No matter who you are or what you do, labels don’t matter, your health does!

There are many real challenges related to sexuality and sexual health particularly if you live in rural or regional areas of Queensland. Access to sexual health services and current, reliable sexual health information are some of the barriers to maintaining or improving your sexual health. Other issues are the labels attached to us and macho attitudes towards seeking help, what to say when you do, and the fear that everyone will know when you’ve been to the doctor.

We hope that finding this page and talking to people like us will enable you to feel good about who you are and what you do in Queensland and most importantly help you to see that labels don’t matter but your health does!

This web page and the paper version (our pocket guide) provides practical information and helpful tips for men who have sex with men on maintaining and improving sexual health, the importance of remaining connected to your community and being supported, no matter how you define your sexuality.

Living in regional Queensland can be challenging for men who have sex with men. Research has shown that there are increased levels of homophobia in rural and regional areas, as well as reduced access to community and support services.

It is important for your health and wellbeing to remain connected to your community and regardless of who you have sex with you should feel supported and accepted. You may not choose to disclose your identity to your friends and family but it’s important to share in the life of your community. Remember no matter how you chose to identify labels don’t matter, your health does!

Diversity and Acceptance

In rural and regional Queensland men who have sex with men don’t often use labels such as gay, bisexual or queer to identify themselves, as using these labels may not express all of who they are.

Diversity is about individual acceptance and respecting others. It is the understanding that you are unique and different. Diversity includes your sexual practices, preferences and identity. This means whoever you’re into and however you identify, you should be accepted and respected by your community and importantly, by yourself.

Remember, you are not alone! You may be able to make connections with other men living in your own area or near-by towns, either in-person, through the internet or via telephone. Therefore, when it comes to your health labels don't matter!

Finding Friends and Making Connections

The human sexual repertoire ranges from mild to wild. Some people call themselves ‘vanilla’ because they like the same things that many people enjoy, while others have special things that set them off sexually. Whatever you desire; to achieve the most satisfying sexual experiences, it’s important to discuss what you want with your partner(s), and agree on the things you will both enjoy.

One way of making things easier is to reduce the worry about Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs). The best way to do this is to assume that you and your sexual partners may not know if they have an STI and for you to take precautions with everyone. Making condom use your usual sex practice is still the best way to prevent HIV and most other STIs.

Some risks can be anticipated and reduced: always carry condoms and water based lube with you. If you meet someone at a beat you could take them somewhere else for sex. If either of you have an STI or HIV you can insist on condoms (it’s your right too). For online encounter you can check if you have friends in common or meet them in a public setting.

Opportunities for sex can happen anywhere and there are different risks related to the setting, the sex and the people you are doing it with. If you live in regional Queensland you may have to wait until you’re in a bigger town or you may need to go to an on-line sex site to find sex. Larger centres and towns often have pubs, saunas or sex on premises venues where you can meet people who are also looking for a sexual encounter. The internet, beats, parks and personal ads in the local or regional magazines and papers can offer all types of encounters.

You may find sex partners at your local gay community group, event or sports club, but be careful in exploring with these people what you want to happen. Some risks to consider are discovery or being outed during sex and even physical violence. Always be aware of where you are and where you are going. If you don’t know the person or place, let a trusted friend know where you are going and make arrangements to call them when you expect to be home or leave a note. If it feels unsafe to you, it probably is and sex isn’t worth the risk. Turn the opportunity down and think again about ways to find satisfying sex another time.

Please click on the following links for more information on...

Looking after your sexual health

What do do if you think you've been exposed to HIV

Making Friends

Regional Contacts

Regional Home