By Oli Herrera

MORE THAN SEX

‘More Than Sex’ aims to help GBT2Q men in the North

Jun 30, 2021 | 4:15 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–It’s called “More Than Sex”. A province-wide initiative created by an organization to help men who are part of the GBT2Q community. .

“It really takes a holistic and inclusive lens to the areas of G-B-Q health.” said Simon Rayek, Program Manager at Health Initiative for Men.

More than Sex was created by Health Initiative for Men. An organization that’s been around for over 10 years and has mostly done work in the lower mainland, but now the north is getting some help.

“Our work really is to empower gay, bi, trans, 2-spirit men, and queer men. Really through health promotion and empowering community members to take control of our health, to make decisions that really benefits our needs and to know how to navigate health care systems, community systems in order to have the healthiest lives possible.” said Rayek.

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The program doesn’t just focus on sexual health. It also aims to make sure the overall health of men is taken care of.

“It’s a holistic picture of health that includes everything from sexual health, mental health, social health. Recognizing that all those things contribute to a person’s overall well being and that no one factor is individual.” said Rayek.

HIM has been working with Northern Health since 2019 to provide resources for men in the community of Prince George. One of the goals was to bring a pop-up HIV testing sites. But the pandemic placed that plan on hold so they’re looking at other ways to get testing kits in the hands of men.

“So we’re exploring a number of options with that to include mailing kits out directly to clients as well as just having a central working area where people can pick them up, anonymously, confidentially, or in the privacy of their own homes, mail them in and get the results of their status.” said Rayek.

The organization says they are still planning to bring pop-up clinics to Prince George in the fall, depending on COVID restrictions. But some services such as counseling are already available for men right now.

“We’ve started offering counseling services across Northern BC through Telehealth. We have counselors across B.C. who are now offering services tailored to the need GBT2Q through Zoom, through Skype, Facetime, and we’re actually recruiting counselors in Prince George and across northern to offer those services in person.” said Rayek.

More information on accessing these services can be found on the Health Initiative for Men’s website.