Tue 16 Sep 2008 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Aucklanders can get a free haircut along with an HIV test at a special all-day event planned for Saturday 4 October. Over twenty stylists from all over Auckland City are getting involved in The Chop, along with DJs, celebrity guests and drag performers. "The discerning public will be invited to have their hair styled, cut and designed for absolutely free," explains Bain Duigan of Body Positive HIV support network. "To qualify for this free offer an HIV test is offered prior to the haircut." The event will take place at David Playle's salon at 2 Canada Street, just behind K' Road, from 10am until 4pm. Playle says he had the idea for the free haircutting day after his friend contracted HIV. Realizing that few people were getting tested, he put his mind to an event which would make more people get HIV tests. Ten haircutting stations will style two people per hour – so that's twenty cuts per hour, says Duigan. "This is a unique way of bringing HIV awareness to people and promoting the information to best protect ourselves and sexual partners from HIV transmission," confirms Duigan. Body Positive are providing the HIV testing staff and kits. "The test we will use is the new Canadian 'Insti' test and results are immediate. Trained staff will be on hand for information, support, and assistance where required." People can just turn up on the day, or make a booking by calling David Playle's salon on 307 2900.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 16th September 2008 - 2:50pm