Welcome to Rainbow Visions

SEXUAL HEALTH MATTERS

Sexual health check ups should be a regular part of your health routine. In this section you will find information about looking after your sexual health. It includes information on sexually transmitted infections and how to stay safe.

If you think you have a sexually transmitted infection or have been in contact with someone who may have one, or are worried about your general sexual health it is important that you seek professional advice. You can visit your own doctor or one of the many other services that specialise in sexual health.

Many sexually transmitted infections can be easily treated. Remember you may be carrying some infections without any signs or symptoms, so regular tests are important for everyone - read on to see if you have been at risk.

(For more information visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/)

Have you been at risk? click here

What is an STI?

Sexually transmissible infections or STIs are infections that are transmitted through close body contact, usually sexual. Sexual contact includes fucking, sucking, touching, sharing sex toys, fingering or kissing/licking a dick, vagina or arse. STIs can be viruses, parasites, bacteria and fungi.

Click on the following facts sheets to get some more information on different types of STIs. Don’t forget many STIs have no symptoms and the only way you know if you have them is if you have a sexual health check up. To see where your local sexual health clinic is click on the link below.

Accessing sexual health services

Viruses

Parasites

Bacteria

Fungi

Thrush (candidiasis)

How can I tell if I have an STI (sexually transmissible infection)?

(This information is from Whytest, for more information visit http://www.whytest.org/)

Many people with an STI do not have any symptoms. Getting an STI check-up regularly is the only way to detect most STIs.

Symptoms that may indicate that you have an STI sometimes include:

Clear, smelly, cloudy or yellowish discharge or pus coming from your dick
Blisters, sores, warts or lumps on your dick, arse or any of the surrounding skin
Itchiness in the genital area
If it hurts when you piss
If it hurts when you have sex
Fever
Swollen glands, especially in the groin

If you have fall into one of these risk groups you are at risk of having an STI and should be tested.

If you have had unprotected sex (oral, anal or vaginal)
If you have shared a toy
If you have more than one partner
If you have had a recent partner change

If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor or health care worker. If you are sexually active, and especially if you are having sex with different casual partners, you should have regular checkups for STIs even if you do not have any symptoms. Every 3-6 months is often recommended- the frequency of check ups will vary depending on your risk.

This information is from Whytest (for more information visit http://www.whytest.org/info/index.php
For the NSW Health link to common STIs symptoms click here http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/symptoms.html
For the NSW Health link to STI fact sheets click here http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/common_stis.html

Are you at risk?

Which STIs can be passed on by the type sex you’re having?

Use this chart to figure out what STI tests you should have based on the types of sex you are in to. You’ll also find info on how the STI are passed on and strategies for reducing the chances of picking one up.

If you, your boyfriend, your fuck buddies or any other regular partner are having sex with different casual partners it is a good idea to get tested regularly. Every 3-6 months is a general guideline. A GP or sexual health centre can recommend how often you should get tested. For more information on how to contact your local sexual health clinic clink the link below

