Writer, HIV Advocate, sex worker and co-founder of The Institute of Many (TIM) Nic Holas is in Perth today to host a community conversation with gay men about PrEP.
For the past two years, Nic Holas has been leading discussions about the way we view and explore our ideas and attitudes to HIV. Central to these discussions has been Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP.
The daily regiment of taking a HIV preventative pill is considered to be one of the most significant advances against the spread of HIV. Studies have shown that HIV negative men who follow the regime have little chance of contracting the virus.
The Kirby Institute estimate that of around 8,000 homosexually active men in WA, approximately 1,200 would meet these guidelines. However anecdotal evidence suggests that currently there have been less than 20 PrEP prescriptions.
One of the main reasons there has been little up-take of the drug in WA is because it is not available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – making it a costly option.
Tonight Nic Holas is hosting a sero-neutral conversation; ‘PrEP: Who Gives a Fuck.’ to help gay men in WA address the many questions that come up in discussions about this new approach to battling HIV.
Earlier this morning he appeared on RTRFM’s ‘The Mag’ and spoke to host Kylie Sturgess.
“PrEP is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis,” Holas explained, “The easiest way to explain it to people is it’s like the pill that women take to prevent getting pregnant, except for HIV. So this is something that HIV negative people will take everyday.”
Holas said the introduction of the medication would have a major effect for people in sero-discordant relationships where one partner has HIV and he other partner is negative.
“This is a great way for the HIV negative person to protect themselves.”
Listen to RTRFM’s podcast of Kylie and Nic’s discussion.
PrEP: Who Gives a Fuck? – a sero-neutral conversation with Nic Holas, Tuesday 24 November 6.30pm – 9pm, Lotteries West House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth
