So far there have been some really interesting and insightful responses on the facebook page. If you have not had a chance to read them I suggest you check them out.
Today I wanted to share a couple of great safe sex campaigns that have been sent my way since that video.
One great campaign from GMFA UK, Gay Men Fighting Aids, is their “Count Me In” campaign.
As part of the campaign there is an “action plan” which includes a pledge to:
Know your HIV status
Not to assume you know someone else’s HIV status
To take personal responsibility for your own condom usage
To value yourself and your health
To stay informed about HIV and how it’s spread
From a pure HIV perspective I think these are five great principles to stand by. My only addition would be to include regular health checkups including checks for sexual infections other than HIV.
If you are unsure as to what should be included in a gay male health check, please review this post I created: Health Screening For Gay Men
Closer to my home, the fantastic guys from Sydney’s Harbour City Bears have been active in promoting bear health in their ramp up to the Mardi Gras festival.
In a three part campaign they have covered domestic violence in gay relationships, safe sex for bears and they are soon to launch a personal safety campaign.
Finally, a great campaign with a simple message, including images with which I can identify. Mr Harbour City Bear George Showell is prominently featured, so who’s complaining! 🙂 Grrrr
Actually George has been kind enough to share his thoughts on the campaign below:
George Showell Pic Cred: Robb Barwick
It’s fair to say that most of the guys that get used in safe sex campaigns don’t exactly appeal to guys who are into bears. Hopefully this one does, and I think that’s a first, so props Harbour City Bears for a fantastic initiative.
We did the shoot in a stairwell, and got into the playful, sexy mood pretty easily. It helped that Allan and Marcus (the other guys in the photos) are really hot! We got pretty cheeky at times, and were having a lot of fun, and I think that shows through in the final images.
Ahh yes, I agree there mate! Certainly a refreshing change from the photoshopped images of smooth bodies and impossible washboard abs. Two furry fellas going for it in a stairwell certainly grabs my attention.
So guys, have you seen a health campaign worth sharing? I’d love to hear about it!
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments guys, join the conversation today.
Yours in good health.
Dr George
PS. Can you help spread the word about The Healthy Bear? Hitting the like button below helps share the good health message to your mates. Every click helps 🙂
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