Important update on Doxy-PEP: doxycycline can interact with dermatology (skin) medications like Accutane and other Vitamin A / retinoid products, causing increased pressure around the brain. This can affect vision, cause temporary blindness, and headaches. There are also current studies looking at doxycycline’s effect on gut health, as well as its interactions between antacids, iron […]
Sex with Me: Conversations with Black Gay Men About Sexual Health
Today is African, Caribbean, and Black Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. To mark the day, we’re excited to release our newest video series.
Since 2018, the GMSH has worked with partners from across the HIV sector in Ontario—including BlackCAP, ACCHO, and BGMN—to foster relationships with queer Black men. Together, we have hosted community dialogues, coordinated research, and examined the experiences of Black same gender-loving (SGL) men in our sector.
In that time, we consistently heard from community members that there was a lack of media and resources that uplifted Black voices and represented the diverse experiences of queer Black men. Rather than trying to speak for different people within our communities, the GMSH is a platform to let folks speak for themselves.
For this project, we interviewed three queer Black men from different backgrounds and talked sex, sexual health, and having fun. The result is six videos starring and produced by Black SGL men that cover the experiences of the community. This series, split into two parts, is a tool to help to bridge knowledge gaps among service providers and promote affirming, culturally responsive sexual health and HIV related outreach and care for Black SGL men.
Many thanks to the creators behind this project, including Phillip Pike at Roaring River Films, who provided art direction and filmed and edited the videos, Max Mohenu, who produced and conducted the interviews, Karim Olen Ash for the music, and of course Twysted Miyake-Mugler, Zymbul Fkara, and Orlando Saint Pierre for sharing their stories.
Sex with Me: Conversations with Black Gay Men About Sexual Health
Meet Twysted:
“The bathhouse is where I found out everything sexual in the beginning. I’m so glad I was put in the heart of sex.”
Meet Zymbul:
“If we want to normalize conversations about having sex, we need to know everyone has it. We need to make an effort to talk freely and be respectful.”
Meet Orlando:
“If you’ve graduated from medical school and you’re certified to be a doctor, you should know about sex. That’s it.”
Real Talk: Improving Resources and Sexual Healthcare for Black Gay Men
Talking about sex with healthcare providers
“I don’t need a gay doctor. I need someone who’s willing to listen and do the work.”
Diversity and inclusion in healthcare spaces
“Show us ourselves. We want to be seen in the spaces we’re coming to. We want to feel like we’re being considered in these spaces. Treat us like we matter.”
Connecting service providers with Black gay men in the ballroom scene
“What’s so magical and what connects us is the love for art and the love for community. It goes hand-in-hand in the ballroom scene.”