News

Health

Two studies presented at the 17th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) found that people recently diagnosed with HIV, and some of those with high CD4 counts when they begin treatment, are likely to live as long, or nearly as long, as those without HIV. The findings, reported on aidsmap, highlight the importance of regular testing for HIV. If someone has HIV, early diagnosis means they can begin treatment sooner, making it more likely they’ll live longer and enjoy better health.

The first study, from the Dutch ATHENA Cohort, measured the death rate of 4,612 patients in the Netherlands newly diagnosed between 1998 and 2007 over, on average, 3.3 years. The study excluded those who had to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) less than six months after diagnosis or who had an AIDS-defining illness in the first six months. It found that:

Those diagnosed at the age of 25 have a life expectancy of 52.7 years (they would live until, on average, the age of 77.7) – just five months less than those without HIV. Men diagnosed at the age of 55 would live 1.3 years less and women 1.5 years less.

Read more: New Research On Importance of Earlier Diagnosis of HIV

Religion

LGBT groups and teachers alike have expressed disgust at the amendment included in the Children, Schools and Families Bill carried in the House of Commons yesterday. The amendment will allow sex education to be taught in a way that "refects" a school's "religious character".

The PTT secretary George Broadhead said, "Once again the government has kowtowed to religions by allowing faith schools to tailor their sex education lessons to their own beliefs.

"Why should atheist and Humanist parents have to send their children to faith schools and risk having their minds polluted by some of the reactionary teachings of these faiths?

"To echo the words of the British Humanist Association, the consequence of this bill is that it will shift the focus of the law as it applies to faith schools away from the needs of children, towards the religious prejudices of the school, as if this is what the law should really be protecting. Who is education supposed to benefit - the child or the church?

Read more: Anger Over Sex Ed Amendment

Politics

Plaid Cymru this weekend launched a new affiliate organisation PlaidPride which will be the party’s new group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people.

The aim of the group is to Spread Plaid Cymru’s message to the LGBT community; reach out to LGBT party members and to continue to ensure that Plaid Cymru policies address the needs of LGBT people across all parts of Wales.

Plaid has a strong record on supporting Gay Rights. The Party voted in favour of the equalisation of the age of consent. Voted in favour of civil partnerships, of adoption rights for Lesbian and Gay couples, and voted for the repeal of section 28. Plaid Cymru is also an organisation where Gay and Lesbian men and women, play a full and active role in the party, at all levels.

Read more: Plaid Cymru Launch LGBT Group

Health

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is teaming up with Soho-based sexual health centre 56 Dean Street to launch a new workshop for gay men who have recently been diagnosed with HIV. The course, which launches on Tuesday 23 February, is free of charge and will run every Tuesday for six weeks.

The newly diagnosed gay mens group aims to help gay men who have recently received a positive HIV diagnosis to cope with the range of issues they may experience. The centre at 56 Dean Street provides a friendly, safe environment in which course members can meet others who are going through the same situation, and be supported in coming to terms with their diagnosis.

Gordon Mundie, Groupwork Co-ordinator at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Receiving an HIV diagnosis is a life-changing and often scary experience, so it’s no surprise many men don’t know where to turn for help. One of the best ways to cope is by meeting men who are in the same boat as you, and talking through issues like medication, disclosure, and sex and relationships. We’re delighted that, for the first time, we can deliver the workshops from 56 Dean Street. The centre has a great location right in the heart of London’s gay village, and we hope this will encourage more men who need support to sign up.”

Read more: Terrence Higgins Trust launches course support gay men diagnosed with HIV

Health

Don’t let Cupid’s arrows make your eyes water, with new guide to passionate safer sex from THT.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is publishing an online guide with top tips on how to use condoms and protect your sexual health without killing the romantic mood.

A recent study found 43% of men didn’t always use a condom when having sex with a new partner. Some argue that safer sex and romance just don’t mix, with worries that condoms are uncomfortable, ruin the sensation, or even interrupt those tried and tested seduction techniques.

THT’s new guide (www.tht.org.uk/romance) aims to challenge some of these old-fashioned attitudes, with easy-to-follow advice on how to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without spoiling the intimacy. Tips for men include exploring the different sizes available to find the most comfortable fit, and investing some time in a ‘dress rehearsal’ to make sure you can tackle your tackle with total confidence, plus a special hands-free technique for getting your partner ready for action.

Read more: Do You Want Passionate Safer Sex?