We’re here to help gay, bisexual and same sex attracted men from Asian cultural backgrounds take control of their health.
We provide information on relevant health issues, and we offer a range of specific and general services delivered by caring people who genuinely understand the health issues affecting Asian gay men.
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 further information, please contact: asia@acon.org.au | 02 9206 2080 | 0419 714 213
Follow and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACONAsianGayMensHealth
ConversAsians
ConversAsians is a support group for gay men from Asian backgrounds. It happens on every second month at ACON. ConversAsians provides a safe space for Asian gay men to meet new people, share stories and discuss our issues. We aim to develop healthy and engaged Asian Gay Men communities.
Join the ConversAsians Facebook group here.
For further information, please contact: asia@acon.org.au | 02 9206 2080 | 0419 714 213
Follow and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACONAsianGayMensHealth
SocialisAsians
SocialisAsians is a social group to collaborate and support Asian gay men. It helps us to connect online or organise events and meet-ups as Asian gay men. The group is open to all members of ConverAsians and their allies from all backgrounds.
Join the SocialisAsians Facebook group here.
For further information, please contact: asia@acon.org.au | 02 9206 2080 | 0419 714 213
Follow and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACONAsianGayMensHealth
Gay Asian Men Community Survey
The Gay Asian Men’s Survey (GAYAMS) aims to collect responses from men on HIV and sexual health, sexual practices, relationships and other behaviours. Data collected from the survey will inform programs that improve the health and wellbeing of Asian gay men.
Findings from the 2018 Gay Asian Men Community Survey (GAMCS) – conducted by Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Gay Men’s Action Group in partnership with UNSW’s Centre for Social Research in Health – provided a contemporary and important insight into the sexual health behaviour and racism experienced by Asian gay and homosexually active men in Sydney.
The report of the GAMCS results can be found here.
For more information, please contact us: asia@acon.org.au | (02) 9206 2080
HIV & STI Prevention
HIV Basics
What Is HIV & AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus affects the body’s immune system, its main defence against disease. If untreated, HIV weakens a person’s immune system over time, leaving them open to other life-threatening infections.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which refers to the range of specific illnesses that a person with HIV may get when their immune system becomes weakened by HIV.
It is important to test for HIV often so that anyone who may unknowingly have HIV can start on effective treatments to stay healthy. It is recommended that anyone diagnosed with HIV goes on treatment immediately as this will reduce the level of HIV in the body, maintain a strong immune system and keep the person healthy. For those adhering to HIV treatments, this prevents the progression of HIV to AIDS.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is transmitted when bodily fluids carrying HIV (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk or anal mucus) pass from a person with HIV into the bloodstream of a person who does not have HIV.
HIV can be transmitted in several ways, but for gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, most infections occur during anal sex without the protection of condoms, PrEP or an undetectable viral load (UVL). Other forms of transmission include vaginal/front hole sex without condoms and sharing injecting equipment.
For people who do not have HIV, they can prevent acquiring HIV by being responsible for their health using condoms, PrEP or PEP. HIV positive people on treatment with a UVL will not transmit HIV to their partners.
How Does HIV Affect Health?
When left untreated, HIV causes damage to the immune system over time although the precise impact can vary from person to person. Among other things, a damaged immune system can impact on a person’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses. When someone contracts HIV they may experience something called a ‘seroconversion illness’ which is associated with flu like symptoms. Not everyone will get this illness.
Adhering to HIV treatment will reduce the risk of developing adverse health conditions associated with HIV. The Start Study found that commencing treatment immediately after infection makes a significant difference to a person’s health outcomes. Many people with HIV consider the condition a manageable illness. With appropriate care, treatment and support, the impact of HIV on a person’s health and life expectancy can be greatly reduced.
Find out more about HIV prevention, testing and treatment on our Ending HIV website
HIV Prevention Basics
There are a range of ways to prevent HIV. Sometimes the use of various strategies to prevent HIV is referred to as ‘combination prevention’. Combination prevention includes the use of condoms, PrEP, PEP, having an Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) or Treatment as Prevention (TasP) otherswise known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication to keep HIV negative people from contracting HIV.
