The tangy, nose-turning scent of mozzie repellent is the perfume of Aussie summer. As the weather (like our saunas) gets steamier and wetter, mosquitoes are multiplying. So, what risks do these tiny vampires pose? Can mozzies transmit HIV? And what can you do to protect yourself this hot gay summer? We’re here to clear the air on mosquitoes. Can you get HIV from a mosquito bite? You’re wondering if that annoying buzzing that’s been keeping you awake all night is going to pass on HIV? The answer is no. Mosquitoes cannot carry HIV, as they don’t have CD4 cells (T-cells) like us. Since CD4 cells ..read more

Are you afraid of taking an HIV test? Maybe you think it’s too scary, too time-consuming, or too embarrassing. Perhaps you think you don’t need one because you’ve always been careful. It’s important to remember that HIV doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or gender. And the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV or not is to get tested. Maybe you’re reading this because it’s been on your mind… but we want to assure you that taking an HIV test isn’t something to be afraid of. By getting tested, you’re taking control of your health a ..read more

At least one of my friends does Dry July or Sober October every year. And it got me thinking about how alcohol is central to so much of my social activity. But, for some guys in queer communities, drinking sometimes goes far beyond a casual meet-up with friends. The venues we love to gather and feel safe in serve alcohol. I can’t think of many gay social spaces that don’t! Drinking can promote a sense of confidence, making it easier to talk to whoever’s beside us (and perhaps more!). But there can be a dark side to drinking, too. One study concluded that younger queer folks are more likely to ..read more

Monkeypox (also known as MPOX, MPX or MPXV) is a viral infection that can affect anyone. It can make you feel unwell and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores. Here’s your guide to monkeypox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, monkeypox rash and monkeypox blisters. Australia now has local transmissions of the virus, but there are ways for you to stay safe. Find your guide to monkeypox transmission, vaccination and prevention in What is monkeypox and what does it mean for guys in Australia? Vaccinating protects you and others from monkeypox. Find your nearest monkeypox vaccination locatio ..read more

Globally, monkeypox cases have grown rapidly beyond 81,500. Meanwhile in Australia, there are now cases of local community transmission. So what’s going on, and how concerned should gay and bi guys be about monkeypox? Right now, you’d be forgiven for running out of fucks to give about yet another emerging health situation! We’ve had a rough few years of dealing with COVID-19, pandemic restrictions and climate chaos. Not to mention that as guys into other guys, we’ve been living under the threat of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for four decades. Everyone’s more than a little fatigued ..read more

Nobody wants to imagine the worst happening to their home, car or health. But that’s what we get insurance for. Thanks to a vaccine, thousands of guys across Australia already have insurance against getting Monkeypox (also known as MPOX, MPX or MPXV). For now, our case numbers are stable — vaccinate, and you’ll help keep it that way. Vaccinating protects you and others from monkeypox. And if you’ve seen what having it can be like, there’s a strong case for avoiding it. Here’s how you can. Ready to find your nearest monkeypox vaccination location? Head over to our interactive map. For a simple ..read more

Sex can be a lot of fun! Having the language and knowledge to talk about it, and do it safely, can maximise everyone’s enjoyment, no matter how many players are involved! Here’s the lowdown on the sexual health terms every gay and bi guy should know. From the difference between HIV and AIDS, to the game-changing medications now available, and how to stay safe during anal, oral, rimming and more — we’ve got you covered. STIs and STDs Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are terms used to refer to infections that can spread via sexual contact. Some of t ..read more

Monkeypox (also known as MPOX, MPX or MPXV) is a viral infection that can affect anyone. The virus can make you feel unwell, and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores. Australia now has local transmissions, but there are ways for you to stay safe. Here’s your guide to monkeypox symptoms, transmission, vaccination and prevention. In this article: Monkeypox key points Monkeypox is a viral infection that transmits through close contact and can affect anyone The virus can make you feel unwell and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores Most people recover within a few weeks without needing tr ..read more

Are you a guy who‘s into other guys (and maybe girls too)? Are you looking for a non-judgmental doctor you can talk to honestly about your sex life? While you should be able talk to your regular doctor about STIs and HIV, the reality is, even with doctor-patient confidentiality, not everyone’s comfortable discussing the nitty-gritty of ‘who put what where’ with the same doctor Mum’s been taking you to since you were knee-high! Sounds like you might be looking for a gay-friendly doctor — also known as a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia. Why a gay-friendly GP? As a gay or bisexual guy, you ..read more

Do you need to get an STI test? How do you know? Regular STI testing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your sexual partners from STIs. STIs don’t always have symptoms, so if you have more than one sexual partner, it’s a good idea to get tested regularly — even if you don’t think you need to. 1. Go to a doctor you feel comfortable with You can go to your regular doctor for an STI test, but they may not be familiar with the specific needs of guys who have sex with guys. You’ll need to ask for a comprehensive sexual health test and be ready to discuss your sex life honestly. A dedic ..read more