Accessing sexual health services

Type of Sex	Type of STI	How the STI is passed on	How to reduce the chances
Performing oral sex on another man (giving head)	Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis. Lower risk: HIV, hepatitis B	Infections can be passed from his dick to your mouth and throat (with or without ejaculation). Oral sex is relatively safe for HIV, however other STIs are easily transmitted by oral sex. If you have an existing STI in your mouth or throat this can make it easier for you to get HIV	You can reduce the risk of getting HIV through oral sex by making sure your mouth and gums are in good condition and not allowing him to cum in your mouth. Consider that using a condom will further reduce your risk of getting these STIs. Regular STI testing Hepatitis B vaccination
Receiving oral sex from another man (getting head)	Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis.	Infections can be passed from his mouth or throat to your dick. The infection can enter the urethra (the tube in your dick) or infect the outside of your dick causing sores/ ulcers.	Consider that using a condom will reduce your risk of getting these STIs. Regular STI testing
Fucking another man, anal sex (top)	Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B herpes, HIV, warts syphilis.	Infections from inside and around his arse can be passed on through your urethra (the tube inside your dick), small cuts on your dick or skin contact. Small amounts of blood in your partner’s arse can transmit HIV and hepatitis B through your dick. If you have an existing STI this can make it easier for you to pick up HIV through sores or inflammation on your dick.	Condoms provide good protection. Remember to make sure there is no contact between your dick and his arse before using the condom. Regular STI testing. Hepatitis B vaccination
Getting fucked by another man, anal sex (bottom)	Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B herpes, HIV, warts syphilis.	Getting fucked without a condom is HIGH risk for HIV and STIs. The lining of the arse is delicate and therefore allows infection to easily enter your body. If you have an existing STI in your arse the lining can be inflamed and further increase your risk of getting HIV and STIs.	Condoms provide good protection for HIV and most STIs. However, some STIs, like warts and herpes, can be passed on by body contact if the condom does not cover the infected area eg. base of his dick. Remember to make sure there is no contact between the dick and arse before using the condom. Regular STI testing Hepatitis B vaccination
Oral-anal sex (rimming)	Hepatitis A, gut infections	You can get infected by getting small amounts of shit in your mouth. This can occur directly by rimming or indirectly by touching his arse, used condoms or dams and later putting your fingers in your mouth.	Washing his and your hands and genital area before and after sex may help reduce the risk. Hepatitis A vaccination.
Arse play (including sex toys and fisting)	HIV, hepatitis B Hepatitis C Hepatitis A, gut infections	The delicate lining of the arse can be easily damaged causing bleeding during arse play. Small amounts of blood can enter your body through cuts or cracks in your hand. Infection can occur by touching his arse or used condoms, sex toys or dams and later putting your fingers in your mouth.	Wash hands directly after sex. Use gloves for arse play and fisting. Do not share sex toys during sex session. If sharing, use condoms over dildos, and change them ensuring new condoms for each person. Wash sex toys thoroughly after use. Hepatitis A & B vaccination
Mutual masturbation, frottage (dry humping), body rubbing	Pubic lice, molluscum contagiousum, scabies	Close body contact. These activities are considered low risk with little risk of STI transmission.	Remember, some STIs such as herpes, syphilis and warts can be transmitted by skin to skin contact. Avoid any contact with lumps, sores or rashes. Touching his dick or arse then touching your own dick or arse can also transmit infection including Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Washing your hands and genital area before and after sex may help reduce risk.

What is an STI check up?

What would an STI check-up involve? Testing and treatment are easy and quick. STI check-ups involve:

Talking about your sexual history

The doctor or health care worker will ask you some questions about your sexual practices to find out which parts of your body may have been put at risk for an STI eg. dick, arse or throat. This helps t hem decide what tests are needed.

An STI check up for a man who has had sex with men usually involves:

A blood sample to check for HIV, syphilis and immunity to hepatitis A and B
A urine sample to check for chlamydia
A swab of your arse to check for chlamydia and gonorrhoea (a swab is like a cotton bud you would use to clean inside your ears)
A swab of your throat to check for gonorrhoea
A physical examination to check for crabs, scabies, warts, syphilis and herpes

These tests are recommended for all gay men who don’t have any symptoms. Even if you don’t have any symptoms it is still possible to have an STI and pass on the infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

Your doctor or health care worker may suggest other tests like Hepatitis C or genital herpes depending on your sexual history and drug use. If you are in a new relationship, monogamous or otherwise, it’s a good time for you and your partner to get a check up. You may have picked up an STI from a previous partner. Regular testing is also recommended if you are having sex outside your relationship.

Counselling for HIV tests

Before you are tested for HIV your doctor or health care worker should discuss the test, its meanings and its implications. The doctor or health care worker will gauge your understanding of HIV and discuss how it is transmitted and how to protect yourself. This is known as pre-test counselling.

In this discussion the doctor or health care worker should discuss the implications of a positive and a negative result with you, including what supports you might have available after your result.

You should find out about the "window period" for HIV (the time after infection but before an HIV test will show up positive) and if you need to be re-tested.

You should be given the results of your HIV test in person so that the doctor or health care worker can also discuss the meaning of the test result with you, including whether you need to be re-tested. This is called post-test counselling.

If you have questions or concerns that haven’t been addressed during the discussion, raise them with your doctor or health care worker. For more information on how to contact your local support services click the link below

Accessing support services
This information is from Whytest (For more information visit http://www.whytest.org/

What tests do I ask for?

It can be difficult to know what STI tests to ask your doctor for (and it can be a bit embarrassing too). So to make it easier we have come up with a list of the most common STIs in gay men and their associated tests.

If you are asking for a check up and have no signs or symptoms start by requesting the tests below.

