It's Hottest at the Start

This summer HIM (Health Initiative for Men) committed to educating gay guys about Acute HIV with the Hottest at the Start campaign. I love how attention grabbing this video is and the message it drives home.

This video is not for kids. Watch this only if you know what xtube is:

... So the video was automatically starting whenever someone loaded my blog page. Check it out here: http://checkhimout.ca/blogs/sexual-health/hottest-the-video

Soften the f*ck up

This is a great little campaign I learned about tonight. More videos available at http://softenthefckup.com.au/videos , including some really cool examples of guys that have softened the **ck up enough to talk and are now telling their stories for the benefit of other men.

What Does Pride Really Mean?

Courtesy of V-RAG June Edition

My July article is on LGBT Sports. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is June's article :)

June is pride month

Sure, the parade isn't until the end of July, but 42 years ago, this month, the Stonewall riots occurred in New York City's Greenwich Village. Since then, June has been officially proclaimed as pride month in Canada and around the globe. With the celebrations still many weeks ahead, this month gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of what pride is really about and to reconnect with its original roots.

The word PRIDE looks simple, but it represents a profound purpose in life. By definition it means to take pleasure or satisfaction from achievement. Pride can be a pillar of strength and a source of energy one calls upon to overcome challenges. For LGBT individuals, pride involves sharing a common sense of satisfaction which lends to camaraderie, the building of community, and acceptance among peers. I would argue that pride is essential to the maturity and mental health of all queer people. Pride is healing.

So what is the achievement we are so proud of?

Many gay individuals grow up feeling that they are flawed and unwelcome guests at the party. Whether this rejection is real or perceived, subtle or overt, perpetrated by strangers or close family members, this is our ‘gay trauma’ that we all share. It binds us. Many of us as adults still lack self esteem and a healthy ego. It is not uncommon to see queer adults overcompensate. Many feel that they need to make more money, become famous, live outrageously, be special, or do something extraordinary to be worthy of notice. Such achievements are not likely to lead to a positive end. They are the manifestations of what author, Alan Downs, calls our ‘Velvet Rage’. Feelings of worthlessness can be created in childhood, quite unintentionally, and these lead gay adults to search for unachievable perfection.

We see this material attitude in much of the more commercialized pride celebration. The Velvet Rage theory touches on this subject. “We put on this TV picture and what we show is: ‘I’m proud to be gay.’ Underneath that, we might be dying inside.” The achievement of money, success, fame, or glamour does not nurture a healthy pride.

Gay men are four times more likely to suffer from depression than straight men. In fact, nearly all queer individuals suffer at some point from low self esteem and it is often linked to a perception that one’s self-worth is linked to one’s appearance and material successes. To heal from this, both individually and as a community, the next phase in our evolution must be to create a culture that is livable, comfortable, and accepting. Celebrating our collective pride gives us this opportunity.

Our real achievements to be proud of are the pain and trauma we have overcome, the fact that we love ourselves, and our diverse and welcoming community. The root of pride season is celebration of diversity. By celebrating this gift, standing in solidarity, and demonstrating a healthy pride, we continue to achieve a progressively higher level of acceptance in our larger national and global communities.

Pride is something we should practice all year round, but use this month as an opportunity to examine what you are proud of. When pride weekend arrives, share your healthy achievements with others and contribute to the sense of camaraderie and support within our community. Many community organizations are putting forth efforts to foster a healthy pride celebration. If you are looking for a place to go after the parade this year, Health Initiative for Men will be hosting a wellness space in a large tent behind the ‘dust bowl’ area by the beach. Look forward to seeing you there!

Jason Keller

Counsellor & Client Care Coordinator,

Vancouver Coastal Health

Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

Courtesy of V-RAG May Edition

My June article is on Pride and Velvet Rage. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is May's article :)

Tips to Reduce Risk of Infection

The new work being done in the world of sex research tells us that we need to do more than just hand out condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other STI’s. Many people still do not use condoms. Latex allergies, lack of sensation, and social or cultural factors are realities for some which prevent them from using condoms. So this month I decided to pass on some additional tips to reduce the risk of infection… and, no, I’m not talking about just putting in the tip.

