Gay Men’s Health Community Partnership Agreements

Gay Men’s Health (GMH) is presently in the process of building on existing relationships with the community and also initiating new ones. This is being achieved through Community Partnership Agreements between GMH and community groups within metropolitan, rural and remote communities. The Partnership Agreement is a voluntary agreement offered to community groups having only gay or same-sex attracted men as members or are inclusive gay and same-sex attracted men.

The GMH Partnership Agreement provides a framework defining how GMH and community groups can work more effectively together to achieve shared aims and goals. As part of the agreement GMH agrees to provide support, resources and promotion of community groups. This would include the provision of current sexual health resources for gay and other same-sex attracted men, information on funding opportunities, advertising space within current GMH social marketing mediums such as the internet and printed media. In return community groups agree to operate in accordance with the aims and values of GMH and the AIDS Council of South Australia (ACSA). The agreement states that it is based on the values of trust and cooperation between GMH and the community group involved.

The Partnership Agreement is not about GMH taking any control or independence away from community groups but is about creating ways for community groups to work with GMH to achieve shared aims such as enhancing the quality of sexual and social lives of gay and other same-sex attracted men living in SA.

GMH currently has 10 community groups part of our partnership network and is in the process of finalising 3 more. If you know of a community group which may be interested in having a Partnership Agreement with Gay Men’s Health please give us a call on (08) 8334 1611 or email gmhealth@gmhelath.org.au

(posted 15.07.08)

Gay online soap opera has a serious message

Funded largely by West Hollywood, the racy Web show promotes safe sex at a time when diagnoses of AIDS and HIV are rising. The target is men too young to recall the disease's early devastation….

(posted 15/7/08)

Atlanta company to study AIDS vaccine on humans

GeoVax Labs, Inc., an Atlanta-based biotechnology company specializing in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, said Tuesday it hopes to begin a large human trial of its AIDS vaccine this fall….

(posted 15/7/08)

Saving lives, but injecting centre chief quits in anger

THE medical director of Australia's only legal injecting centre has resigned, frustrated that after eight years of saving lives and funnelling people into drug treatment programs, the NSW Gov't seems determined to keep the service on an indefinite trial.

(posted 09.07.08)

G8 summit costs could treat 4 million HIV patients

The Japanese Government is spending £285 million hosting next weeks G8 summit, more than three times the cost of the same event in Britain, at a time when industrialised countries are threatening to renege on their aid commitments to Africa.

(posted 09.07.08)

I Can See Queerly Now 6

The Media Resource Centre and Feast Festival present I Can See Queerly Now 6.

Applications to be part of this youth film making initiative are now open. For more information visit the feast festival website or the Media Resource Centre Website and have a look at our poster, see the links below.

Selected film makers will receive a cash budget and a mentor from the film industry. Films will be screened during Feast 2008.

www.feast.org.au or www.mrc.org.au or click on link to the left to see flyer

(posted 15/7/08)

Uranian Society Meeting

The next meeting of the Uranian Society will be on Sunday July 27 at 7.30pm in Darling House, 64 Fullarton Road Norwood.

Frank Caspers will be "Presenting Noel Coward". This is Frank's own tribute to this outstandingly talented man of the English theatre. Coward's wit and humour in prose and verse will be presented in selected high points in his life and work. There are anecdotes both serious and hilarious, extracts from biographies, poems, stories and plays, cabaret songs, and witty repartee including stories from his friends and associates.

Click on the link to the left to see flyer.

(posted 15/7/08)

Adelaide! Kiss a Queer for Christs Sake!
Community opposition to Pope Benedict XVI

All open-minded people in Adelaide are invited to a KISS-IN at Queen Street, Croydon on Saturday July 19 at 3pm. A simular event will be held at the same time in Queens Park, Brisbane and Taylor Square, Sydney as part of NoToPope Coalition actions across Australia protesting Pope Benedict XVI’s first visit down under for World Youth Day.

There is considerable community opposition to the Vatican’s political stance on such controversial subjects as gay rights and contraception. There is also strong opposition to the new laws announced by the NSW Government giving police extra powers during the visit, as well as opposition to the taxpayer funding of World Youth Day.

“Pope Benedict XVI should be paying for his own party. The Catholic Church can certainly afford it. The event is costing Australian tax payers $129 Million” said Georgia Heath of Gay & Lesbian Celebrations. Community Action Against Homophobia (CAAH) Convenor Rachel Evans described Pope Benedict XVI as “homophobic” and said he has labelled gays as having an “objective disorder”.