Just click on the form image below (a new window will open which you can print), take it to your doctor and ask them to do the relevant tests. You should get tested for all of these STI regularly and the more sexual partners you have the more often you should get tested. (If you find it hard to remember when you’re due for you’re a test register for a free SMS or e-mail remainder.)

Accessing support services
This information is from Whytest (For more information visit http://www.whytest.org/

Accessing sexual health services

Accessing support services

STI fact sheets

factsheets

Safe sex

Safe sex is the use of condoms and water based lubricant during anal or vaginal intercourse.

Safe sex can prevent HIV transmission.
Safe sex can help prevent most STIs.

The most common way to transmit HIV is through vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom. Safe sex prevents HIV being passed on through sexual intercourse.

Safe sex also protects you against unintended pregnancy and against some common STIs that can be transmitted during intercourse, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Not all STIs are transmitted in the same way and so using condoms doesn't provide one hundred per cent protection against all sexually transmitted infections.

HIV transmission and safe sex

Using condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse can prevent HIV transmission. HIV is transmitted by blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an HIV infected person entering the bloodstream of another person.

HIV can be transmitted during vaginal intercourse from women to men or men to women or men to men. During anal sex HIV can also be transmitted from the receptive partner to the insertive partner (bottom to top), and from the insertive partner to the receptive partner (top to bottom).

Not using condoms but pulling out before ejaculation is unsafe as fluid leaks from the penis during sex. This fluid can pass HIV and also cause pregnancy.

There have been few cases of HIV been passed during oral sex. In most of these cases the person had sores, wounds, gum disease, ulcers, cuts, herpes or infections in the mouth. Without those factors it isn't considered easy for HIV to enter the bloodstream via the mouth or throat.

If there are further questions you would like answered about HIV or safe sex you can call:

HIV/AIDS Information line
9am - 8pm (Mon-Fri), 10am - 6pm (Sat)
(02) 9332 4000
1800 451 600 (NSW callers)
TTY for the deaf (02) 9332 4268

For more information visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/staysafe.html

Click on the following links to read more information about safe sex:

Why have safe sex?

Safe sex is the best way of protecting yourself and partner/s from STIs, including HIV.

There are very good reasons why sexually active people need to practise safe sex including the following:

Condoms stop HIV transmission.
You can't judge whether someone has an STI based on how they look, dress, behave, who they have slept with, etc. Anyone can get HIV or another STI.
Practising safe sex provides you with peace of mind.
Thinking 'HIV won't happen to me' provides no protection.
Some STIs are quite common and using condoms will reduce the risk of infection.
People with HIV or STIs don't always know that they are infected.
Safe sex protects you from unintended pregnancies.
HIV can affect anyone. While in Australia most people with HIV are gay men and men who have sex with men, heterosexuals still get HIV. Worldwide HIV overwhelmingly affects heterosexuals, including people from some of our closest neighbours in Asia.

What about oral sex?

Oral sex is where the mouth of one person is placed on the genitals (vagina/penis) of another.

There have been some cases of HIV been transmitted from oral sex. In most of these cases the person had sores, wounds, gum disease, ulcers, cuts, herpes or infections in the mouth. Without those factors it isn't considered easy for HIV to enter the bloodstream via the mouth or throat.

Confusion still exists around oral sex and HIV because initially there was some uncertainty about the risk posed and early safe sex messages may have made it seem riskier than it actually was.

While research has indicated HIV transmission can occur through oral sex, it is viewed as a rare occurrence. However, to reduce this small risk make sure your mouth and gums are in good condition before engaging in oral sex. Not allowing your partner to ejaculate into your mouth will also reduce the risk.

While oral sex is not a risky activity in regards to passing HIV, other STIs can be easily passed through oral sex, for example gonorrhoea.

If you are concerned about catching HIV or other STIs use condoms during oral sex or avoid oral sex.

Guidelines for using condoms

Check the expiry date and that the label says it meets Australian standards (novelty condoms may not meet Australian standards).
Store condoms in a cool place. It is not a good idea to leave condoms in a car. If you do keep condoms in your wallet or purse, make sure you regularly replace them.
Find a condom brand and size that is comfortable for you.
Unwrap the condom from the packet but be careful not to tear the condom. Don't unroll the condom until it's on the penis.
To roll the condom on, make sure the penis is erect. Make sure the condom is the right way. Squeeze the teat of the condom to remove the air bubble and then roll the condom to the base of the penis. If uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin.
Apply a water based lubricant to the outside of the condom to increase pleasure and to reduce the risk of the condom breaking. Oil based products will weaken the condom and lead to breakage.
When withdrawing make sure the penis is still erect and hold the condom so that it doesn't slip off.
Once you have removed the condom dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Don't dispose of it down the toilet.
Use a condom only once. Make sure you have more than one condom available.
Don't put two condoms on for strength - they may tear more easily because of friction. If you want extra safety, buy extra strength.
If you think the condom has broken during sex pull out immediately and replace the condom.
If the condom broke or slipped off during sex, you might want to consider emergency contraception,
PEP,
or getting a sexual health-check-up
sexual health-check-up.

