Gay Men’s Sexual Health

HIV and other sexually transmitted infections remain a very important issue for gay and other men who have sex with men (msm) with HIV infections continuing to increase in Queensland.

The Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) works to enable and support gay and other msm to make informed decisions about their sexual health. We recognise that sexual health is influenced by a range of lifestyle, knowledge and social factors and we seek to address all of these.

What can QAHC do for me?

QAHC provides the following services for individuals:

• printed resources and campaigns – in venues, the gay press, via mail order or on www.qahc.org.au
• websites providing information, discussion and answering your questions - see www.qahc.org.au or www.men.org.au
• telephone information & referral – ring 1800 155 141
• workshops and support groups on a variety of issues
• outreach in gay venues, beats, community events and internet chat rooms
• limited supplies of condoms and lubricant

What can QAHC do for the community?

QAHC works at the community or population level to:

• hold community ‘infotainment’ events on a variety of issues
• promote safe sex cultures
• work with businesses to create safe environments (e.g. sex on premises venues)
• train volunteers and service providers on HIV, sexual health and LGBT issues
• advocate the needs of gay and other msm to services and policy makers
• provide support and work in partnership with other HIV and LGBT groups

What areas of the state do you cover?

Our headquarters are in Brisbane and we also have health promotion workers based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, in Townsville and Cairns. The workers also provide limited ‘remote’ services to other parts of the state such as Rockhampton, Mackay and Bundaberg. Many of our services (e.g. 1800 line, website, campaigns) are available state-wide.

How can I get involved?

Volunteers are an active and important part of our services. They provide outreach to gay venues, beats and community events, facilitate groups and workshops, participate in working bees and help with office administration.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, contact your local QAHC office or ring 1800 177 434 or email volunteer@qahc.org.au

More information?

Phone 1800 177 434 or contact your nearest office directly:

Brisbane Phone: 3017 1777 Email: bne@qahc.org.au
Cairns Phone: 4041 5451 Email: cns@qahc.org.au
Gold Coast Phone: 3017 1777 Email: gc@qahc.org.au
Sunshine Coast Phone: 5454 1118 Email: ssc@qahc.org.au
Townsville Phone: 4041 5451 Email: twn@qahc.org.au

Links

Multilingual HIV website
http://www.multiculturalhivhepc.net.au/