Greetings!
 Happy Spring and welcome to the new e-newsletter for Men's Briefs! It has been quite a year in the Men's Wellness Program. We have presented at the Pacific AIDS Network Conference, attended Gay Men Health Convergence in Montreal, presented workshops at Gay Men's Health Summit in Vancouver, taught numerous anti homophobia/transphobia workshops in school, colleges, universities and social service organizations. Topics have ranged from Gifts from the Gender Margins, to Queer in the Sticks (working supporting queers in rural communities), and more! We also facilitated really exciting and successful Sexual Self Esteem Workshops for Campbell River Pride. Topics such as desire, communication and stories of our bodies were delved into and I want to applaud folks for their willingness and open hearts The Walk Away from Homophobia grew again this year. We were given permission to hold the event in Campbell River's Spirit Square - right downtown! We were privileged to have James Quatell open with the honouring of the land and traditional welcome. The Mayor came for the first time in person this year and read the proclamation of the day. That all said the most memorable part for me was the group of twenty or so youth some from the local group Youth 4 Diversity, dancing and free to be themselves! This is evidence of the success of all of our queer hard work thanks to every one for being themselves which gives the youth permission to do the same. At Saltspring Pride this year, MWP did outreach at the Erotic Art Show - we moved through the crowd presenting attendees with info about low risk fun and creative sex and play ideas. This was a fun and engaging way to talk about safer sex options and hot sex. We also assisted Saltspring Pride organizers by taking an official role as ambassadors for the march and vibe checkers. We have found by getting involved in a concrete way to help out at Pride type events increases the visibility and reputation of the program in the smaller communities. MWP also did outreach and had a presence at the annual pride dance, and had an info table at the festival after the march through town. In the Fall MWP hosted queer researchers for presentations in Victoria. Eli Manning presented her research on "Who are the Men in Men Who Have Sex with Men?" and Lisa Poole presented her early findings on Bisexual Identity. The purpose of these talks was as continuing education for AIDS Vancouver Island' s staff and volunteers about new and interesting work that is being done and to give us the opportunity to reflect critically on our practice around sexual minorities. Both of these talks were very well received and attended by both workers and volunteers. In conjunction with HIM from Vancouver, we gathered volunteers for bar outreach. We had a very successful weekend in May speaking with over 250 queer bar patrons in the 3 bars in town increasing awareness about STI and HIV testing and were they can get tested. In conjunction with HIM, a sexy outreach card was created with info about where to get tested in Victoria. We used this resource to hand out to folks in the bar in order to begin conversations. Our Monthly rapid testing clinic for queer men continues in Victoria with the upcoming dates March 21and April 18. Just show up 713 Johnson Street (third floor) on one of these Mondays from 6-8pm to get the finger poke test, which is as accurate as a standard blood test, and get results in minutes. Two counsellors are on site for pre and post test support and referral. This year's SHINE Queer Men's Health and Wellness Gathering will be in Victoria in May! Stay tuned for more information on the events and workshops. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic guys to join us on the planning committee to make it happen! It is a great way to meet new folks and share and gain some skills. Plus nothing is sexier than volunteering! For more health information, see the column to the left for some great tidbits!
Queerly, Captain Snowdon Men's Wellness Coordinator | 
