YMSM stands
for young men who have sex with men. According to CDC (Center for Disease
Control and Prevention) research, MSM account for the largest number of
infections when compared to other risk groups and YMSM are particularly
vulnerable. The following is a short list of strategies YMSM can use to reduce
their risk of contracting HIV and find support in the Philly LGBT community.
1.)
Get Tested!
You cannot tell by looking at a person whether they
have HIV. To reduce your risk of acquiring HIV, you should know your status and
that of your partner. The three things you should ask potential sex partners
are: “Have you been tested for HIV? When was the last time you had an HIV test?
What were the results of your HIV test?” In Philadelphia, many organizations
provide HIV testing for free and accept walk-ins. They are anonymous and no
appointment is necessary!
Here are a few organizations:
* The Mazzoni Center: Philly’s LGBT health and wellness center.
They offer free HIV testing, as well as testing for other STI's. All testing is
anonymous and confidential and takes place at their Washington West (1201 Locust
St.) location. Hours: Monday-Friday,
9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. Phone:
215-563-0658
* ActionAIDS:
ActionAIDS offers free and confidential HIV testing. Their 20-minute rapid test
needs no appointment. Walk-in hours for the 1026 Arch St. location are Monday:
11:00a.m.-1:00p.m., Tuesday 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m., Wednesday 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.,
Thursday 12:00a.m.-2:00p.m. and Friday by appointment only.
In addition, the CDC has a handy testing locator
where you can search for testing sites by zip code!
2.) Use Condoms!
According to the CDC, a latex condom used consistently
and correctly is very effective at preventing HIV infection. The Office of HIV
Planning provides free packages with condoms and lube! We are located at 340 N.
12th Street in Philadelphia, PA. The STD Control Program also
provides free condoms at over 100 sites in Philadelphia. The CDC created this
handy online condom locator tool:
3.) Consider PrEP!
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an intervention
where an HIV-negative person takes HIV meds (Truvada) in order to prevent HIV.
Philadelphia is one of the first cities in the United States to implement PrEP
programs and trials. To learn more about
PrEP, see the OHP blog:
Philadelphia FIGHT is sponsoring
the “I AM Men’s Health Project”, a free program for young gay and biseuxal men
who are interested in learning about men’s health and reducing their risk of
HIV infection. The weekly group discusses everything from risk reduction to
leadership skills. Each pariticpant will
receive a week’s supply of TRUVADA® at each meeting, and remain under the close medical
supervision of the Jonathan Lax Center. To find out more, check out the
site:
4.)
Be Careful on Social Media Sites!
Social
media sites such as Grindr, Downelink, Jack’d, Plenty of Fish and Ok Cupid can
be a fun and easy way to meet with other people in the LGBT community for
friendship, dating or casual relationships! However, it is important to be
aware that the people on the sites may not be presenting themselves in an
honest or accurate way. If you are
planning to meet someone you met through an online social media site or app,
consider taking the following steps: limit the amount of personal information
you share, tell a trusted person you plan to meet someone and arrange to meet
somewhere public.
5.)
Find a support group and attend
fun social events!
Support groups can be a great way to find friends in
the LGBT community! The Philadelphia Department of Human Services has created a
list of young LGBT support groups:
One program that I really like is Q Spot, which is
sponsored by the Educational Justice Coalition. The program provides fun social
events, mental health services, HIV and STI testing as well as great snacks!
The program occurs on the first and third Saturdays of each month from
8:00p.m.-1:00a.m. at 315 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
