Getting frank about PrEP

AIDS Committee of Toronto's discussion group gets men together to talk about sex

The AIDS Committee of Toronto wants to get frank with you about PrEP.

Frank is a monthly discussion group for men who have sex with men, hosted by ACT. The group is meant to create an informal, relaxed atmosphere where guys can get together to discuss topics of interest to gay or bi men; anything from dating and relationships, to having better sex.

On May 16, 2016, the conversation will be everything to do with PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“It’s a place for honest conversations,” says Rui Pires, ACT’s community and education coordinator for gay men. “We want it to be as inclusive as possible, including people who are living with, or affected by, HIV.”

Pires, who leads the discussion groups, finds that while a surprising number of men do know about PrEP, it’s the education behind it that requires the most attention. “The most important thing . . . is understanding that PrEP should be done with medical supervision,” he says. “It’s not something you do for a weekend.”

It also requires knowing if PrEP is right for your wallet. “People are in different situations,” he says, noting that finances are a common barrier for men who may be considering PrEP.

And while Truvada has been getting most of the attention, PEP is also an option that Pires says men should be keeping in mind. “Men who are occasional condom users should consider the options,” he says. “If you can’t afford PrEP, you might be able to have PEP.”

While drop-ins are welcome, men who are interested in meeting up to discuss PEP and PrEP should RSVP ahead of time.

Frank: A PEP (PrEP) talk for gay, bi and queer men
Monday, May 16, 2016, 7–9pm
543 Yonge St, Toronto
actoronto.org/frank

Andrew was formerly the associate editor for Daily Xtra.

Read More About:
Health, News, Toronto, HIV/AIDS

Keep Reading

You can get Mpox even if you’re vaccinated—it happened to me

Having the virus taught me Canada needs to do more to support people who get Mpox

How to survive the apocalypse (again)

Wherever there is a history of homophobia and transphobia, we also find a history of our people celebrating community, mutual care and joy
A hand putting a ballot with a question mark on it into a ballot box. The background is stars from a U.S. flag; below are trans flag coloured diagonal stripes.

The 2024 election is taking a toll on trans mental health. Here’s how to keep it together

ANALYSIS: Telling trans people to “just vote” isn’t helpful 

Busting the myths around transition regret and detransition

How many people regret their decision to receive gender-affirming care? Do people who detransition always regret their transitions?