We’re here to help sexuality and gender diverse people take control of their sexual health by providing information, workshops, a range of support services and distributing hundreds of thousands of condoms every year throughout NSW.
LGBTQ Health
Free Play Packs
NEED SAFE SEX SUPPLIES?
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you need safe sex supplies, we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!).
Simply complete the form below and we will get your play pack(s) delivered in no time!
If you need bulk supplies for a party, you can also request them from the below form.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact: kink@acon.org.au
Cervical Screening
Did you know that LGBTQ people are less likely to have cervical screening than the general population? Everybody with a cervix is at risk of cervical cancer. If you have a cervix, you need to screen.
Find everything you need to know about cervical screening, including HPV and the Cervical Screening Test, how to book your test and the choice of testing options available on the Can We website.
Check OUT: LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Clinic
We are sorry to announce that due to COVID-19, Check OUT: LGBTQ+ Clinic will be closed until further notice.
Please do not be concerned, this closure is only temporary, and we look forward to reopening again soon.
We will contact all our clients as soon as we reopen.
If your appointment with Check OUT was urgent, or you have any concerns, please contact our clinical partner, Family Planning NSW.
Family Planning NSW Talkline (staffed by expert sexual health nurses):
1300 658 886
Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm;
or email talkline@fpnsw.org.au
You can also contact the NSW Sexual Health InfoLink, which is run by NSW Health and is staffed by sexual health nurses. You can call them with any questions or concerns about sexual health and/or cervical screening and they can direct you to services for testing in your area:
1800 451 624
Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.30pm
If you are concerned about COVID-19 or have questions, please visit the NSW Health website or contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Please take care of yourselves and each other and don’t hesitate to contact us at checkout@acon.org.au
Thank you all,
Check OUT Staff
Gay & Same-Sex Attracted Men
Sexual Health Basics for Gay, Bi and Other Same-Sex Attracted Men
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted during sex through body contact or the exchange of bodily fluids (i.e. blood, mucus or saliva). Sexual contact includes vaginal or anal intercourse or touching, fingering or sucking/kissing/licking a penis, vagina/front hole or anus.
STIs can be caused by viruses (e.g. HIV, herpes, genital warts), bacteria (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea), or parasites (e.g. crabs, scabies).
If you manage your sexual health and play it safe you can significantly reduce your risk of getting an STI or passing it on to a sexual partner.
Infection rates for some STIs – such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis – are much higher among gay, bi and other who have sex with men than in the general population.
The best way to prevent HIV transmission among men is to have safe sex by using a condom and water-based lubricant for anal sex, using PrEP or having an Undetectable Viral Load (UVL).
Using condoms can also help prevent the transmission of some other STIs, but not all STIs, which is why it’s important to keep up to date with regular HIV & STI testing, every 3 months.
Our Ending HIV website provides information about some of the most common STIs experienced by gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (HIV-positive or HIV-negative). The site also has information about testing for and treating STIs, as well as the ability to make an appointment with one of our a[TEST] clinics for a test.
HIV Prevention Basics
There are a range of ways to prevent acquiring HIV, referred to as combination prevention. This includes the use of condoms, PrEP and/or choosing partners with an undetectable viral load (UVL).
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication to keep HIV negative people from contracting HIV. In Australia, taking pills orally is most commonly available option for PrEP. Depending on how one identifies and how frequently they have sex, there are different options for how to take PrEP including:
- Daily: suitable for everyone and involves just one pill a day ongoing
- On-demand: suitable for cis men who have sex with men only, and involves taking pills at specific times around sex
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Although PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other STIs, which can, in turn, increase the possibility of HIV infection. This is why we encourage people who are taking PrEP to regularly check in with their sexual health provider. If any STIs do occur, get them treated and follow the advice of your sexual health provider.
People who are using PrEP should consider maintaining their condom use, particularly for casual partners, until you are aware of their testing regimen.
PrEP is now available on the PBS, making it affordable and accessible across Australia. Find out more information on how you can access PrEP now here.
Condoms & Lube
Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.
Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.
Find out more about using condoms and staying safe
Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) & Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they often achieve what is called an “undetectable viral load”. This means that HIV is no longer able to be detected in their bodies by viral load tests, meaning the amount of virus is their bodies is extremely low. Many people refer to this as being “undetectable”.
In terms of HIV prevention, there has never been a case of a person with an undetectable viral load passing on HIV to a sexual partner, a fact backed up by major international studies.
