Representatives from across the gay community, including the gay media, organisations, venue owners and well known individuals, have pledged their support for our new HIV-prevention campaign, “Count Me In”, which launched last Friday. 

A host of gay publications, which play a crucial role in raising awareness of the issues among gay men, have already signed up to the campaign. These include Attitude, Bent, Gay Times, GScene, Pink Paper, Out In The City, and QX. Other supporters who have said “Count me in” include Paul Burston, gay author and journalist; Dusty O, DJ, club promoter, writer and recording artist; Gayromeo.com, the online dating service for gay men; and 56 Dean Street, the Soho-based sexual health clinic. 

Around World AIDS Day, gay venues across London will be helping to raise awareness of the campaign and supporting GMFA. Look out for volunteers from the charity sporting T-shirts with the slogan “Together we can stop the spread of HIV” and promoting the 5-point pledge at events including:

• 27 November: Cabaret night at Central Station;
• 28 November: Ye Rose & Crown;
• 29 November: Glam Jam Cabaret at The Quebec;
• 1 December: The Black Cap, Halfway To Heaven, King William IV, Retro Bar, Rupert Street, The Stag, and The Two Brewers.

Staff at these and other venues, including Chariots saunas across London, E15 Club, Locker Room, Steamworks, Prowler Soho and DV8 will also be doing their bit by wearing the campaign T-shirts to help spread the message. 

This isn’t just about what we can do around World AIDS Day – it’s what we can all do on an ongoing basis to stop the spread of HIV in our community. We’re delighted that so many have recognised the importance of what we’re trying to achieve and have joined us in the campaign. With their support, we hope to encourage gay men to re-commit to tackling the virus and to make a real difference. 

Read our “Count Me In” manifesto, or join the campaign on Facebook.

http://outspokenonhealth.com/