Condoms and relationships

Often people in a relationship choose not to use condoms. If you are in a regular relationship with another person and neither of you is having sex outside the relationship and you both have had a sexual health check-up, then not using condoms is a choice you may want to make together. If you are not in a relationship, then there is never a completely safe time not to use condoms.

You can't tell from looking at someone if they have an STI and sometimes people with STIs don't know they have them. Using a condom in these situations will protect you from HIV and unintended pregnancies, and help prevent most other STIs.

Some people think that sex will be safe if they don't use condoms but pull out before ejaculation. This is incorrect. Even before ejaculation, fluid leaks from the penis during sex. This fluid can cause pregnancy and also pass HIV and other STIs between both partners.

For more information on contacting your local sexual health an support services click on the link below

Accessing sexual health services
Accessing support services

How should I negotiate safe sex?

If you want to practise safe sex, then there is a range of things you can do to make sure you stick to that decision.

Make sure that you have a supply of condoms always available.
Ensure you know how to use a condom correctly.
Be clear about the reasons why you want to use a condom - your partner may have all sorts of arguments about why they don't want to use them.
Talk to your partner about safe sex - so they are clear about your expectations.
Put the condom on.
Hand the condom to your partner and ask them to put it on.
Avoid alcohol or drugs if they are likely to weaken your resolve.
Make it clear to your partner that you won't have sex if a condom is not used.
Make sure you choose a brand of condom that fits comfortably.
If your partner won't use a condom, then engage in sexual acts other than intercourse.
Don't let putting a condom on disrupt the flow, make sure they are nearby and easily within reach.

Your partner needs to respect your decision regarding safe sex - if they don't then you need to consider how much they value you and your beliefs.

How can I prevent catching an STI?

You reduce the risk of catching an STI by either not having sex or by always practising safe sex.

Another way is to have sex with only one partner (and for your partner to only have sex with you) and both undertake a sexual health check-up early in the relationship to ensure neither of you has any STIs.

If you do have sex with more than one partner then your best strategy is to:

use a condom and water based lubricant
for sexual intercourse as this will protect you from HIV, and help prevent STIs;
avoid having sex with people with symptoms and signs on their genitals which may indicate an STI , for example warts or rashes or itch; and
discuss with your doctor vaccination against hepatitis B, and possibly hepatitis A depending upon your sexual practices.

If you do show any symptoms get them checked out as soon as possible. Many STIs can be quickly and effectively treated. If you think you have an STI it is important not to have sex until you have seen a doctor. If you are sexually active with more than one partner, then you need to regularly undergo a sexual health check-up and ask your partners to do the same. Remember you can still have an STI and not show any symptoms. Click the link below for information on how to access sexual health services in you local area

Accessing sexual health services

How do I know if my partner has an STI?

If there are no obvious symptoms then it is not possible to tell if someone has an STI, unless that person decides to tell you.

People can have an STI and not even know they do. This is one of the reasons why practising safe sex and seeing a doctor for a regular sexual health check-up is important.

Some people believe you can tell if someone has an STI based on the number of sexual partners they have, who they have sex with, if they dress well, or if they look 'clean' and 'healthy'. These beliefs are incorrect and often reflect the values and biases of the person making the statement.

Unless there are obvious symptoms, there is no way you can tell if somebody has an STI by judging the way they look, their sexual behaviour or hygiene.

There is no one type of person who catches STIs. Anyone who is sexually active can be at risk of catching an STI.

Click the link below for information on how to access sexual health services in you local area

Accessing sexual health services

How can alcohol and other drugs affect me?

Alcohol and other drugs can affect the decisions you make about sex and practising safe sex.

Alcohol or other drugs can have negative effects on your sex life, and health more generally. Research shows alcohol and other drugs do affect the decisions people make about safe sex. Research also shows that people often state that they had unsafe sex because they were 'drunk' or 'out of it'.

