Gay Men's HIV/STD TaskForce

Mission:

"The Task Force supports and guides ongoing effective and comprehensive prevention responses to HIV and STDs among gay men in the Seattle area."

Gay Men's HIV/STD Taskforce unveils education campaign
from SGN #10, Vol. 34 - 3/17/2006

This weekend the Gay Men's HIV/STD Taskforce will unveil a new community education campaign. Materials will be distributed to bars, restaurants and other businesses that cater to Gay and bisexual men in Seattle & King County. The theme of the campaign is: "Building strong Gay and Bisexual communities for our health and well being."

Through humor and colorful images, campaign materials promote the importance of treating sexual partners with honesty and integrity. Messagaes focus on anonymous sex, barebacking, internet hook-ups, and the importance of disclosing one's HIV and STD status to sex partners. The materials are intended to encourage conversations about the shared goal of reducing the spread of HIV and STDs.

Campgain materials include coasters, posters, print ads and towels. Look for them in various locations. If you like them, share the information with others and make a difference in the community by discussing the issues with your friends, partners and significant others.

The Gay Men's HIV/STD Taskforce is a coalition of Gay men and service providers dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and STDs among the Gay and bisexual men in Seattle King County. The Taskforce strives to be inclusive of varied opinions and philosophies related to eliminating the spread of HIV and STDs in the community. We also endeavor to provide up to date HIV and STD information.
> Who We Are
The Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Taskforce began as an action item from the final report of the Seattle Gay Men's Health Summit that was held on World AIDS day December 1st 2000. The action item included establishing a broad-based GBM HIV/STD prevention coalition to standardize educational messages, examine and disseminate community norms, develop emotional health resources and develop fundraising strategies.
> What We Do
The Gay Men's HIV/STD Taskforce is a coalition of community individuals, leaders and service providers dedicated to supporting and addressing the prevention and health needs of Gay and Bisexual men in Seattle King County. The Taskforce is open to all interested individuals. Members have various backgrounds and community experiences in gay and bisexual men's health issues. The Taskforce strives to be inclusive of all of the various opinions and philosophies related to eliminating the spread of HIV and STDs in the community while also improving the overall health outcomes of Gay and Bisexual men. We also endeavor to coordinate prevention messages and provide up to date HIV and STD information to the community.
gray bullet The Sex Manifesto (PDF, 242 Kb)
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"A Community Manifesto": A New Response to HIV and STDs
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Background of the development of the Manifesto
gray bullet What people are saying about the Manifesto
gray bullet More comments on the Manifesto (added 10/20/03)
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 Recent comments on the Manifesto (added 12/5/03)
> How We Do It
Taskforce meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 3-5pm at Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 1002 E Seneca St, and are facilitated and coordinated by staff from Public Health - Seattle & King County.
Membership
Task Force membership is open to anyone who supports the mission of the group. (Adopted 1-13-03). Learn more about how to join.
Voting eligibility
  • New members must attend three consecutive meetings to earn voting privileges; voting members who miss two consecutive meetings lose their privileges, but can earn them back at the second meeting attended after the absence.
  • Voting privileges are conferred on individuals, not agencies or organizations. (Adopted 11-18-02, Re-confirmed 1-13-03)
Decision-making model
  • A quorum equals 50% + 1 of the currently eligible voting members.
    (Adopted 1-13-03)
  • Decisions are passed by 60% of a quorum.
    (Adopted 1-13-03)
Public Health - Seattle & King County's HIV/AIDS program provides staffing support for the work of the Taskforce.

For further information, please call or e-mail us at the address listed below.

Quinten Welch
Educator Consultant
Public Health - Seattle & King County
400 Yesler Way, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98104
Office: 206-205-8671 / Fax: 206-205-5281
Email: quinten.welch@metrokc.gov