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People attending the final weekend of Mardi Gras celebrations in Sydney this weekend are being urged to play safe and look after each other. ACON is advising revellers to maintain a ‘culture of care’ in relation to HIV, sexual health, street safety, and alcohol and other drugs.
The message is part of ACON’s health promotion and anti-violence campaigns for Mardi Gras which ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says are designed to help people understand that an important part of enjoying Mardi Gras is caring about the health and welfare of yourself and others.
“Mardi Gras is all about celebration, coming together and seeking out pleasurable experiences,” Mr Parkhill says.
“Playing safe will help partygoers have a much more enjoyable Mardi Gras experience.”
“Firstly, we’re urging gay men to help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) by using condoms and water-based lube when they’re having sex with casual partners."
"Syphilis and gonorrhoea are both on the increase among gay men in Sydney so it’s important to protect yourself and others by using condoms."
"It’s the easiest way to practice safe sex and with 40,000 free ACON condom packs available at major GLBT venues and events during Mardi Gras, it’s also the cheapest and easiest method as well."
“If you think you may have been at risk of getting an STI, it’s important to get tested at a general practice or sexual health service as soon as possible. Getting tested for HIV and other STIs is also an essential part of maintaining good sexual health, not to mention peace of mind."
"And if gay men do test positive for STIs, it’s important that they take time out from sex to ensure the infection is not passed on to others in the community."
"Also, same-sex attracted young women are almost five times more likely to get an STI than heterosexual woman. So we’re encouraging young lesbians to negotiate safe sex and get tested regularly.”
Mr Parkhill says keeping safe on the street is also important. “Statistics from our Anti-Violence Project show that incidents of street-based homophobic violence increase around Mardi Gras. To avoid violence, we recommend that partygoers travel to and from venues with friends, travel in taxis if they’re alone and that they cover up their party clothes or get changed at the venue to avoid being a target.
“All violence and harassment should be reported to police for immediate action or to ACON’s Anti-Violence Project because if the level and types of violence are on the public record, then agencies such as ACON can lobby for improved security for our community.”
Reducing the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs is the third way to play safe. Whatever substances people use, they should know their limits and stick to them, tell someone they trust about what they’ve taken, and support each other and get help if it’s needed.
The ACON Rovers will be at all major events during Mardi Gras to help people who are experiencing any difficulties as a result of using alcohol or other drugs.
People can also visit www.partysafely.org.au for information and advice about partying safely.
Image: photograph by Rod Spark (courtesy of ACON)
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