“The Vatican has called for a repeal of same sex marriages and civil unions laws and has called for a ban on gays in the military and a ban on gay priests,” she said. “And the Pope is opposed to the use of condoms and contraceptive measures because he thinks they lead to an immoral lifestyle. We have a crisis in the third world, particularly Africa, over HIV infection and we are going to say loud and clear that the Pope should withdraw his objection to condoms which are lifesavers.” Evans said up to 1000 adults and children die daily in South Africa alone from AIDS and some estimates predict that by 2050 about 10 million people will be infected in Africa. “Sections of the Catholic Church argue that condoms have holes in them and don’t stop the spread of HIV. It’s an uninformed view that is killing thousands of people,” Evans said. “And of course there is also the Vatican’s opposition to abortion and women’s right to choose.”

Her Divine Holiness Pope Alice, the ‘Pink Pope’ and a founder of NoToPope Coalition says “This is a new era for humanity. All the old medieval religions and medieval thinking are out of step with the rest of the world and the progress of Love. Homosexuality is natural and genetic. Kissing is natural, peaceful and loving. Kiss a Queer for Christ’s Sake.” “The KISS-IN is to inspire and bring more Love into the world and also lift the spirits of the many sexually oppressed Christian pilgrims, trudging the streets of Sydney to spend another night of abstinence under the stars at Randwick Racecourse.”

Celebrate our Freedoms and our Condoms. Wear your best party outfit, bring a flower and join in the KISS-IN

WHAT: Adelaide’s Kiss In
WHERE: Queen Street, Croydon
WHEN: Sat 19 July @ 3pm, Gathering begins @ 2.30pm
INFORMATION: www.aqff.org.au

For media enquiries please contact:
Troy-Anthony Baylis 0439 684 876 or Jess Cronin 0438 668 370

(posted 09.07.08)

Adelaide film to go all Queer!

South Australian Queer film lovers will now have claim to their own film festival as the Adelaide Queer Film Festival gets ready to take off at the Mercury Cinema for three days in September 2008.

The Adelaide Queer Film Festival is being presented to showcase a selection of feature films, short films and documentaries from Australia and around the world that is of interest to and or about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

AQFF Event Manager Rohan Shearn says “the timing is right for Adelaide to have its own film festival. For many years Adelaide has missed out on a smorgasbord of queer screenings that is screened elsewhere in other States.” The Mercury Cinema is an ideal location in the heart of the Adelaide’s West End Precinct, and community support so far has been great with Gay Destination, Blazemedia and Pixel Pro pledging their assistance for the first festival.” He added.

There will be films for boys and films for girls and maybe some for both! There will be high camp fun and romantic tales of queer love. Throw in a few drags and some glitter as Adelaide’s queer community comes together for three days of celluloid fun.

The Adelaide Queer Film Festival Program Launch will take place on Thursday 7 August, 2008.

WHAT: Adelaide Queer Film Festival
WHERE: Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett St Adelaide
WHEN: 5 – 7 September 2008
INFORMATION: www.aqff.org.au

(posted 09.07.08)

Mamma Mia! – Film Fundraiser

The Adelaide Queer Film Festival is pleased to announce a special fundraiser screening of Mamma Mia at the Chelsea Cinema on Monday 21 July, 2008.

2008 is the year for Mamma Mia as Meryl Streep leads an all-star cast in the feature-film adaptation of the beloved musical that has been seen by more than 30 million people in 160 cities and 8 languages around the world. Bringing the timeless lyrics and melodies of iconic super group ABBA to movie audiences.

Doors open at 6.00pm with Mamma Mia screening at 7.00pm. Tickets are only $15 (including a glass of bubbly on arrival) and are available online at: www.aqff.com.au or can be obtained at the door on the night.

(This event is not to be confused with the Mamma Mia Fundraiser for the Feast Youth Committee which is being held this Thursday, July 10 at the Palace Nova Cinemas from 8:40pm – tickets can be purchased through the Feast Office)

What: Mamma Mia! – Film Fundraiser
Where: Chelsea Cinema, 275 Kensington Rd, Kensington Pk
When: Monday 21 July 2008 – 7.00pm
Cost: $15.00
More information: www.aqff.com.au

(posted 09.07.08)

Binge – A Feast Festival Gala

Dress your best and drag yourself along to one of most exciting night’s on the Queer Calendar. Binge is happening on Saturday, August 16 at the Norwood Concert Hall featuring hot talent, a silent auction and the unveiling of the 2008 Feast Poster. Click on the below link for further details.

(posted 09.07.08)

Songs in the Blood

Stories from women living with HIV /AIDS - CD available

We are pleased to announce that the CD of the award winning radio production "Songs in the Blood' is now available.

We are keen for the CD and the experiences of women who live with HIV/AIDS in Australia to be heard broadly within the community and work place. Please click on the links below to find out how you can order a copy of the CD.

		Click to view Songs in the Blood Media Release
		Click to view Songs in the Blood Poster
		Click to view Songs in the Blood Order Form

(posted 09.07.08)

God Loves You

This month, in honour of the Pope’s imminent arrival, we’re taking a look at religion from a number of different angles. This week psychologist Paul Martin asks us to remember that there are many paths to spiritual fulfilment….

