Conference Chair and Executive Director of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation Rachael Le Mesurier says that there has been some expressions of concern that the voices of, and issues affecting, MSM have not always been effectively heard, or particularly visible, at international HIV/AIDS conferences in recent years, where the great weight of interest has tended to focus on heterosexually transmitted HIV in regions like Africa and Asia. The Auckland conference (October 25 to 28) aims to achieve a better balance.
“This is the Pan Pacific Regional HIV/AIDS conference and there will be a lot of discussion about the largely heterosexual epidemic threatening our Pacific neighbours,” Ms Le Mesurier says, “but key speakers and themes will also deal with the reality that in countries like New Zealand and Australia, MSM still represent the biggest group for locally-transmitted HIV infection and, in New Zealand, the fact that it seems new infections among MSM are driving our current increase in HIV.”
She added that one of the other aims of the conference will be to get Pacific leaders and health groups talking about the marginalisation, isolation and invisibility of MSM in some Pacific nations and the impact this has on the health of these men and the HIV epidemic generally.
“Whilst the recorded HIV infections in the Pacific tend to be posted as heterosexual, we have to remember how many men newly infected in New Zealand in the 1980s refused to state their sexuality. We are convinced that MSM transmission of HIV is happening in the Islands, but few would be safe to say so.”
Ms Le Mesurier says the conference is a unique opportunity for New Zealanders interested in sexuality and HIV/AIDS issues to hear an impressive group of international researchers, indigenous, political and community leaders, and the voices of HIV-positive MSM in their own country.
“Normally, when we’re talking about large international HIV/AIDS conferences, they not only have reduced focus on sexuality and MSM, they also tend to see the Pacific and New Zealand as merged into the Asian and/or Australian experience. Here’s a chance for the Foundation’s founding community – gay and bisexual men – to attend and participate in a truly international event on their own doorstep. It is the first HIV and AIDS conference of its size and international credibility that New Zealand has hosted.”
Friday 28 October, the last day of the conference, also ties in well with the NZAF’s 20th anniversary Gala Dinner at the Town hall.
“This will be a truly fabulous event where those working in the MSM community in the Pacific and Australia will join us in celebrating the remarkable work of so many volunteers and supporters in the community.”
Inquiries about attending the conference can be made to the NZAF or visit www.panpacific-hivaids05.net.nz.
