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 smartin@acon.org.au for more information.
START MAKING SENSE
This is our most popular workshop – exploring themes such as coming out, navigating relationships, community building and all things queer community! The project aims to instill confidence in those who are new to the community and navigating their identity. It’s a great opportunity for young people to engage with other Young Gay, Bi+, Queer Men in a supportive, friendly environment.
Find out more and sign up for Start Making Sense workshops here.
ADULT THEMES
This workshop delves into more sexual topics , and focuses on intimacy, relationships, sexual attitudes, communication and staying safe in the queer scene. It is ideal for those who missed out on comprehensive sex education in their earlier years and provides a strong foundation in these essential areas.
Roses in the Ocean’s TouchPoints workshops
ACON will be delivering Roses in the Ocean’s TouchPoints workshop. This is a four-hour interactive workshop designed specifically to give LGBTQ+ community members an insight into suicide through the lens of people who have personally experienced it (lived experience) and equip us with the right knowledge and practical tools to be with others’ emotional pain or distress. LGBTQ+ people are often ‘TouchPoints’ in each other’s lives to seek and receive help.
You can expect to have:
- Attained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexity of suicide.
- Increased awareness of warning signs and invitations for help.
- Increased confidence & capacity to engage with people in crisis or distress.
- Improved confidence to connect a person with support services or resources.
- An appreciation of the importance of self-care and practical tools to implement.
- ‘Debunked’ commonly held suicide myths with facts and lived experience.
- Practical ways in which to support someone bereaved through suicide.
- Knowledge of how best to support someone returning to the workplace.
Who is the workshop for?
- LGBTQ+ people (over 18 years old)
- Friends, family (chosen or of origin), and carers of LGBTQ+ people (over 18 years old)
> Select the TouchPoints workshop you would like to attend on the HERE website and register.
All Roses in the Ocean programs and workshops are lived experience informed, designed and delivered by professional facilitators who also have a personal lived experience of suicide.
Roses in the Ocean’s TouchPoints workshop has been evaluated by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), and received Accreditation to the Suicide Prevention Australia Standards – Quality Innovation Performance Program.
Cruising 101 Workshop/Guided Tour
This workshop is designed for guys who like guys (trans and cis), aged 18+, who have little or no experience cruising at venues for gay, bisexual, and queer men who have sex with men.
In this session, we will explore:
- What is a sex venue?
- What to expect at a sex venue
- Who uses sex venues
- Cruising techniques, communication, and etiquette
- How to have fun and stay safe at sex venues
And much more!
This free workshop and tour will take place at Qtopia Sydney, Taylor Square, Darlinghurst, followed by a guided tour of nearby sex-on-premises venues (The Bunker Sydney, Sydney Sauna, Sauna X by 357).
Time: 6 pm – 9 pm, Thursday 7 November 2024
Location: Taylor Square Darlinghurst
Interested? Register FREE for the Cruising 101 Workshop & Guided Tour here.
For any questions, feel free to email us at daoki@acon.org.au
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: 7 – 9 February 2025
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.
Word on the Sheets
Word on the Sheets is a groundbreaking new sexual health resource by and for LGBTQ+ women. It’s an online hub for accessible, inclusive, and relevant sexual and reproductive health information.
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!
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.
Flick through the zine here for a summary of our successful launch event in 2022.
To stay updated with our future Leading Rainbow Western Sydney events, join our GWS Leadership Network here.
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!
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… 😈
The next session will be held on 25 November, 2024.
ConversAsians – Are You Mardi Gras Ready?
If you are Asian Gay, Bi+ Queer Men’s then this invitation is for you!
This session is all about Mardi Gras – a time of celebration, pride, and belonging.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first Mardi Gras or a seasoned veteran of the festivities, join us to discuss your experiences, explore how to express your price and identity and make new friends.
WHEN: Tuesday 18 February 2025, 6-8pm.
WHERE: ACON, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills.
Here4Pleasure
Curious about ‘playfulness’ or ‘pleasure’ in the bedroom? – but aren’t sure where to start? ‘
‘Here4Pleasure’ is here for you! Join this FREE event hosted by ACON’s peer facilitators in partnership with the expert team at ‘Pleasure Chest’ based in Haymarket.
‘Here4Pleasure’ is a free experience designed for 18+ gay, bi+ and queer guys who are interested in exploring pleasure tips and trick over an evening with their peers…and much more!
Here’s what it will cover:
- Learn about the many different types of toys that can be used during play from the experts.
- An exclusive and private session, were like-minded guys like you will get access to tips and tricks from the sexperts at Pleasure Chest
- Opportunities to connect with other gay, bi+ and queer guys and share your own tips and tricks.
- We will learn about the many varieties of lube and how to use them.
- Learn about toy care and how to enjoy different types of play safely.
This FREE event is open to all experience levels and all ages gay, bi+ and queer men (trans and cis),
If you have any question related to this forum, please email Ryan: peereducation@acon.org.au.
To register to attend, please complete the form here.
Say It Out Loud – Current NSW Groups, Workshops and Webinars
ACON’s Say It Out Loud program is running a series of workshops and webinars for LGBTQ+ in NSW who has experienced; or is currently experiencing; intimate partner, family and/or sexual violence.
To find out more, please visit the Say It Out Loud website.
