WorkshopsQAHC runs a variety of health and lifestyle related workshops. Click on the links below to find out about our upcoming workshops. The Art of Sex WorkshopsQAHC will be running free, one (1) day workshops in Rockhampton - (6th April), Mackay - (5th April), Townsville - (29th Nov), targeting Gay and other Men who have Sex with men inclusive of age, sexual identity, culture and HIV status. ‘The Art of Sex’ workshop has been compiled from two (2) very successfully run workshops called the 'Arse Class' and the 'Sex Course' which were originally developed by GMFA (Gay Men Fighting AIDS) in England. QAHC (Queensland Association for Healthy Communities) has utilised ‘The sex Course’ and ‘The Arse Class’ workshops and combined the interrelated topics and further developed the program to be culturally specific to Queensland. This further extension of the program has been titled ‘The Art of Sex’ workshop. The aim of the ’The Art of Sex’ Workshop is to familiarise Gay and other Men who have Sex with Men with a full range of Sexual Pleasures and an understanding of the bodily functions and how they can inhibit and enable stimulation and stay safe. The issues that inhibit Gay Men’s sexual pleasure can be of physical, psychological or a combination of both in nature. Statistics continue to display a common reluctance of men to access medical assistance and advice. This reluctance can be further increased when the topic is sexual or when the exposure of an individual’s sexuality is at stake, especially in isolated and regional areas. Although the ‘Art of Sex’ workshops aren’t a medical or counselling substitute and do not offer these services, they have been developed to adopt a very sex positive and affirming stance and aim at promoting insight and techniques to assist Gay men obtain better fulfilment in the sexual lives. The workshop’s goal is that men will be better informed and have greater knowledge about the biology of HIV transmission through their increased knowledge about the function, uses and maintenance of the mouth, anus & penis. There are no rules for men to follow, the program offers practical and useful information that can be understood and practically applied in sexual situations. In defining the focus for the ‘The Art of Sex’ workshops we chose to ensure that we referred to as full a range of sexual stimulations and pleasures as possible. We wanted to promote the range of ways that as men we can pleasure ourselves, as well as each other. Further information about the up-coming workshops can be obtaining by contacting Dave Wells at QAHC on (07) 3017 1727. To book to be a participant in the Workshops please call Jan on (07) 3017 1777 or 1800 177 434 (free call). The Cruising Men Workshop- a free workshop for men about cruising menTips for Gay Men and other Men who are sexually attracted to Men on Cruising at Pubs, Clubs, Gay Evens, Beats, Saunas, Personals and the Internet. Workshops are being held over the next few months in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Mackay and Rockhampton. Contact 07 3017 1777 for more information. Men in the MiddleWhat is Men in the Middle? It’s a free workshop group for guys 26 to 45 who are gay, bisexual or think they might be. It gives you a chance to talk to, and meet other guys like yourself. When does it run? The group meets one night a week over six weeks. It starts at 6.30 pm and goes until about 9.30 pm. Who comes along? A real mixture of guys. Guys with different levels of comfort with their sexuality from all sorts of cultural backgrounds, nationalities and religious or spiritual beliefs. How many people are in each group? There are normally 10 – 12 other guys (including two facilitators). You do the six week workshop with the same guys. How does it run? Every session covers a range of topics. These include: coming out, sexuality, the gay community & scene, safe sex, meeting guys, relationships etc. While there is a structured program, it’s also flexible. There is plenty of room to raise topics you want to talk about. There are activities around each topic that are aimed at getting the group talking and learning from each other. Throughout the group it’s up to you to decide how much to say and how much not to say. If you want to talk a lot, cool, if you’d rather listen, that’s O.K. too. You can choose not to participant in something – no questions asked. Is it a pick up group? No it’s not, but it gives you the opportunity to meet other guys. Many past workshop participants have established great friendships with guys they met at the group. How can I join? Contact Brett on (07) 3017 1729 or bstevens@qahc.org.au for more information. Before the commencement of Men in the Middle, the project coordinator would like to meet you to explain the details of the workshop and to ensure that Men in the Middle is going to benefit you. We normally suggest you pop into the QAHC office or meet you at a local café before coming to the group. It gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have, and if you’re feeling nervous about coming, puts your mind at ease. What if I don’t want my friends and family to know I’m gay? The group is confidential. Lots of guys come along and their family and friends don’t know about their sexuality. That’s the way it stays unless you choose otherwise. This is emphasised again at the start of each group. Everyone agrees to respect each other’s confidentiality. What if I’m still not sure about coming along? There are a few things that might help you make up your mind. Talk to us. Ask us questions. Drop in to the QAHC office to chat and meet us. It may help you decide. It’s OK to be nervous. On the first night many guys are nervous, as they don’t quite know what to expect and everyone’s meeting each other for the first time. That’s why we spend a bit of time getting to know each other on the first night. Anything else I need to know? Yes. The group is fun! While there’s lots of time to talk about serious things, there’s also lots of room to enjoy yourself and meet new people. |