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GMHC AND APLA LAUNCH MYSEXYCITY.COM
Interactive Web site attempts to reduce transmission of HIV
among young gay men of color
New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA/February 14 — Gay Men's Health Crisis
(GMHC) and AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) today announced the launch of
www.mysexycity.com,
a novel approach to reach young gay and bisexual men, 31% of whom are estimated to be living
with HIV in the United States. This internet-based outreach tool will engage visitors in
true-to-life situations in which they will make virtual decisions on behalf of a cast of
animated characters, while delivering information about HIV transmission, sexually-transmitted
infections, substance use, coming out, and relationships.
Developed as part of the ongoing collaboration between GMHC and APLA,
mysexycity.com promotes positive health messages, along with sexual self-awareness
and exploration to its primary target audience of gay and bisexual men of color between
the ages of 18 and 29, and other young men who have sex with men. In addition to the
animated interactive scenarios, the site's features include online surveys, and links
to resources and referral information.
"We are always looking for new and exciting ways to make HIV prevention
relevant for the members of our communities at highest risk for infection,"
said Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D., Interim Executive Director of Gay Men's Health
Crisis. "The need for this type of intervention is critical as we enter the
25th year of the AIDS epidemic and studies show that 1 in 2 black gay or bisexual
men are infected with HIV.
"Mysexycity acknowledges the pivotal role of the internet in the lives of
younger gay and bisexual men," said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director of
AIDS Project Los Angeles. "The site provides an opportunity to educate and
entertain Web users while at the same time creating a community based on HIV
and health awareness."
The concept for mysexycity.com was developed by the Institute for Gay Men's
Health (IGMH), and paid for with private funding. IGMH was established as part
of the collaborative effort between APLA in California and GMHC in New York in
2004. The Institute devotes itself to modeling and supporting creative, community-based
HIV prevention responses through innovative research, policy, and education projects
that focus on the sexual health and wellness needs of gay and bisexual men.
About GMHC
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and
community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against
AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV
maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention,
treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. We provide
services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living
with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City. For more information, please
visit
www.gmhc.org.
About APLA
AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the nation's largest AIDS service
organizations, provides direct, bilingual services to more than 7,500 men, women
and children living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County each year. Services include
prevention education, food banks and nutrition education, professional dental care,
mental health counseling, housing and transportation assistance, information and
referral services, case management and home health care. APLA is a leader in the
development of HIV prevention programs, and helps shape fair and effective HIV/AIDS-related
policy and legislation in response to the local, national and international epidemics. For
more information, please visit
www.apla.org.
© 2006 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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