Alcohol and other drugs can lead to you making decisions you wouldn't otherwise make. For example you may choose to have sex with someone you wouldn't have otherwise chosen, you might not use a condom whereas you normally would, you may regret having sex at all. During sex it's not uncommon for men to lose their erection after heavy drinking or taking other drugs.

For more information visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/staysafe.html

Staying safe

If you are having a night out and think you might have sex with someone, it is important you make a decision beforehand about what you want to do. Once you have made that decision you need to stick to it.

If you think you might have unsafe sex once you have been drinking or taking drugs then you need to consider not drinking or taking drugs or reducing your intake so that you can stay more in control. If you choose to inject drugs, don't share any injecting equipment including needles, syringes, swabs, filters, spoons, tourniquets, the mix, etc.

Sterile syringes are available from pharmacies and Needle and Syringe Program outlets. The program is an anonymous and confidential service. See safe injecting for more information.

Safe injecting

For more information visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/safe_injecting.html
People who inject drugs can place themselves at risk of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood borne viruses
. Safe injecting practices can protect against infection.

HIV and hepatitis C can be transmitted through injecting practices that allow the blood of an infected person into the bloodstream of another person.

People who inject drugs need to practise the following:

Never share any equipment, including the mix, water, swabs, filters, tourniquets, needle, syringe, etc.
Always use new and clean equipment for each hit. Sterile syringes are available from pharmacies and your local Needle and Syringe Program. The program is an anonymous and confidential service.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after injecting.
Don't help others or let them help you unless hands have been washed - and even then there is no absolute guarantee that it will stop infection.
Wash and clean the area being used to mix and prepare (e.g. table).
Never re-cap a syringe unless it's your own.
Never bend the needle/syringe.
Dispose of used equipment in disposal containers (fitpacks and sharp bins) which are available from your local Needle and Syringe Program and some pharmacies.
Always have safe sex and have regular sexual health check-ups.

For further information on needle and syringe programs:
Needle and Syringe Program Policy and Guidelines for NSW
Community Sharps Management Guidelines for NSW Councils

Needle Clean Up Hotline - 24 hour service: 1800 633 353
If you find a discarded needle, syringe or for further information about needle and syringe management.

For further information on drugs and alcohol:
NSW Health’s Centre for Drug and Alcohol
NSW Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy
Alcohol and Drug Information Service 02 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 (outside Sydney)

Illegal drugs

Remember it is illegal to use illicit drugs. Illicit drugs are those which are illegal for people to use, possess, manufacture, sell, distribute or supply. These include marijuana, amphetamines, ecstasy and heroin. The are severe penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences.

If you do take illegal drugs, make sure you are with others in case of emergencies, be aware that some may interact with other medication you are on, eg with anti HIV medication you may need to take less recreational drugs as the HIV medication will make the effects longer lasting and more pronounced. If you plan to take recreational drugs be prepared- you may need extra condoms and lots of lube.

Further information

There are other dangers in drinking and taking drugs that need to be considered apart from its impact upon your sexual health. A good place to find out more information is by visiting NSW Health’s Centre for Drug and Alcohol
or NSW Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy
. Alternatively you could call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service 02 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 (outside Sydney).

Or click the link below for more information on how to contact your local drug and alcohol support services

Drug and alcohol support services

PEP

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a four week course of anti-HIV (known as antiretroviral) drugs which may prevent HIV infection if you have been exposed to the virus.

If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, you must act quickly. To be effective PEP must be commenced as soon as possible after an exposure, preferably within a few hours. PEP is unlikely to work if you commence it more than 72 hours (three days) after exposure to HIV.

What does ‘exposure' to HIV mean?

Any action that allows HIV infected body fluids, such as blood or semen, to enter into your bloodstream means you may have been exposed to HIV. You may have been exposed to HIV if you:

have had vaginal sex without a condom with a person who has HIV;
have had anal sex without a condom with a person who has HIV; or
shared injecting equipment with a person who has HIV.

What does taking PEP involve?

Taking PEP will normally involve a four week course of anti-HIV drugs. For PEP to be effective you need to commence treatment within 72 hours of an exposure to HIV.

Does PEP work?

It is believed taking PEP can prevent HIV, however the evidence is not conclusive. Taking PEP does not guarantee that you won't become HIV positive. It is offered as a last resort. Safe sex and safe injecting are still the best way to avoid HIV.