Condom alternatives- Latex allergies are becoming more common. For these people, polyurethane condoms are readily available if you are willing to spend a little more at your local well stocked drug store. Polyurethane condoms do not stretch very well. Therefore, they may restrict a larger penis and slide off a thinner one. Choose the right size of condom for you or your partner. `

Know your lubes- Recent studies have shown that many water based lubes are toxic to rectal cells and can increase chances of infection by up to 3 times compared with other lubes. Silicone lube is arguably the safest, although about double the price. If you are using a condom, stay away from the Crisco. Oil based lube works well for anal play but it is corrosive and damaging to condoms. Check out the large selection of lubes at Little Sisters - 1238 Davie Street - and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Don’t have sex while drunk or high- Think of this the same way you think of driving while drunk. It is just not smart. Make a commitment to yourself to have sex only when you are in the frame of mind to make intelligent and informed decisions.

Be assertive and ask questions- Check your self esteem, anxiety level, and impulse control. It is essential that you are comfortable and confident enough to ask the right questions. Ask about HIV status and STI’s. Your partner will respect you more for it. Be ready for rejection if your partner is not prepared to be honest. You should feel empowered to say no to sex. Don’t be manipulated. If you need help preparing your assertiveness, controlling your anxiety in social situations, building your self esteem, or dealing with rejection in the dating world, you might want to consider accessing some of the services which are made available to you. You are not alone.

HIM has professional counsellors, peer counsellors, and personal strategic advisors just waiting to help. Contact Hans Bosgoed (hans@checkhimout.ca) or by calling 604.488.1001

Get tested together- A sexual health checkup reduces ambiguity and can be like anything else potential sex partners do together. Show your commitment by seeing your doctor or visit a local STI testing clinic together.

- HIM Sexual Health Centre: 1033 Davie St, Suite 421- 4pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday

- Bute Street Clinic: 1170 Bute Street - 11am to 6:30pm Monday through Friday

Keep a buddy list- Limit your sexual encounters to partners you trust and you know have been tested. If you are not in a relationship, make an arrangement with a fuck buddy or fuck buddies. Make sure these are people who will be honest with you and respect your choices.

Clean sex toys- HIV dies immediately when exposed to oxygen. However, it has been known to survive in the pores of objects such as silicone sex toys. Other viruses and microorganisms can also survive on a silicone surface. Wash your toys after you use them with a heavily diluted bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.

Jason Keller

Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator,

Vancouver Coastal Health

The Underwear Affair

Courtesy of V-RAG: April edition

My May article is on tips to reduce risk of sexually transmitted infection - going beyond condoms. Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is April's article :)

Spring ahead – April is Running Month

Let’s face it, the elliptical machine feeds on your will to live. Those things are completely soul destroying. The other day, as I pushed, pulled, and glided in the gym, I realized that was staring at the sun out the window. What was I doing? It’s spring. I should be running outside!

We live in a city which offers beautiful scenery to run in. With the Sun Run fast approaching on April 17th, I thought I would write about the specific health benefits of running to see if I can get more people out onto the seawall. We know running will keep you slim, trim, and heart healthy. But, what are some of the less obvious benefits of running?

Aging Relief - Running is estimated to improve your quality of life by 16 years due to all its health benefits. Running also nourishes the skin and pampers your glow. It will keep you looking and feeling younger.

Prevents Degeneration - Running will prevent muscle and bone loss by maintaining uniformity in your body tissues. It is recommended as a preventative measure for osteoporosis, a disorder which disproportionately affects lesbian women. Running also stimulates the growth of brain cells and delays the onset or progression of some neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Healing and Immune benefits - Running helps in improving the process of blood clotting and thus, provides protection against a number of injuries. Also, during moderate exercise such as running, immune cells circulate through the body faster and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. Consistent, regular exercise makes these immune changes longer lasting.

Lowers Diabetes and Hypertension Risk – Both of these are conditions of balance. In the case of diabetes, running burns the surplus amount of sugar present in blood, keeping the blood clean to lead a healthy life. Running also helps lower blood pressure by balancing a number of factors which are responsible for hypertension.

Meet New People through Running – Having a running buddy or running with a group is a great motivator and a great way to develop a sense of community. There are two groups in our community who are working together to provide safe and social running and walking opportunities;

HIM: Health Initiative for Men have coordinated a gay men’s ‘learn to run’ group which meets every Sunday at noon under the Burrard street bridge to the east of the Aquatic Centre. Call 604 488 1001 ext 224 or see the details at www.checkhimout.ca under the ‘Physical Health’ link.

Vancouver Frontrunners: This group of LGBT runners and walkers of all levels meet on Wednesday evenings (6:30pm at the roundhouse) and Saturday mornings (9am at the Brockton oval) - http://vancouverfrontrunners.org . Frontrunners emphasize the social aspect of fitness and gather for food and good conversation afterward.