“U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) is a term that acknowledges the benefits of taking treatment to achieve an undetectable viral load, specifically regarding preventing the onwards transmission of HIV.
Other Risk Reduction Strategies
There are a range of other strategies that can reduce, but don’t eliminate, the risk of HIV transmission.
These strategies include: ensuring HIV-negative partners are insertive (i.e. the ‘top’); ensuring partners have the same HIV status (i.e. pos-pos or neg-neg); and the insertive partner “pulling out” before ejaculation. All these strategies carry risks that vary according to practice and circumstance.
Gay Friendly GPs
When it comes to sexual health, lots of gay men like to speak with a supportive doctor who understands the ins and outs of gay sex.
Download a full list of Gay Friendly GPs here (Updated: May 2018)
Workshops for gay, bi+, queer men (trans and cis) 18+.
ACON offers a range of FREE workshops for same-sex attracted guys ages 18+ (trans and cis).
Our workshops are designed by the community and are run by Peer Educations’ Volunteer Facilitators who are also gay, bi+ and queer!
Each of our workshops is different and aims to explore a topic that matters to our community. Some of the topics our workshops cover:
- How to navigate sexuality and identity.
- How to have safe, consensual, and enjoyable sex.
- How to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
- How to use dating apps and navigate hook up culture.
Each of our workshops also provides participants with the latest sexual health and STI information available in a fun and sex-positive way.
Each group runs with 10-16 people and runs over four weeks.
Register for our current workshops below.
Workshops for gay, bi+, queer men aged 18-26 (SPARK)
Our Young gay, bi+, queer Men’s Project, SPARK, offers a range of FREE workshops for young gay, bi+, queer guys (trans and cis) aged 18-26 years old.
Participating in a workshop is a great way to make new friends in a safe social environment and learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, HIV, relationships, the LGBTI community and other relevant topics.
There are usually between 10 and 14 guys in each group. Our workshops are facilitated by trained community volunteers and run over four sessions. Workshops happen at ACON’s offices in central Sydney and some regional offices.
Please contact youth@acon.org.au for more information.
Free Condoms
Slip It On!
Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to stay safe and prevent HIV transmission.
Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.
To help prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs, ACON distributes over 230,000 condoms and safe sex packs every year to a range of community venues, clinics and events.
To find out where you can get free condoms near you, visit the Ending HIV website here. Alternatively, you can order a kit of safe sex supplies and have it delivered to an address in NSW for free by filling out the form here.
To get free condoms at your community venue, event, or clinic, contact your nearest ACON office.
Free Play Packs
NEED SAFE SEX SUPPLIES?
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you need safe sex supplies, we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!).
Simply complete the form below and we will get your play pack(s) delivered in no time!
If you need bulk supplies for a party, you can also request them from the below form.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact: kink@acon.org.au
Play Zone – Sex On Premises Venue Code Of Practice
What is the ACON PlayZone Sex on Premises Venue Code of Practice?
The ACON PlayZone Sex on Premises Venue Code of Practice is a voluntary partnership project between ACON and Sex on Premises Venues (SOPV).
Compliance with the PlayZone Code ensures that patrons of SOPVs have a right to be treated with respect while in the venues, to practice safe, consensual sex and access to sexual health information.
The PlayZone Code also ensures that venue staff and customers have the right to accurate and up to date information about safe sex, HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and education.
When you see this sign you’re entering a PlayZone Code partner venue. That means the venue agrees to both work within the PlayZone Code and to be assessed for compliance by ACON.
The ACON PlayZone Code includes:
The Customers:
- Free condoms and lube will be made available at all times.
- Free condoms and lube will be accessible near areas like the darkroom.
- Information leaflets on sexual health, clinics, HIV and STIs will be available.
- Information leaflets will be accessible near areas with good lighting.
The Venue:
- Lighting is appropriate enough so you can read the resources available; find the free condoms and lube; so staff can clean properly and so you can see where you are going.
- Cleaning is done properly, with the right equipment so you don’t get messier than you want to.
The Staff:
- Will be trained in the basics of sexual health, as well as drugs and alcohol, and will be able to show you where the information leaflets are within the venue if you need them.
- Will be able to help you if you need basic information on sexual health or drugs and alcohol.
- Will also be able to give you information on sexual health clinics.
