Thu 21 Feb 2008 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
9.15PM: The NZ AIDS Foundation is investigating claims that one, possibly two, of its Safe Sex Poster Boys have been involved in episodes of unsafe 'barebacking' sexual encounters and that a Foundation staff member was informed but took no action. Rumours have been circulating in Wellington and Auckland for several weeks that an unidentified Wellington-based poster boy has recently been involved in bareback sex, that is penetrative sex without a condom, with a teenage partner. However, those rumours are now taking more tangible form with several people beginning to discuss the subject heatedly and air allegations in GayNZ.com's publicly accessible Forum. Wellington Gay and Lesbian Fair co-organiser Andy Boreham, posting as AndyPandee, has alleged that he presented "evidence" of the unsafe sex to a Foundation staffer but was ignored. Boreham has not elaborated on his evidence and GayNZ.com news staff could not contact him this early this evening. Meanwhile an anonymous Forum board participant subsequently claims "the barebacking activity was openly boasted about by the poster boy in question, within my earshot." In the high visibility campaign, which the NZAF has been rolling out throughout the country in recent months, the six volunteer poster boys make statements such as "I draw the line at barebacking. I want to protect my health and the health of my partners." A GayNZ.com reporter present at the nomination process for the Auckland-based poster boys, which was conducted by several high-profile gay community members, says each nominee clearly stated his absolute commitment to safe sex and condom use, and it is understood the same vetting took place in Wellington. Boreham and his publishing and event management partner Aaron Hailwood were on the Wellington vetting panel. NZAF Communications manager Chris Banks late this morning posted a statement confirming that the NZAF takes such allegations seriously and senior staff have already begun an investigation into the matter. "It’s important that we get the facts not hearsay." Banks is mindful that the allegations focus on only one, possibly two, of the poster boys and, until some clarity is forthcoming, urges the community "to be fair on these six guys, community volunteers all of them, who have given their time and energy to be advocates for safe sex." He says the NZAF will keep the glbt community posted on the outcome of the investigation.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 21st February 2008 - 9:20pm