Across Australia, guys are using different methods to stop
the spread of HIV. Gregory and Michael use condoms to keep themselves, each
other and other guys safe.
Gregory and Michael’s story
A brief conversation with Gregory and Michael is all it
takes to see how much they care about each other. After 10 years together and
happily married, it’s their love and thoughtful consideration that really
shines through. From finishing each other’s sentences to treasured memories
shown in photographs around their home, they’re a joyful couple to spend time
with.
Intimacy with each other is even better for knowing they
have each other’s safety at heart. And that care extends to the other guys who sometimes
join them. While they both rely on each other’s trust for safety within their
relationship, their preference is to use condoms when having sex with other
guys. Even if condoms aren’t somebody else’s choice, Gregory and Michael are
experienced enough to know great sex can still happen without penetration.
“If a person didn’t want to use condoms or didn’t want to have intercourse, we could negotiate around that and say ‘well, we could do other things as well.'”
Both Gregory and Michael are aware of other methods to prevent
HIV such as PrEP, an undetectable viral load and PEP in an emergency. So
they’re well positioned to have informed discussions about sexual safety
practices with new partners. And if a condom ever did slip or break, simply
knowing about PEP means they can act fast to make sure everybody stays safe.
It doesn’t matter what prevention methods other guys are
using. Gregory and Michael make the choice to use condoms every time — it’s
important to them and their safety choices are built on a fundamental trust
they have with each other.
“We don’t mind what prevention that they’re using. That doesn’t stop us still explaining what our standards are, what we expect and what we’re prepared to do.”
Gregory and Michael are very comfortable with choosing condoms. It all comes down to knowing they’re confident to negotiate using a method that works for them, as well as their dedication to use condoms every time they have sex with other guys. New cases of HIV in Australia are decreasing thanks to the ongoing efforts of guys who are choosing and combining the various different ways to prevent HIV — Guys like Gregory and Michael. Guys like you. Guys like us.
Real guys making real choices
Guys across Australia are using different methods to stop the spread of HIV. We caught up with other guys around the country to find out how they each make choices, and how that can sometimes change based on the circumstances. Check out their videos here:
Many ways to prevent HIV
From using condoms to highly effective preventative medicines, different methods work for different guys, and that can all change depending on the circumstances. Discover more about this in Using four great options to prevent HIV: a combination for success
So whether you rely on PrEP, an undetectable viral load, condoms, an emergency course of PEP when it’s needed, or even a blend of options, having real conversations about real choices is the foundation for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
For more information on HIV prevention methods, check out these articles:
Discover more about sexual health topics by checking out our Knowledge Hub. And if there’s anything you’d like to know or discuss, contact us or start a conversation on Facebook Messenger.
If it’s been more than three months since you last had comprehensive HIV and STIs tests, our interactive map will help you locate testing services nearby and across Australia.
You can also reach out to your local HIV/AIDS or LGBTI health organisation as well as community groups providing support to people living with HIV, and for people considering PrEP. You can find their details in our national network of partners.