PRIDE GUIDE 2003 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

B-19

CATF's Men 4 Men uses marketing to slow HIV's spread

by Chris Hughes

Columbus-The Columbus AIDS Task Force has expanded its prevention and educational outreach programming to gay men in Columbus. The Men 4 Men Project puts into use adaptive, aggressive outreach and marketing techniques to build community and slow the spread of HIV among gay men in Columbus.

The organization's core beliefs center around being gay-positive and sex-positive at all times; recognizing the different cultures and tastes within the community; recognizing that slowing the spread of HIV is the responsibility of all community members, regardless of HIV status; meeting community members where they are, and encour-

aging those community members to engage in any behavior that will decrease the likelihood of contracting or transmitting HIV.

While the epidemic has grown to be a concern to more than just gay men, HIV and AIDS are still very real problems in the gay community, especially in a city like Columbus where the gay community is so large. Despite the new drug regimens reducing AIDS deaths, there is still a risk of becoming a permanent underclass as far as health is concerned. One of the biggest challenges is that, of the gay and bisexual men in the nation who are HIV-positive, an estimated 70% don't know it.

Accordingly, the biggest emphasis in outreach efforts will lie in HIV testing. Staff is currently offering free, anonymous, and

bloodless HIV testing regularly at many locations around the city. There are regular testing locations, such as AWOL on the second Monday of every month.

In the Short North, Downtown Connection on the third Thursday of every month, or Union Station on the first or third Thursdays of every month host testing. On the north end of town, Blondie's on the first Tuesday of every month is the place to be. Additionally, some Wednesdays at Pyramid and Wall Street, as well as some weekends at the Eagle and Flex host testing. The testing will likely be at other locations as efforts are expanded.

Upcoming programs will also include use of a method to identify popular boys and girls who have a lot of friends. If an outreach person approaches you and asks you if you

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want to help protect your friends' health, take it as a compliment. It means they can see just how popular you are.

Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities to help with outreach. Contact CATF if you are interested. Be sure to look for the Men 4 Men float at Pride this year. It will not be hard to locate the theme this year revolves around super heroes: "Truth, Justice, and the American Gay."

If you want to get involved, get tested, ask questions, or just chat, please feel free to contact the Columbus AIDS Task Force at 614-299-2437 and ask for the Men 4 Men Project.

Chris Hughes is the M4M outreach coordinator for the Columbus AIDS Task Force.

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We miss Aubrey!

play in mentorial to

Aubrey Wertheim

Written by Faye Sholiton

June 27, 2003 7:30pm

Performed at the Cleveland Play House Brooks Theatre

8500 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio

Informal desert reception afterwards

A Memorial Service in honor of

Aubrey Wertheim

Saturday June 28th

Stuhr Woods Picnic Area at the Brecksville Reservation. One of Aubrey last wishes was to have a memorial service that dogs could attend. Please come and honor Aubrey; bring your dog and dish to share.

Gathering at 11:30, Memorial at 12 noon, Lunch after.

If you are planning to attend, please call 961-4212 and leave a message so we can make sure to accommodate everyone.

For directions to the park go to the website: www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/Aubrey/Memorial.htm