When PrEP was first introduced, taking it daily was the recommendation for everyone. Since then, research supports the safety of taking PrEP in other ways that are just as effective as daily dosing.
Today, PrEP can be taken daily, on-demand or periodically.
Read more about the different ways to take PrEP on our Ending HIV website.
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV but PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For this reason, it is recommended that people who are taking PrEP to test for STIs every three months.
People who are using PrEP should consider maintaining their condom use, particularly for casual partners.
PrEP is now available on the PBS, making it affordable and accessible across Australia.
Find out more about how to access PrEP on our Ending HIV website.
Condoms & Lube
Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid, or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.
Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.
Find out more about using condoms and staying safe on our Ending HIV website.
Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) & U = U
When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they often achieve what is called an undetectable viral load (UVL). This means that HIV is no longer able to be detected in their body by viral load tests, meaning the amount of virus is extremely low. Many people refer to this as being “undetectable”.
U=U, which stands for ‘undetectable equals untransmittable’, emphasizes the science behind undetectable, declaring it a safe and effective way of preventing transmission. On dating apps, some guys have started to use the term in their profiles to help communicate their undetectable status.
There has never been a case of a person with an undetectable viral load passing on HIV to a sexual partner, a fact backed up by major international studies. For this reason, using treatment to prevent HIV (TasP) is considered effective and safe.
Find out more about UVL, U = U and TasP on our Ending HIV website.
HIV Prevention Basics
There are a range of ways to prevent acquiring HIV, referred to as combination prevention. This includes the use of condoms, PrEP and/or choosing partners with an undetectable viral load (UVL).
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication to keep HIV negative people from contracting HIV. In Australia it is recommended that PrEP is taking as one pill, once a day.
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Although PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other STIs, which can, in turn, increase the possibility of HIV infection. This is why we encourage people who are taking PrEP to regularly check in with their sexual health provider. If any STIs do occur, get them treated and follow the advice of your sexual health provider.
People who are using PrEP should consider maintaining their condom use, particularly for casual partners, until you are aware of their testing regimen.
PrEP is now available on the PBS, making it affordable and accessible across Australia. Find out more information on how you can access PrEP now here.
Condoms & Lube
Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.
Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.
Find out more about using condoms and staying safe
Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) & Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they often achieve what is called an “undetectable viral load”. This means that HIV is no longer able to be detected in their bodies by viral load tests, meaning the amount of virus is their bodies is extremely low. Many people refer to this as being “undetectable”.
In term of HIV prevention, there has never been a case of a person with an undetectable viral load passing on HIV to a sexual partner, a fact backed up by major international studies.
“Treatment as Prevention” (TasP) is when you choose sexual partners who are undetectable as there is not considered to be a risk of acquiring HIV from someone who has been had an UVL for more than six months.
Risk Reduction Strategies
In addition to the use of condoms and lube, there are a range of other strategies that reduce, but don’t eliminate, the risk of HIV transmission.
These strategies include: ensuring HIV-negative partners are insertive (i.e. the ‘top’); ensuring partners have the same HIV status (i.e. pos-pos or neg-neg); and ensuring HIV-positive partners have an undetectable viral load. All these strategies carry risks that vary according to practice and circumstance.
HIV Testing
Knowing your HIV status is vital to our efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW.
For gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, it’s recommended to get tested for HIV and STIs every three months while sexually active. People who are not sexually active or in a monogamous relationship may test less frequently, but at least annually.
Benefits of Testing
Many new HIV transmissions in NSW occur because someone may think they’re negative when they are actually positive. That’s because it can take years before HIV symptoms are noticeable.
Testing regularly so you know your HIV status allows you to protect your health and the health of your sexual partners.
If you find out you have HIV, you can start on HIV treatment to maintain your health. There are plenty of services available to assist you with a new HIV diagnosis, including many provided by ACON.
Getting Tested
Now that rapid HIV testing is available in NSW, testing for HIV is easier than ever, with results available in around 30 minutes.