ACON PlayZone SOPV Code of Practice Materials
Feedback on the ACON PlayZone SOPV of Practice
- If you have any feedback, comments or wish to report any information regarding a SOPV in relation to the PlayZone Code, please contact us: playzone@acon.org.au
- Please note participation in the PlayZone Code is voluntary. ACON will deal with all comments received regarding the PlayZone Code and SOPVs confidentially. Information from the comments provided may also be passed on to the SOPV managers and staff for response.
- If you require a response from ACON staff please provide your contact details.
ACON PlayZone Venues
These venues are committed to the PlayZone Code of Practice:
- 357 Sydney City Steam
- Adult World Newtown
- Aarows
- Trade
- The Den Oxford Street
- The Pleasure Chest George Street
- Sydney Sauna
LGBTQ Women
Women’s Sexual Health
Women in LGBTQ communities (cis and trans) are diverse and our sexual health needs depend on the kind of sex we’re having.
The best way to manage your sexual health is to learn about your options for playing safe and get regular sexual health checks.
Check OUT: LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Clinic is a safe and inclusive clinic for our communities. We offer HIV/STI screening and/or cervical screening for all LGBTQ+ people. Check OUT provides trauma-informed care and is sex-positive and sex work friendly. The clinic is staffed by LGBTQ+ peer workers and expert sexual health nurses. Book online or find out more: www.checkout.org.au
There is still some misinformation in our communities that women who have sex with women are not at risk of STIs. Infection rates among women who have sex with women are actually estimated to be the same as heterosexual women, but current research shows that 37% of women in the LGBTIQ community have never had an STI test, despite the vast majority being sexually active.
The Play Safe website has a top five tips for safe sex between women and if you need safe sex supplies and are a member of the LGBTQ community we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!). Find out more and order here.
Seeing a GP
There are many local doctors, counsellors and health services that provide great, holistic services to the LGBTQ community:
The Australian Lesbian Medical Association (ALMA) compiles an up to date list of doctors and mental health professionals who are recommended by lesbian and bisexual women. This is a national project. There are currently around 90 doctors and mental health professionals on the list, including GPs and specialists, metropolitan and rural doctors.
ANZPATH (Australian and New Zealand Professional Association for Transgender Health) has a list of service providers in NSW.
Women’s Health NSW is a collective of non-government, community based women’s health and specialist centres. All centres are feminist services that provide choices for women to determine their individual health needs. The site provides a list of women’s health centres that you can access by calling for an appointment.
If you’re trans, you can also look up ACON’s Gender-Affirming GP list to find doctors who will be trans affirming while providing sexual health and gender affirming care.
SWASH – The Sydney Women and Sexual Health Survey
The Sydney Women and Sexual Health (SWASH) survey was first carried out in 1996. It was initiated by workers from two ACON projects, Women Partners of Gay and Bisexual Men and the Gay and Lesbian Injecting Drug Use Project, who were faced with a lack of empirical evidence on which to base their intervention work. Research on the health and wellbeing of lesbian, bisexual and queer women (cis and trans) is still scarce.
SWASH is now a comprehensive survey of sexual and gender identity; community connection; smoking, alcohol and drug use; sexual health; psychological wellbeing; experiences of anti-gay, sexual and domestic violence; parenthood intentions; preventive health behaviour including screening; healthcare access and satisfaction.
The survey is run every two years by a collaboration of ACON and researchers at the University of Sydney.
For more information and research on the health of women (cis and trans) in Australia, visit The Australian Women’s Health Network’s Women’s Health Hub online library and ACON’s TransHub.
The latest 2020 SWASH report is available here.
Previous SWASH reports:
-
- SWASH 2018 – Women in contact with the Sydney LGBTQ communities
- SWASH 2018 – Women in contact with the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast LGBTQ communities
- SWASH 2016
- SWASH News Flash: Key findings from the 2016 SWASH Report
- SWASH 2014
- SWASH News Flash: Key findings from the 2014 SWASH Report
- SWASH 2012
- SWASH 2010
- SWASH Report Card 2010
- SWASH 2004
- SWASH 2000
- SWASH 1996/1998
Free Play Packs
NEED SAFE SEX SUPPLIES?
If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you need safe sex supplies, we can post them to you anywhere in NSW (free!).
Simply complete the form below and we will get your play pack(s) delivered in no time!
If you need bulk supplies for a party, you can also request them from the below form.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact: kink@acon.org.au
