A few weeks ago, the team at QX met with Terrence Higgins Trust to discuss the promotion of National HIV Testing week.
THT asked whether we would give the campaign a huge push by including it on the cover of the magazine. There was no question that we would do this. Beyond the clubs, bars, wigs and muscled torsos, we like to think we also have a conscience here at QX Towers that extends beyond concern for Miley Cyrus’ mental health.
So, we racked our brains for a front cover concept that would adequately represent THT’s goals: to get the message out there that not only could knowing your status save your life, but it would also help to drive down the rates of new infections.
Getting every gay and bisexual man in the UK to have an HIV test seems like a gargantuan task. But as THT’s campaign message says, it’s actually rather simple when broken down: it starts with each of us taking responsibility for our health and knowing our status.
And so, our cover adopted a rather simple approach: I emailed as many DJs, performers, drag queens and scene people that I had in my address book and asked if they’d lend their face to the message: London’s Gay Scene says ‘GET TESTED’!
It was wonderfully inspiring to see how many replied with a resounding ‘YES’ to being part of that unified voice. I am immensely grateful to those that responded for showing their belief that the gay scene is still very much a community that is not afraid to show love and concern to its fellow sistas. Whether you are HIV ‘negative’ or HIV ‘positive’, if you know your status or you don’t, this is an issue that affects all of us.
It’s simple: GET TESTED!
Cliff Joannou
Editor
GET TESTED!
Last year, THT and HIV Prevention England launched National HIV Testing Week to huge success. This year, the campaign has gone Europe-wide. As World AIDS Day (1st December) approaches they are appealing to every gay and bisexual man to get tested for HIV! Why? Well, here’s just some reasons…
• There are currently an estimated 8,000 gay and bi men in Britain who have HIV but don’t know it yet, around half of them in London.
• Undiagnosed HIV is driving the UK epidemic, as someone with undiagnosed infection is far more likely to pass it on than someone who has tested and is on treatment.
• If someone has HIV they can now expect a normal lifespan, so long as they test early and start treatment before the virus damages their immune system.
• Last year, around 100,000 gay and bi men took an HIV test in the UK. To halve undiagnosed HIV and slash new infections on the scene, THT is calling on the community to get this figure up to 250,000 in the next 12 months.
• Modern tests are quick, free and confidential – you can even test through the post.
• Get involved at www.startswithme.org.uk.
• Find your nearest testing service, find out when your next test is due, order a postal test kit, and show your support in the fight against HIV.
With huge thanks to our cover stars: Adam Turner, AttackAttackAttack, Charlie Hides, Chris Selby, Dusty O, Brent Nicholls, Holestar, John Sizzle, La Voix, Larry Tee, Mzz Kimberley, Neil Hodgson, Neil Prince, Jeremy Joseph, Jonny Woo, Per QX, Tasty Tim, The Sharp Boys, Tim Jones, Tom Stephan, Son ofa Tutu, Mark-Ashley Dupé, Maximus Crown, Push The Button, QBoy, A Man To Pet, Heidi Liscious.