You can get tested for HIV at any of ACON’s services or any
There are other testing technologies that are approved for use in Australia, such as home-based testing kits.
a[TEST]
ACON testing services include a[TEST] Surry Hills, a[TEST] Oxford St, and a[TEST] Chinese Clinic. Bookings are required and a face mask is required for entry.
a[TEST] Oxford Street
Located at 167 Oxford Street Surry Hills and open from Monday to Friday from 11am-6.15pm and Saturdays from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
a[TEST] Surry Hills
Located at 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills and open on Wednesdays from 2pm to 6.45pm.
a[TEST] Chinese Clinic
Our a[TEST] clinic operated with a peer and nurse who can speak Mandarin, this service welcomes both Mandarin speaking and non-Mandarin speaking clients.
Located at 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills and open on Thursdays from 2pm to 6.45pm.
For more information or to make an appointment with any of our a[TEST] services visit the Ending HIV website here.
Gay Men’s Sexual Health Basics
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted during sex through body contact or the exchange of bodily fluids (i.e. blood, mucus or saliva). Sexual contact includes vaginal or anal intercourse or touching, fingering or sucking/kissing/licking a penis, vagina/front hole 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, bi and other who have sex with 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 PrEP or having an Undetectable Viral Load (UVL).
Using condoms can also help prevent the transmission of some other STIs, but not all STIs.
Our Ending HIV website provides information about some of the most common STIs experienced by gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (HIV-positive or HIV-negative). The site also has information about testing for and treating STIs, as well as the ability to make an appointment with one of our a[TEST] clinics for a test
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.
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 (Updated: May 2018)
Free Condoms
Slip It On!
Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.
Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.
To help prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs, ACON distributes over 230,000 condoms and safe sex packs every year to a range of community venues, clinics and events.
To find out where you can get free condoms and safe sex packs, visit our Ending HIV website.
To get free condoms at your community venue, event, or clinic, contact your nearest ACON office.
Free Play Packs
NEED SAFE SEX SUPPLIES?
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you need safe sex supplies, we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!).
Simply complete the form below and we will get your play pack(s) delivered in no time!
If you need bulk supplies for a party, you can also request them from the below form.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact: kink@acon.org.au
Play Zone – Sex On Premises Venue 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
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
- Trade
- The Den Oxford Street
- The Pleasure Chest George Street
- Sydney Sauna
ACON Sexperts
SEXPERTS is a long running volunteer project. ACON’s SEXPERTS operate in some of our most popular sex on premisses venues (SOPVs) where they support our communities through conversation-based peer education.
SEXPERTS can answer questions about PrEP, PEP, undetectable viral load (UVL), HIV and STI testing, MPOX vaccination, sexualised drug use, cruising etiquette and general sex education.
We have a committed and fun group of volunteers. We are looking to recruit more volunteers as we expand this project to new premises.
To express interest in becoming a SEXPERT contact us on (02) 9206 2074 or email us, SDUProject@acon.org.au.
Cervical Cancer Screening
I’m trans, do I need to screen?
Yes. Trans men and trans masc folk with a cervix who are 25 years of age or older are at risk of cervical cancer and need regular cervical screening.
Find everything you need to know about cervical screening, including HPV and the Cervical Screening Test, how to book your test and the choice of testing options available on the Can We website.
Cancer
We’re here to help Asian gay and same-sex attracted men take steps to prevent their risk of cancer and find support after diagnosis and treatment.
To find out more please visit the ‘Cancer’ section on our website or visit ACON’s Can We website.
General Support & Services
HIV Support
We’re here to help Asian gay men with HIV take control of their health by providing up-to-date information as well as a range of programs and services. To find out more please visit our HIV Support section.
Mental Health
We provide a range of counselling and community care services for Asian gay men, including those with HIV or who use drugs. To find out more please visit our Mental Health section.
Alcohol & Drugs
We provide a range of resources and support services to help Asian gay men who use alcohol and other drugs. To find out more please visit our Alcohol & Drugs section.
Safety & Inclusion
We provide a range of resources and support services to help Asian gay men who are experiencing homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination. To find out more please visit our Safety & Inclusion section.
Domestic & Family Violence
We provide a range of resources and support services to help Asian gay men who are experiencing domestic and family violence. To find out more please visit our Domestic & Family Violence section.
Ageing
We provide a range of resources and support services for older Asian gay men (50+). To find out more please visit our Ageing section.