Tom Hunt – MESMAC

What does MESMAC do?

We offer testing services for HIV every Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. These are drop in services and you can get your results within 20 minutes alternatively people can book an appointment to see us. We do testing in Saunas for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Hepatitis B. We also offer counselling for gay, bi and lesbian and partners, we are very proud of this can we can help people with coming out, depression and mental health. We provide condoms and lube to bars and saunas and we also send them out in the post. We deliver training on gay sex because not a lot of people know how to do it right.

How did MESMAC start?

We celebrated our 20^th year last year. We help out with events such as Pride and event that we want to get the Gay community in.

How did you get into working for Mesmac?

I started 3 years ago. I was working with young people trying to get them jobs and then I saw an advert for MESMAC and because I am gay and interested in getting HIV levels down in the community I went for the job.

What is the spread of HIV like now?

The level of people diagnosed has dropped slightly. A quarter of people who have HIV are unaware they have it. We are trying to encourage more people to get tested because the sooner you find out you have HIV the quicker and the more likely it is to treat it. There is a better access to drugs, healthcare and support now and the side effects of the drugs are not as bad anymore. 39% of men are diagnosed late. In 2009, 362 men died of AIDS – 73% of them were diagnosed late. It is the best feeling to help people feel sure about themselves, if they think they have HIV and get tested they feel better for knowing.

Is HIV still more prevalent in men than it is women?

In 2009, 26,050 men were diagnosed, 9,000 of them didn’t know they had HIV. The next subset was 14,500 African women been diagnosed. If you find out early, you have the free medication and free healthcare and live life better and have more control over what you do. If you do have HIV you may only need to take 1 or 2 pills a day depending on the severity of your case.

How does MESMAC get involved in Pride?

MESMAC started off Pride. We have been involved in the running for the past 5 years. We deal with the admin and financial side as well as working with bars and setting up the stage on Millennium Square.  It is a lot of fun but also a lot of work. It kind of spins off in to its own company now with gay businesses helping out as well. We give out condom packs and leaflets, it’s quite a good bit of promotion for us as well.

What do you think of the Owlies?

They are fantastic. MESMAC originally started the Owlies but its fab that Gayleeds.com has taken them over and now we can’t be accused of favouritism. It’s good that we are recognised because it means people are aware of us.

What is the most common STI around now?

STI’s that are common like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are on the up but a lot of people are unaware that they increase your chances of getting HIV so if we can reduce those STI’s then we can reduce HIV.

Do you think people are been more protective now?

People are getting complacent. HIV is still something that you can get. It is frustrating seeing bareback porn because they emphasise on no condoms. But a lot of gay men are seeing their gay friends die through HIV. We also have the PEP Campaign now which in a way is like the morning after pill. If you suspect that the person you have had sex with has HIV then you can take this pill up to 72 hours after sex and it helps prevent infection and you take the pill for 28 days.

THIS YEAR IS 30^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST AIDS DIAGNOSES.

Interview by Amelia Bradbourne.

Gayleeds.com would like to say a massive thank you to Tom for giving the interview and the amazing work that he does.