Where can I get PEP?

You can be assessed for PEP at sexual health clinics
, doctors (including some general practitioners) who specialise in HIV/AIDS, and hospital accident and all emergency departments (which are open 24 hours). If possible, seek assistance from a doctor who specialises in HIV or sexual health clinic first.

If you would like further information about PEP, including where to access it, or have other questions you would like answered you can call:
1800 PEP NOW (1800 737 669)

How much does PEP cost?

As with any prescription drug there will be a cost involved. Normally a four weeks' supply of one drug will cost $22.40. Keep in mind your doctor is likely to prescribe a course consisting of at least two drugs.

In taking PEP, what difficulties may I encounter?

Taking PEP requires strict adherence to the dosing instructions. You will need to take the drugs as directed by your doctor. Missing doses or not completing the four week course will reduce the chances of the treatment working.

The drugs have a number of potential side effects. While some people experience no side effects at all, most experience some mild to moderate side effects.

Side effects might include nausea, rash, headaches and fatigue. Your doctor will provide you with information on side effects and you need to also read the drug company information that is provided with the drugs.

You need to monitor the side effects and seek medical assistance if you feel you can't cope with the side effects.

What happens once I finish PEP?

It is important once you have finished the four week course that you return to your doctor. Your doctor may want to see you at the end of the first month, third month and six month. The reason for follow-up sessions is to check the impact of PEP and its effect on you. Remember PEP has not conclusively been proven to work and therefore follow-up is essential.

Do I need to practise safe sex and safe injecting?

Yes. There is no conclusive evidence that PEP always works. There is also no evidence to suggest that if you have another exposure to HIV while taking PEP that you will be protected. Safe sex and safe injecting are still the best methods to protect you from HIV.

Who can I talk to about PEP?

An information line has been set up for those that wish to find out more.
1800 PEP NOW (1800 737 669)

Where can I get further information? For more information visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/pep.html

For further information on PEP go the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine
webpage which includes the NSW Health PEP Policy Directive, and other information on PEP such as guidelines, policies, research, training and news.

Tips for safe cruising

Cruising is a term used to describe the practice of sending and receiving verbal and non-verbal signals, which show that you are attracted and interested in someone else.

Cruising can be subtle or extremely direct and usually is part of trying to pick someone up, although it may also be about simply letting someone know that you like them.

Gay men "cruise" each other for sex in a variety of places and settings. Some of these meeting places include public spaces such as beats, parks and even walking the street, at bus stops or anywhere else that an opportunity presents. Other places include bars and sex on premises venues such as saunas and backrooms.

Cruising is just another way that gay men express their desire and attraction to each other. It can be great fun but it can also involve taking risks and potentially expose people to personal danger. It's important to understand these risks, and to minimise any danger to yourself or the safety of others.

Here are a few tips to consider in arriving at your own reasons for cruising and your own personal cruising style.

If you're new to it all

Talk to others about their cruising experiences.

Check out your cruising ground first. And remember, it's easier to see the layout during the day and get an idea of paths, possible meeting spaces and escape routes in case of emergency.

Go with a friend on your first visit and ideally with someone who has been there before and knows what's what.

When you arrive, have a good look around and get a sense of space, who's there, places to avoid and escape routes.

It's a good idea to talk to others cruisers about safety, attacks and police presence

Try not to carry ID with your address on it in case you are robbed or attacked as your keys may be taken as well

Before you go out decide on your personal and sexual limits and then go for it; and

Be discreet and try not to attract unwanted attention by being too loud

(This information has been adapted from a CD rom called Sex In Queer Places created by the Victorian AIDS Council, NAPWA and AFAO.) Chatrooms - Safe Net Cruising
A number of web sites that feature chat rooms have guidelines on 'safety on the net' that are useful to refer to.

'Meeting' people online is very different than meeting people in a bar, or at other social events. As one web site says in the introduction to its guidelines 'There are many success stories, so don't be too despondent if you have to kiss a few frogs.'

Often what you think someone is like before you meet them in real life, or how they have described themselves, turns out to be very different to how you 'really' experience them. And just as there are a number of people in a bar you wouldn't think of inviting home - so 'online' communities are made up of diverse and different people, not all of whom are honest.

Here are some useful tips:

Don't freely give out or distribute your home or mobile phone number or your primary email account … and remember that in Australia, if you make a call to a mobile phone, your own number will often be displayed.

