What can be done

What can be done to stop gay and bisexual men becoming HIV+?

As part of Manchester Pride’s upcoming fringe festival, leading charity The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Gaydio the radio station for Manchester’s lesbian, gay bisexual and transsexual community and Manchester Public Health Development Service (NHS) are hosting a public event on 22 August in Manchester to discuss the issue of HIV affecting men who have sex with men.

Last year The Health Protection Agency released figures showing that in 2010 there were 3,000 gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the UK, the highest yearly figure since records began.
 
It has never been easier to get tested for HIV and Manchester remains one of the most pro-active cities in Europe as far as gay and bisexual men’s health promotion is concerned. However HIV is still clearly a problem.
 
“We know how to prevent HIV in our communities” says Andrew Gilliver, Campaigns & Engagement Manager for The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.  “What is challenging is how we remain committed as a community to making sure that we all feel able to play a role in making sure that no-one is needlessly affected by the virus, which continues to cause so much harm and distress in our lives. We need to talk about we all feel empowered to prevent the ongoing spread of HIV”.

The event - ‘What can be done to stop gay and bisexual men becoming HIV+ve?’ - is taking place on Wednesday 22 August 7pm – 9pm at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, 5 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF.

It will be in the form of a question-time style debate with a guest panel including health professionals, members of the gay community and HIV positive people. The event is open to members of the public and everyone is invited to have their say on how everyone can work together to bring down the number of new HIV infections across Greater Manchester.

For those unable to attend questions can be put to the panel by emailing: talk@lgf.org.uk or you can follow the debate live on Twitter @lgfoundation #weneed2talk

For more information on The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s sexual health services for men visit

Published: 17-Aug-2012: (1481)