WHAT’S NEW

Landmark Study Proves Benefit Of Early HIV Treatment

We’ve known for some time that starting early treatment leads to better health outcomes and a lower risk of transmitting HIV, but the results of a major study confirm that deferring treatment may actually carry risks to the long term health of HIV positive people.

The key findings of the the Strategic Timing of Anti-Retroviral Treatment (START) study are that treatment of HIV infection extends survival and prevents serious illness, including major cardiovascular events, cancer, renal and liver disease by more than 50% among those on treatment compared to those on deferred treatment.

Importantly, the study results confirm that there is no harm associated with immediate treatment either.

Find out more about this important study

Community HIV Testing Helps Lift Testing Rates

Our network of peer-led rapid HIV testing sites across Sydney and NSW have provided close to 4000 rapid HIV tests over the last two years, with 1000 of these tests being conducted at the new a[TEST] Oxford St site in Sydney in just the last three months.

Our community-based testing facilities are staffed by gay men and in places easily accessed by gay men, and offer free and fast HIV testing in a welcoming and culturally appropriate environment.

All this good news is backed up by the latest data from the NSW Ministry of Health showing that HIV testing has continued to increase both overall in NSW and among high risk populations – in fact 76% gay men in Sydney had an HIV test in the last 12 months, the highest figure since this data started being collected in 1996.

There has never been a better time to get tested. You can make a booking or just drop into a a[Test] site. If you are hesitant or worried, rest assured there’s lots of support there for you. And remember you’re not alone.

Find out how easy it is to get tested

Extinguishment Of Historical Homosexual Offences

As you may be aware, new legislation commenced in November last year that allows people convicted of historical homosexual offences to apply to have their conviction/s extinguished.

This is great news for our community, but most of all for the many men who experienced criminal charges and prosecution simply because they conducted themselves in a way that involved consensual homosexual acts.The Department of Justice has uploaded information for the general public regarding making such an application.

The application form and a fact sheet is available on the Department of Justice website at:

ACON 2015 Tax Appeal – Help Us Be Here For Our Community

As we approach the end of the financial year, we’re asking all our supporters to consider making a donation to ACON so we can continue making a difference in the lives of thousands of LGBTI people and people with HIV.

This year ACON is marking 30 years of service to our community, and over that time we have played a vital role in reducing HIV transmission, supporting people with HIV and helping LGBTI people take control  of their health.

We’ve come a long way from those early days of the HIV crisis, but there’s still a long way to go, and unfortunately, some of this work does not get funded by government.

So please donate today, no gift is too small to make a difference.

Find out how you can donate

Bingay Is Back – First Hilarious Show At The Shift 18 June!

Have you missed Bingay as much as we have? Well the wait is over. After a short hiatus, our popular fundraiser is back at The Shift, but will now be a monthly extravaganza rather than a weekly event.

Bingay took a break while The Shift was being renovated but now that the new look venue is up and running, Bingay’s ballsy fun is set to return to The Shift’s upstairs bar on the third Thursday of every month.

Every monthly event will also have a fabulously flamboyant theme, with the first one on June 18 being a winter wonderland spectacular – think Frozen meets Mardi Gras! There’ll be snow stopping the fun with camp wintery decorations, cool outfits and special frosty treats.

Bingay hostess Charisma Belle will continue to oversee the madcap proceedings and Bingay’s long time barrel babe Naomi Palmer will continue to spin the balls and sing up a storm.

So whether you’re a regular or a novice, or a local or visitor to Sydney, if you’re up for a wonderfully camp mid-week entertainment experience, then you can’t go wrong with Bingay.

Tickets: http://acon.nationbuilder.com/bingay_bookings

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Join The Audience For Q & Gay – 18 June

On Thursday 18 June, ABC TV will screen a special documentary and discussion double featuring ‘Between a Frock and a Hard Place’ which examines the inspiration and social context of the iconic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The documentary highlights the extraordinary change in social attitudes and laws around homosexuality, masculinity and gender over the last 40 years and provides a fresh perspective on current debates around marriage equality and transgender.

Following the documentary the panel and audience will reflect on the changes of the past and directions for the future including. Panel members so far include gay rights activist and author Dennis Altman, the Rev Fred Nile and cabaret star Paul Capsis.

There are still more experts and commentators to be confirmed for what promises to be a fascinating discussion.

Would you like to join the audience for this debate? The questions will be up to you.

To express your interest please register your details at http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/

Q&GAY will be filmed live from the ABC Sydney studios in Ultimo. Audience members will watch the documentary and participate in the live Q&A that follows. Audience members need to be available from 7.30pm.

CURRENT WORKSHOPS

Arse Class

One of our most popular workshops, you’ll discover how to look after your arse, how to have fun with your arse and someone else’s, the anatomy of arses, plus loads of tips on anal sex and sexual health.

Duration: 6 sessions
Where: ACON Sydney
When: This workshop runs over six weeks, every Thursday from 6:30pm – 9pm, starting Thursday 11 June.

Find out more about the Arse Class