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 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.

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.

Find out more about PrEP

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.

Find out more about UVL

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.

Find out more about risk reduction strategies

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.

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

Order your play pack here.

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

• 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
• 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.

Visit canwe.org.au/cervical-screening/

Cancer

We’re here to help 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.