where to start? 

Introducing ‘Playful Pleasure’

‘Playful pleasure’ is a ConversAsians event like no other!

Hosted by ACON’s peer facilitators in partnership with the expert team of ‘Pleasure Chest’ based in Haymarket.

‘Playful pleasure’ is a free experience designed by and for Asian gay, bi+ and queer guys who are interested in connecting and sharing in an evening of fun, laughs and a little bit of learning… 😈

Click here to read more and to register.

Trans Vitality Workshops

Join us for ‘Trans Vitality’ a series of in-person and online workshops, hosted by ACON from March to May 2024! These workshops dive into defining moments in trans history, community care, navigating transphobia and social isolation. Open to trans people and those questioning their gender, aged 18 years old and above in NSW. For further information and to register interest please visit, and let’s build trans resilience together!

Click here to register.