It is heartening to hear that the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service is changing its rules for blood donation to allow gay men who have been in a same-sex relationship for three months or more to give blood as part … Continue reading Progress on gay blood donation: does it take account of U=U?
From yesterday, following a legal move1 made by the North’s health minister, it is now possible to buy HIV self-testing kits and to test yourself for HIV. Speaking on World AIDS Day, [Simon Hamilton MLA] said: “The change in the law will allow … Continue reading HIV self tests now available in North thanks to legal change
New LGBT addiction peer support group launches this Thursday in Belfast by @TRPNI Continue reading New LGBT addiction peer support group in Belfast
“Statistics show that 51% of new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage. If you’ve put yourself at risk it is really important to get tested for HIV to ensure an early diagnosis. People respond better to treatment when they are diagnosed at an earlier stage of disease.”—Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Public Health, PHA The statistics for HIV in 2014 have been published by Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency. Continue reading 51% of new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.
Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, has announced his intention to lift the restrictions on HIV self-testing in Northern Ireland. Currently anyone wishing to test for HIV has to go to a health professional at a GP surgery, sexual … Continue reading HIV self-testing kits to be legal in Northern Ireland
I have been conked out due to shingles for many weeks, and it is only in the past week that I have stopped taking the anti-depressant tablets that actually helped to numb the pain. But whilst I had been stuck … Continue reading Getting back to behind the camera
Earlier this week, Troy Michael, Mr Gay Iceland told Gay Star News about being raped when he was 12 by a friend of his older brother. For some reason, I only saw it this evening. I was not sure that I wanted to read the article, but I persevered and did so.
You may well wonder why I would not want to read his story? Well, it is for a simple reason – it is far too close to my experience for comfort… and it is time for me to tell my story too. Continue reading “Thank you Troy Michael for helping me to tell my story too…”
As many readers will know, many of the Unionist politicians in Northern Ireland have real problems with allowing the LGBT communities in the Province to exist peacefully and to express their culture. Following on from the statement issued by the … Continue reading A statement from the Combined NI LGBT Communities…
The question was raised by a Unionist MP in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions. The answer of British Prime Minister, David Cameron was that tolerance towards people of a different sexuality is an important part of being British. Now, remember, this question was raised by a Unionist MP, someone who fundamentally believes that Northern Ireland must be part of the United Kingdom… The case of the refusal to provide a service to bake a cake by Ashers Baking Company was drawn to my attention early yesterday. I read with great interest the comments of Gregory Campbell MP … Continue reading A question of conscience… and printing
Northern Ireland’s only HIV-specific support organisation, Positive Life is carrying out a survey on HIV patients’ experiences in hospital settings with the aim of getting the best possible care for all living with HIV here in Northern Ireland. The research … Continue reading The best possible care for those living with HIV in Northern Ireland
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