(posted 15/7/08)

Medicare to drop gay discrimination

Medicare discrimination against gay couples will be eliminated from next year with plans to give same sex couples and their children equal rights to Medicare and PBS safety net thresholds, the government has announced….

(posted 15/7/08)

Cage Fight Ignites Passions

Folks in the American city of Arkansas got the shock of their lives when they recently turned up to a cage fighting event called Blue Collar Brawlin’. Instead of the “hot chicks”, cold $1 beer and “hardcore fights” they were promised, they got two male wrestlers who stripped to their underwear and started making out with each other.

(posted 15/7/08)

Obama's letter to Pride celebrants

In a letter to LGBT Democrats, the candidate sent Pridegoers and gay newlyweds best wishes and took a strong stand against California's marriage amendment….

(posted 15/7/08)

When sex comes out of the sin bin

A young Indian patient of mine has just come out. Overcoming his enormous fear of rejection, he has finally admitted to his family that he is gay. For those who doubt the power of symbols, he was partly inspired by the first gay parade in Delhi last week.

(posted 15/7/08)

Gay Christians Take A Stand As World Youth Day Begins

A network of lesbian and gay Christians, including prominent members of the Catholic, Uniting, Pentecostal and Anglican churches, will stand together for gay rights and challenge the Vatican's condemnations of same-sex love, right on the eve of World Youth Day.

On Sunday, July 13, Pitt Street Uniting Church will host a public gathering and prayer service entitled: "Lesbian, Gay Queer - and Christian: Claiming Our Place, Celebrating Our Diversity" which is being organised by the newly formed Lesbian and Gay Christian Network. Several of Australia's best known gay Christians will speak, including Uniting Church minister, Rev Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Catholic author, educator and activist, Michael B Kelly, former Pentecostal minister, Anthony Venn-Brown, and Anglican parishioner and Sydney TAFE lecturer, David Reeder. These speakers will engage in dialogue with a panel of young gay and lesbian people from all main Christian Churches. The discussion will be moderated by writer and broadcaster, David Marr.

"We will take a stand for the dignity of gay and lesbian people, right in the heart of Sydney", said spokesperson, Michael B Kelly. "We will share our spiritual wisdom and encourage a new generation of gay youth to embrace their sexuality as good, holy and God-given".

Kelly said that this event, timed for the eve of World Youth Day, offered a public voice for gay and lesbian people who have been condemned, marginalised and silenced by mainstream churches, and especially by the Catholic hierarchy. "The version of Christianity that is coming to Sydney during World Youth Day has no place for strong, self-affirming gay people, for our relationships, our experiences, our voice. We will not be silent and allow another generation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth to be told that they are disordered, that their sexual relationships are evil, and that they must be silent and invisible if they wish to be part of the church. We call on gay and lesbian Christians, on our families, friends and supporters, to join us in standing up for the goodness of being gay, and not allow right-wing religious propaganda to silence our faith, hope and love".

Rev Dorothy McRae-McMahon, who is also acting as spokesperson for the event, agreed. "We need to claim our place and give witness to the grace of God in our lives as lesbian and gay people. The churches are happy to use our gifts and our hard work - it's time we celebrated all the richness and wisdom that we have offered the Christian community, and show that the negative messages about us are based on fear and ignorance".

Anthony Venn-Brown stressed the value of the inter-denominational nature of this event, "“As Australia's first openly gay Pentecostal, it's important to stand with my brothers and sisters from other Christian denominations and particularly young people, to affirm that God loves us as we are". David Reeder added, "Young people need to know that using bible texts to support anti-gay teaching is a choice - and it's based on prejudice, not a belief in biblical truth. We have to claim the God of love, not the God of hate".

Michael Kelly concluded, "On July 13 will make a powerful statement to all the churches that the justice and love taught by Jesus must reach to all people - of every faith and of every sexual orientation. We will stand together: Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church, Pentecostal, old, young and in-between, people of every gender, and we will share the faith, courage and grace we have come to know, and together we will send a message of hope to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth."

(posted 09.07.08)

Stonewall raise homophobic bullying with Gordon Brown

The Prime Minister met with members of gay equality organisation Stonewall on Saturday morning at Downing St.

(posted 09.07.08)

Police fire water cannons at fascists attacking Budapest Pride

While hundreds of thousands peacefully enjoyed London's gay Pride parade Hungarian riot police were forced to use water cannons and tear gas in order to prevent fascists from throwing petrol bombs at Budapest Pride.

(posted 09.07.08)

McDonald's defiant as homophobes call for boycott

The American Family Association has called on consumers to boycott McDonald's after the company said it will continue to support gay staff.

(posted 09.07.08)

Australia's gay Olympian attacks PM's gay marriage stance

A 20-year-old diver set to represent Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in August has said that the country's Prime Minister is "narrow-minded" for opposing marriage equality for gay couples.

(posted 09.07.08)