New campaign launches to promote sexual health and well-being throughout Pride

The campaign led by the Gay Health Network, LINC, and Dublin Pride aims to decrease stigma and discrimination surrounding LGBTQ+ sexual health. 

Community . Written by Nicole Lee.

Two men kissing marking sexual health campaign in Ireland.
Image: Pexels Photo by Wendy Wei

This Pride, the Gay Health Network, LINC, and Dublin Pride have joined forces to launch the Proud and Prepared campaign, a collaborative effort which encourages Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community to prioritise sexual health and well-being during Pride month and throughout the year.

With this new campaign, Man2Man, LINC and Dublin Pride aim to tackle the unique challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces. Speaking about the initiative, they shared: “We believe in a future where sexual health is prioritised for all…Together, we can break barriers, combat stigma, and promote sexual health and well-being as an integral part of our overall health.” 

As explained by the organisers, LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges and barriers regarding sexual health, including limited access to inclusive and knowledgeable healthcare providers, stigma, discrimination, and a lack of education about prevention options. The Proud and Prepared campaign addresses some of these challenges by teaching that sexual health and well-being extend beyond safe sex practices to include pleasure, respect, and consent.

Throughout the month of June and beyond, the Proud and Prepared campaign will connect with Pride Festivals across Ireland to encourage LGBTQ+ people to care for their sexual well-being. The programme also aims to decrease the stigma and discrimination surrounding sexual health.

 

The campaign emphasises how regular testing, open communication between partners, and practising preventive measures can contribute to safer and healthier sexual experiences. This holistic approach includes physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being aspects of sexuality.

Over the past year, Ireland has seen a dramatic rise in HIV cases, with HIV Ireland calling for targeted and strategic preventive measures, such as improved education for younger people to combat the rising numbers of infections. The Health Service Executive (HSE) offers free at-home testing kits for everyone aged 17 and over in Ireland, encouraging anyone who has STI symptoms or a new sexual partner to get tested.

 

Dublin Pride’s Colm Molloy designed the inclusive campaign illustrations, which will be displayed across Dublin city centre, as well as other cities in Ireland, throughout the summer months. 

Man2man is a programme delivered by the Gay Health Network (GHN) in conjunction with the Health Services Executive (HSE) that strives to improve the sexual well-being of gay, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), and transgender people. LINC is a trusted health resource which offers information to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of all women who identify as lesbian or bisexual in Ireland. To find out more about their campaign, visit this website.

© 2023 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

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