Christmas is a time to celebrate with our loved ones. We hosted our first Christmas party organised by our volunteers and held at AfA. We wanted to thank all the volunteers and new friends who came on Dec.22,2014 to exchange gifts, laughter and revel in each other’s company. May you all have a safe holiday and wish you the best for the coming New Year! From your MSM Programme staff (Avin, Alex and Daniel).
Photographer Tam Bui released his latest set of photos entitled “Daydreamers” with the theme of love between two men and a child. The emphasis of two gay men and their journey to find happiness were captured through this beautiful set of photos. Enjoy!
More on Tam Bui and his masterpiece : click here
World AIDS Day event will be held at Taboo on this Saturday,Dec 6th starting at 10pm. We will be launching our 2 new initiatives, the Pink Carpet Project and the PEP SOS. Please do come down to show your support for World AIDS Day and we will be conducting free HIV testing. See you guys this Saturday!!!!
Upcoming Event
Pong Pong Night : Friday April, 17
Syphilis is a sexual transmitted infection and one of the many sexual transmitted infections (STIs) you will learn from Gayhealth.sg. We will make it simple for you so that you can be equipped with this “silent ” infections which can cause brain damage, nerves, heart, eyes and even blood vessels. Okay, go grab a refreshing drink, sit down on a comfortable chair and read this, or book mark this page, so in an emergency, you know where to get up-to-date, lay men information.
Syphilis is caused by bacterial and is (easily) curable if detected early. However, late infections may leave permanent organ damage. Infection can be asymptomatic for a long time, only to surface later. As a result, many infected persons are unaware and continue to spread the infection to others.
As with most sexually transmitted infections, one becomes infected through unprotected sexual intercourse. Unlike other STIs like HIV, Syphilis can be contracted through intimate skin to skin contact. You can get infected when any of your body parts including mouth or genitals, come into direct contact with someone who has an affected sore (Chancre), even with condom use.
If you don’t seek treatments, syphilis can show up many years later and will cause severe damages to your organs as mentioned above.
Anyone who is sexually active and if you think you came in contact with a painless sore (chancre) that is usually found in the genitals area and in the mouth. Makes you think twice about play Spin the Bottle huh.
Ok relax. You can test for Syphilis by going for a blood test. Usually it will take 21 days to 3 months for the infection to show up after exposure.
Wait! Blood test?
Yes, of course! How else will they test for it? It’s a simple, quick and painless rapid (finger prick) test. Only a couple drops of blood is taken. It canbe done anonymously too.
So you have stages of infection when left untreated. Ready?
Primary Stage:
Secondary Stage:
It’s actually just one stage. Only when left untreated, it will progress. Now train yourself to include Syphilis testing with your HIV test so you can fix it before it becomes stage 2.
Yes there is. If detected within one year of infection, syphilis is easily treated with penicillin injections. If you are allergic to penicillin you will get a different injection of doxycycline or erythromycin. If syphilis is detected later than one year, you will require longer courses of treatment. It is currently felt that persons living with HIV may need a longer course of treatment to successfully cure a syphilis infection.
We have Syphilis testing at our Anonymous Testing Service (ATS) at 31 Kelantan Lane. See operating hour HERE.
You can contact us for more information.
9 Kelantan Lane #03-01
Singapore 208628
or
c/o DSC Clinic:
31 Kelantan Lane #02-16
Singapore 200031
Tel : (65) 6254 0212
Fax :(65) 6256 5903
Email : info@afa.org.sg
Ever noticed that your sexual appetite and behavior change when you’re stressed? When you’re depressed? When you’re happy? Your state of mind affects how horny you get, how often you want sex, and what kind of sex you might have. It’s why some people make use of male pheromones to help get them into the right mood for what they want to do.
We live in a society where gay and bi guys are told from a young age that we are sick, immoral and even criminal. Some gay and bi guys are rejected by their family or friends. Discrimination against us is commonplace, especially those of us who are HIV-positive. It only makes sense that this would have a negative impact on our mental health.
Often, gay and bi men live with depression, anxiety and feelings of low self worth. For many guys it’s just the reality of surviving homophobia, racism, transphobia, and many other forms of discrimination. Some of us have also survived traumatic events in our lifetime, such as childhood abuse, sexual assault, or we are living with post-traumatic stress.
Being in this state of mental health, whether temporary or more long-lasting, can make us devalue ourselves and take more risks with our health. We might also take risks in an attempt to satisfy some other need, such as:
Maybe you notice these issues when you are hooking up? Maybe you notice them after a pattern of behaviour. Maybe you don’t notice them at all. These are bigger issues that can put us at greater risk, but require more than just knowledge about HIV transmission to overcome.
Before you go to have sex, think about how you’re feeling. Notice patterns of behaviour, or triggers that make you take risks. Acknowledge realities in your life that you might need to change, or you might need to accept.
Decide on some boundaries about what you will be comfortable with before you go ahead, and make a contract with yourself to stick to them.
Sometimes, your mood or low sexual desire may just be a one-off thing, or it may be something that happens regularly. Try and evaluate why it’s happening to you, and whether the problem lies elsewhere. You might be facing problems getting an erection when you are feeling stressed or down, and if this happens often, you might have to consult a doctor and buy vardenafil online to ensure that you can combat this issue.