Be reasonable with your expectations. Don't let your fantasies run away with you, what somebody seems to be on-line might not be who they are face-to-face.

When meeting for the first time, arrange to meet in a busy public place like a bar or a club, or a coffee shop. You can always go somewhere more private later once you have met them and you are sure you can trust them. Do not rely on the other person for transport - then you can leave whenever you want.

Let someone know who you are meeting and where. You can leave a note, keep a diary, e-mail a friend, or ask someone to phone you on your mobile (if you have one) to make sure you are all right.

Apply your common sense and the basic rules of personal safety. Maintain a healthy degree of suspicion: if anything seems odd, be careful.

If you plan to meet a stranger for sex, be safe and take condoms and water-based lubricant with you in case you need them.

Don't feel compelled or pressured to do anything you don't want to. Should things get out of hand don't hesitate to report it to the police or to gay and lesbian legal organisations - they'll be more understanding than you think - or if you are not confident doing that, seek advice from a local gay organisation.

Trust your instincts. If you feel unsure about a situation, excuse yourself and leave immediately.

(This information has been adapted from a CD rom Sex In Queer Places created by the Victorian AIDS Council, NAPWA and AFAO.) Beats - Safety at Beats
Beats are public places (eg. parks, beaches, public toilets) where men meet other men for sex and/or socialising. Many guys use beats as a way to meet other guys; it is not something to feel ashamed of.

When they're happening, beats can be great. But, sadly, there are dangers associated with beats - like gay bashers. Whenever you do the beat, keep your guard up and be aware of who's around. If you can, let someone know you're going to the beat. Some things you can do to protect yourself are:

Only do beats when you're not drunk or on drugs. If you're out of it and horny, call a chat line or an escort instead, or use an Internet chatroom.

Leave your wallet and valuables at home. Attacks at beats may involve theft. You don't need anyone finding your ID either.

Wear clothes and shoes you can run in if need be.

Park your car in a discreet place.

Know the surroundings - eg. you may need exits, escape routes, and/or well lit areas if you need to escape danger quickly.

Don't wear a personal stereo - you need to be able to hear what's going on around you.

Take condoms and water-based lube with you and use them for anal sex. You never know that the guy you meet has the same HIV status as you, or that he even knows his HIV status. Put used lube sachets and condoms in bins or take them with you - litter can result in public complaints and draw police attention or bashers to beats.

Be aware of the legal consequences of sex in public (all states/territories have laws that can be used to prosecute people for having sex in public). Know your rights and what you would and wouldn't say if you were ever questioned. As a rule, many people are convicted of offences because they admit to them during police questioning. We recommend seeking professional legal advice before answering any questions, wherever possible.

Stay away from anyone you think is suspicious - even if they look like your 'type'. Be especially wary of groups of people. If threatened, run away (if you can) and try to attract help by shouting "FIRE!" Or, if you see anyone being hassled, call the police or yell. Take a note of their details (appearance, car rego etc) so you can identify them later.

If you see someone being attacked, try to help them.

If you want to go somewhere with someone you meet at the beat, talk with them first, eg. to find out whether they have knowledge about things to do with the gay community.

Consider learning self-defence. Better still, arrange a self-defence course for gay men and lesbians in your area.

If you are ever attacked, you can speak to people about it. Get support. Find out about your rights and how justice might be done. Gay bashing is the act of homophobic, violent people who are probably bored. Some bashers even see it as a kind of 'sport' - something to do with their mates when the pub's closed. A lot of bashers plan their attacks. They may even pretend to be gay to give you a false sense of security.

Violence hurts more if you do nothing about it. If you're in NSW, the NSW Lesbian & Gay Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is an excellent service for anyone who's been attacked, and the staff can assist communities with strategies to prevent violence. Also, in NSW, there might be a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) in your local police service. While, sadly, some police can be homophobic, a GLLO should be more interested in doing something about the violence than your sex life. Unfortunately, similar services don't exist in other states or territories - yet. However, your state/territory AIDS Council or Telephone Counselling Service or local Community Legal Centre should be able to help.

Remember - no-one asks to be attacked. It's not your fault. Your attacker/s are to blame.

If you would like more information how to contact your local gay and lesbian liason officers and other support services please click the link below

Accessing support services

(This information has been adapted from a CD rom Sex In Queer Places created by the Victorian AIDS Council, NAPWA and AFAO.)