At the moment the only venue we’re listing is the Sovereign. We’ll be building the list as and when we find the details of any other appropriate businesses, so please let us know where you love to hang out.

Pubs and Clubs

The Sovereign Hotel is a gay owned and operated pub/nightclub which also offers accommodation. Its opening hours are 5pm to 5am Thursday to Sunday. It features two bars, a DJed dance-floor, a comfortable lounge area in the back bar and an outdoor courtyard with pool table and separate smoking area. The  back lounge is also available for hire for private functions.

807 Flinders Strreet
Townsville
(07) 4771 2909
www.sovereignhotel.com.au

Restaurants

Know any LGBT friendly eateries? Let us know about them by emailing mail@gaytownsville.com.au.

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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