If you find that your state of mind is making it difficult for you to make decisions you’re comfortable with, in the moment or later on, you can try one of these or other options that have worked for other guys:
AFA MSM Programme
Daniel Le
Address: 9 Kelantan Lane #03-01
Singapore 208628
Tel: (65) 6254 0212
Fax: (65) 6256 5903
Email: daniel.le@afa.org.sg
Hotline 6226 2002
Tuesdays – Thursdays: 7pm – 10pm and,
Saturdays: 2pm – 5pm
WhatsApp 8592 0609
If you prefer to chat, you can get in touch through WhatsApp during our hotline operating hours. Please note that this is NOT an SMS service.
Click here for more info or to access e-mail counselling.
31 Kelantan Lane #1-16 S200031
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6.30pm to 8.15pm
Saturday 1.30pm to 3.15pm
In the world full of homophobia and discrimination, growing up gay can be the hardest thing to conquer for some of us. The combination of punitive laws, the lack of better understanding due to ignorance and a spiral of silence, gay men have been systematically excluded from accessing services and enjoying the same equal rights that majority of the citizens are entitled too. In a society that has little tolerance of our love, it becomes difficult to maintain a long healthy relationship.
The lack of positive role models of gay couples in the public sphere that provides hope and life lessons for successful, lasting relationships, where gay men can mirror or reflect on. As men, the society and media expects us to be masculine and be responsible for our family too. We are also conditioned to not exhibit any weakness or emotions, thus the vicious cycle of expectation and conditioning further affects many gay men’s self esteem too.
Yet, through all of these, many couples have created their own blue-print for a healthy long term relationship, sure any relationships comes with its own fights and bickering, but they have found ways to cope, stay together, support each other and grow their lives together.
Here is GayHealth.sg’s top 10 characteristics for a successful relationship. It doesn’t mean it is suitable for everyone, but this is a good starting point. Build on your own list and share with us in the comments.
1. They shared similar interests and outlooks.
Similar does not equate to being the same. We’ve found that successful couples share relatively similar (yet different) interests e.g. love to travel, but doing different things while traveling is an example. It doesn’t mean every interests have to be the same or else it’s boring. Bring your own interests into the relationship.
2. They communicate openly.
Not just about the day to day subjects but also openly about sex, including the different kinds of sex, sex outside of the relationship and what each expect form the relationship.
3. They have a supportive network of family and friends who honour their relationship.
Continue to keep your friends and family close even in a relationship. Too many people fail to acknowledge the importance of their support network and stops all contact with their friends. Friends are also a great sounding board, that provides a different views when you a conflict arise with you and your partner.
4. They have a balanced lifestyle that comprises of both individual and couple identities.
Me time. You don’t have to do everything together. Keep some of your lifestyle with your friends and family also.
5. They have fun with life and try not to take things so seriously.
Do laugh at each often and always remember don’t take things seriously.
6. They enjoy a sensual and sexual camaraderie that helps them to meet their erotic potential.
Just because you are together it doesn’t mean your sex life should die. Help each other fulfill the fantasies by communicating openly and trying various positions and sex toys like dolls (for more info, click here).
7. They know how to manage conflicts.
Don’t fight over little things!!!! Listen and offer support when needed AND always take your partner’s side when he needs you.
8. They are comfortable with their sexuality and not afraid to show it.
Once you come out as openly gay, the rest will follow. Some people who came out said that they don’t need to worry about it and focus on other things in life. This is all depend on you and when you/partner is ready.
9. Have positive outlook and energy.
I don’t need to say more about this.
10. Don’t take each other for granted.
Nothing last forever even your long term partner. Keep in mind that we have our own personal live and that we also share with someone. Don’t take anyone for granted!
If you are unsure about your relationship, then you need to talk to your partner and see where you two can work out the minor/major issues. Remember, you need to find people who connect with you and want to be with you. It’s a long journey so enjoy every minute of it.
Once again, this list isn’t exhaustive and may not be suitable for everyone, but this is a good starting point. Share with us what worked and what didn’t in the comments below. Remember to share too!!!
Oogachaga is back with Open Door on Fridays!
Starting in August 2014, we will again be offering a series of informative sharing sessions, open to men who identify as gay, bisexual, questioning, queer or even straight! You may sign up for a single session, for all 4 sessions under each of the 3 themes, or all 12 sessions. Or whatever combination you feel like!
Donations & food contributions are most welcome, as no fees will be charged, and light refreshments will be provided.
Time: Fridays, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Address: Oogachaga Centre, 57B Pagoda Street, Singapore 059216
Directions: The Centre is on the 3rd/ 4th floor of a shophouse on Pagoda Street, above Chinatown MRT station exit A, directly facing the Tin Tin Shop. Click for our centre’s location.
For more information please click here: Open Door 2014
SGRainbow and Young OUT Here, will be organizing an amazing race, Check-OUT: The Race 2, as part of IndigNation 2014.
The objectives of the race are as follows:
The race will see groups of participants going around Singapore to various LGBTQ places completing missions.
This race is open to ALL and participants will have to form groups of 3 to 4 members.
On top of all the fun, participants will each get a goodie bag worth $100! Winners of this race will also stand a chance to win cash and prizes worth up to $1,000.
Details of the race
Date: 30 August 2014
Time: 0930hrs to 1800hrs (Flag off at 1000hrs)
Registration fee: $10 per person
For enquiries about this race, please contact the organisers at contact@checkoutrace.tk
Places are limited, so hurry!
Please check out the link: ABOUT CHECK-OUT: THE RACE 2!