There’s no STI in together

Together we can reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections in men, is the message from ACON this party season.

Promoted through a series of new, slickly designed posters to be pasted up around Oxford St, ACON is reminding men to stay vigilant about their safe-sex practices, if not for their own sake, then for the sake of others.

It’s not just about looking after yourself, but also thinking about the health and wellbeing of others, ACON community health director Nick Corrigan said.

He said the rate of new HIV infections may be on the decrease in NSW but the risk was still present and the infection was permanent once contracted.

Other STIs including herpes, chlamydia and syphilis, while treatable, are better off being prevented, Corrigan added. Mardi Gras offers a fantastic opportunity for Sydney’s gay community to take a leading role in promoting the ideals of safe sex to the city’s international visitors coming in for the party season.

There is already a really good condom culture in NSW, which is why the rate of new infections for HIV is on the decline, Corrigan said.

So we want to reinforce that and remind people about the importance of getting regular testing -“ the more sex, and the more sexual partners you have, the more tests you should have. And to also say to people out there, if you do have an STI, take some time out and keep your pants on.

Mardi Gras is a time when we all come together and have fun together, so we should all be taking care of each other as well.

For more information on the campaign visit www.acon.org.au/together.

Have your say: How will you be welcoming international visitors to Sydney for Mardi Gras?