The New Zealand AIDS Foundation will be offering free HIV tests at tomorrow’s Big Gay Out in Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier. Saying that “a simple finger prick is all it takes to test”, the team from the NZAF Burnett Centre have set up a tent in preparation for tomorrows big event. The LYC Big Gay Out is one of the Auckland Pride Festival’s key events, an expected 10,000 people are expected to attend from the LGBTI community alongside friends and family. “LYC Big Gay Out is an iconic day for everyone in the rainbow community, and their brothers, sisters, mums, dads, aunties, uncles, kids and even their pets – to get together and celebrate diversity,” says event spokesperson Joe Rich. “This is also a fantastic opportunity to build a social movement around ending new HIV transmissions in New Zealand, encouraging gay and bisexual men to stay safe and to get tested more.” Last year over 200 men were tested for HIV at the Big Gay Out and organisers say this number is sure to rise this year.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 13th February 2016 - 9:55am