South African-born Mr Gay New Zealand in barebacking furore
There’s been a backlash against newly crowned Mr Gay New Zealand Charlie Tredway after it emerged that he has links to barebacking sites. The 33-year-old South African-born HIV campaigner, who is himself openly HIV positive, was targeted online over claims that his sexual behaviour was irresponsible and dangerous. Tredway, however, has hit back, using the […]
HIV infections down in the US, but not for young and latino gays
Despite a drop in the HIV infection rate over the past six years in America, young men who have sex with men are not seeing the same progress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of annual HIV infections in the US fell 18 percent between 2008 and 2014 — […]
Legalising same-sex marriage reduces suicide among LGB teens
Researchers say that laws legalising same-sex marriage are associated with a significant reduction in the rate of suicide attempts among LGB young people. According to a study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, marriage equality policies in US states have led to more than 134,000 fewer adolescent suicide attempts per year. The research, published […]
8 ways to open yourself up to love
February is celebrated worldwide as the month of love. We’re inundated with glossy, perfect and happy Valentine’s couples in the media, leaving those of us who’re single wondering, “What about me”? Now don’t get us wrong. Being single can certainly be a happy and healthy way to live, but many of us would like to […]
It’s society, not our sexual orientation that’s making us sick
A new study has challenged a common perception that homosexual and bisexual people are inherently at risk of poor mental health and suicide. The study’s lead researcher, Dr Richard Burns from the Australian National University, said that homosexual or bisexual orientation is in itself not a major risk for long-term mental health problems. “Childhood sexual […]
Calling all the young LGBTI heroes out there
A new programme for LGBTI youth is urging “young heroes” to share their positive and empowering experiences to help others find their way. “I’m not a girl, not yet a woman”, Britney Spears sang in the adolescent phase of her pop princess reign. Cheesy as it may be, everyone can relate and identify with that […]
Sexual health: Coping with barebacking peer pressure
Barebacking (condomless sex) still happens – a lot. This is even though most of us know that it is a huge risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. It STILL happens. This is not because guys are stupid or suicidal or necessarily out to maliciously “infect” one another (most guys who transmit the virus […]
DIY test for HIV comes to a pharmacy near you
It’s as simple and easy as a home pregnancy test, and should be treated similarly, argues Health-e News writer Amy Green who went through the process of self-testing for HIV. For R59.95 South Africans can now purchase an HIV testing kit from a local pharmacy and screen themselves for infection in the privacy of their […]
Clinicians trained to deliver HIV services to African gay and bisexual men
A training initiative for clinicians and community workers who deliver life-saving HIV services to communities facing hostility and prejudice, was launched last week. The Afya Academy is a partnership between the International HIV/AIDS Alliance (Alliance) and Anova Health Institute (Anova). It trains clinicians and community activists who work with sex workers, gay men and other […]
Who knew! Scientists say trimming your bush has its dangers
Scientists have found that pubic hair grooming is linked to a heightened risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The association seems to be strongest among those who groom their pubic hair frequently and intensively; a practice dubbed ‘extreme grooming’ by researchers from the University of California. Pubic hair removal is becoming increasingly common […]