Fridae

Circumcision may protect gay men who are exclusively insertive for anal sex from infection with HIV, an Australian study published in the November 13th edition of AIDS suggests.

In a city where 1 in 20 (Singapore, Beijing, Ho Chi Minh), 1 in 12 (Hanoi), 1 in 10 (Phnom Penh), 1 in 5 (Chiang Mai) or 1 in 3 (Yangon, Bangkok) gay men are infected with HIV, it is important to stop ignoring HIV as 'a problem affecting others.’

It is the first proof that a vaccine against HIV can protect against infection, but scientists say a lot more research will be needed before a vaccine emerges that can be given to large numbers of people. 

Are condoms as fun as HIV educators claim them to be? Jan Wijngaarden says probably not, as many have found out for themselves - but still there are compelling reasons why they should remain your penis's best friend (aside from your favourite hand).

Nicholas Snow, who came out publicly about being HIV-positive last year, captures and shares his traumatic experience of being verbally accosted by a neighbour about the former's HIV status last night on video.

Having explored several religions to seek the purpose of life, SL Yang no longer sees HIV as a mortal enemy but has chosen to look at it as a reminder to live his life positively.

  Almost 200 new MSM HIV cases occur each day in Asia – that’s one man (who has sex with another man) becoming infected with HIV every 7.5 minutes. This and other statistics were revealed at the 9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP 9) which closed in Bali, Indonesia last Thursday.  

Representatives of organisations working on HIV prevention, treatment, care and support among MSM have announced at the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP), held Aug 9-13, the formation of a subregional network to coordinate and expand their efforts in Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Friendships and peer support would help a newly-diagnosed person get over the initial challenges of living with HIV but ridding of non-supportive gossip behind your back types would help greatly too, says SL Yang.

Fridae's Men’s Sexual Health columnist Jan Wijngaarden says simplistic slogans about condom usage and nothing else are not sufficient; gay men need to understand how HIV transmission works - in all its detail.