A new paradigm is emerging in HIV prevention efforts for gay men. It adopts a holistic model. It focuses on assets and strengths instead of deficits and vulnerabilities. It includes HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but is not rooted in them. Instead, it focuses on desire and pleasure as motivators. We believe this new paradigm will empower gay men and allow for more realistic, inclusive and engaging discussions about what matters to us where our sexual health is concerned.
At the AIDS Committee of Toronto, we are fortunate to be able to contribute to this shift. One way we are supporting this new direction is called the “Pig Sex Project,” which began this spring. We held a community forum at the 519 Church Street Community Centre in June with 40 guys in attendance. The feedback was positive and the guys who came said they wanted more. So we’re giving them what they asked for!
More guys than ever are indicating an interest in pig sex in their online profiles. Many guys are adopting pig sex as a positive attribute, and others as an identity. How can pig sex be a way to expand sexual pleasure? What makes taboo hot? How can pig sex be dirty and safe at the same time? Do poz guys have all the fun?
These are the kinds of questions — and more – we will be exploring at “More Pig Sex” on August 14 at the Black Eagle (457 Church Street), which is sponsoring the event along with Steamworks, offering PIG VIP privileges to all participants. So once we’re done talking about pig sex, guys can move across the street and have it. The format will be small group discussions led by facilitators, followed by a report-back and large group sharing. No panels. No “experts.” It’s about dialogue and sharing, not education.
“More Pig Sex” is a collaboration with PWA’s Poz Prevention Program.
Not able to attend, but still interested in pig sex? Have something to say, but would rather say it anonymously? You can get the discussion going here.