Gain Confidence: Set a Goal or Run for a Cause – Running can be a great way to build confidence and make progress in your life. I have known people who are grieving to find comfort in simply putting one foot in front of the other to move forward. For others, it is a process of challenging oneself to set meaningful goals and reach new heights. A great way to set a goal is to train and run in an event like the Sun Run. The Sun Run happens April 17^th this year. If you like the thought of taking your pants off in public or if you need a while longer to train, run 10k at The Underwear Affair on July 9th – 604.734.CURE [2873]. Both of these events benefit the worthy cause of cancer research.

Queers and Addiction

Courtesy of V-RAG: March edition

My April article is on running and why it is so healthy, with information on local LGBT running groups and training - In honor of Sun Run month :) Read it in print in the current edition of V-RAG Magazine.

Catch my health and wellness column in V-RAG Magazine. Pick it up in coffee shops and lobbies around town. www.v-rag.com

For those of you that cant, here is March's article :)

I have typed the words “gay men” or “lesbians” into Google many times in my life for one reason or another. Once I get past the porn, the most common search results I see are those referencing clubs, bars, and parties around town. Are we really a population of party crazed alcoholics as my computer would have us believe? The popular opinion is that drugs and alcohol are an uncommonly large problem in our community. Publications in the 70’s and 80’s suggested that 20-30% of individuals identifying as lesbian or gay had trouble with alcohol or drugs. Is this true even now?

It seems that individuals in some subcategories of the LGBT community are at higher risk for problematic substance use. For example, at the change in millennium, we saw a dramatic spike in crystal meth use among gay men.

Many professionals have recently attempted to conjure theories as to why addiction is more prevalent in the LGBT community without much success. I read a report that suggested gay youth turn to drugs and alcohol because they are simply exhausted from avoiding harassment and tired of trying to be invisible. A different study tried to link the concept of alienation and powerlessness to a tendency to abuse substances; assuming that LGBT persons are generally alienated or powerless. What they found was that queer individuals actually scored lower on measures of powerlessness. A surprise to the researchers. The concept that all LGBT individuals have a significantly greater likelihood of abusing alcohol or other drugs is under increasing scrutiny. So why the change?

As a counsellor, I believe that behavioural tendencies such as addiction are often the result of developmental influence and sometimes trauma. Historically, lesbian, gay, bisexual or gender-queer kids lacked a proper peer group and didn’t have parents that empathised with the identity struggles we experienced. That was then.

Today, as we work toward a brighter future, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, or gender-queer kids and adults alike have an opportunity for gay-affirming peers and family. A conservative estimate puts the LGBT population in Vancouver at 20,000 people. We are a small city in ourselves. The cure to escapism, alienation, and the trauma of struggling with ones identity is a supportive and active community which provides the guidance and camaraderie one needs.

Groups such as the Health Initiative for Men (www.checkhimout.ca) are building on this support by promoting the concept of gays helping gays. Ours is a diverse community with a million interests. More forums are developing to explore this diversity. We are moving beyond the bars and the parties. Our helping relationships and social venues are more varied.

Regardless of the degree to which drug and alcohol use has permeated the LGBT culture, there is no doubt that many queer individuals are among the tens of thousands of Canadians who suffer from alcoholism and other addictions.

Many LGBT individuals have found success in standard rehabilitation programs. I would not argue that queer persons struggling with addiction need anything more than this. These services simply need to be gay-affirming and run by LGBT individuals or allies of the LGBT community. One such publicly accessible program in our community is the Vancouver Addictions Matrix Program (VAMP). VAMP offers group therapies geared toward gay men and queer persons challenged by addiction. If you are struggling with addiction in any form, seek help from professionals within your community. We are out there and we understand what you are going through. Get in touch with a healthcare professional you are comfortable with and talk about help that works for you.

Courtesy of:

V-Rag

- Jason Keller, Outreach Counsellor and Client Care Coordinator, Vancouver Coastal Health

There is now good treatment for HIV. But where is the treatment for the way the rest of us think?

Feeling inspired by my work today:

HIV is a disease. It is an infection, a syndrome, an illness, a disorder, a condition threatening human life. It is an epidemic, a social crisis, an economic catastrophe, a political challenge, a human disaster.

HIV is known. It has been analyzed assessed assayed tested measured surveyed considered reflected documented depicted exhaustively described. Our knowledge of it is clear and precise.

HIV is unknown. It is guessed estimated projected approximated sketched debated disputed controverted hidden obscured.

Still it is a mere fact, an event, a circumstance, a happening, a reality as present as the ocean or the moon.

There is now good treatment for HIV, but where is the treatment for the way the rest of us think?