The Queensland Association for Healthy Communities is a non-government organisation with the vision of a Queensland where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people achieve the best possible health and well-being and participate fully in the life of communities, free from stigma and discrimination.

Its mission is to work so as to enable LGBT people to increase control over and improve their health, as a resource for social, economic and personal development. To find out more about QAHC, visit our website by cliking on the logo on any page of the site.

QAHC has a North Queensland branch which services the state from Mackay north. The FNQ office, Base Camp, is in Cairns at 290 Draper St. Base camp serves as a community resource centre providing access to a small library, computers, internet and telephone as well as providing space for community meetings and activities such as LGBT Choir practice (Mon evenings) and yoga (Tues evenings). We are open to community members from 10am to 3pm, Mon - Fri. If you’d like to talk to any of our staff you can do so by calling (07) 4041 5451 or you can email us at cns@qahc.org.au

We look forward to hearing from you.

Hot Tip Spot

STIs and HIV

Did you know that having a sexually transmissible infection (STI) increases your chances of contracting or passing on HIV by up to ten times? It’s true!

This is the case for a number of reasons but there are two main ones; increased immune cells at the sites of infection and sores. HIV replicates in CD4 cells in your blood. These cells are an important part of your immune system and are also the natural ‘home’ of HIV. When you have an STI the concentration of these cells at the site of infection increases as your body tries to fight the infection. Unfortunately this also provides many more targets for HIV to get a hold in your system should you be exposed to it, increasing your chance of becoming HIV positive. STIs also usually cause some damage to skin or mucus membranes in or around the genitals. This damage can provide a route for HIV to enter your bloodstream if you are exposed to it.

To reduce your risk of picking up or passing on HIV always use condoms and lube for anal sex, and get into the routine of having a thorough sexual health check-up at least every six months (or more often if you have a lot of sex partners). Look after yourself and your mates!

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