Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new campaign called ‘Bum Boy’ (www.bumboy.org.uk), teaching gay men in London just how HIV is passed on during unprotected anal sex. With little or no sex education relevant to young gay men in schools, this new campaign gives a valuable biology lesson to fill these important knowledge gaps.

The ‘Bum Boy’ campaign, aimed especially at younger men and others new to gay sex, gets vital HIV transmission information across using three striking ‘bottom’ themed images;

• the sponge – illustrating how the lining of the rectum absorbs semen and pre-cum containing HIV.

• the eggs – covering how the rectal lining can be damaged during anal sex or when objects enter the rectum, allowing HIV easier entry into the bloodstream.

• the peach – explaining how (often unnoticed) sexually transmitted infections make it easier for HIV to be passed on due to skin damage inside the rectum

From 20 November until 13 December 2009, specially-trained teams of THT staff and volunteers will tour over 40 gay venues across Soho and central London, Vauxhall and the East End, distributing condom packs and handing out information on the campaign. Throughout December, there will also be three special hour-long ‘Bum Boy’ pub quizzes at gay venues across the capital. The quizzes will test gay men on their knowledge of how HIV is transmitted, with prizes including underwear and ‘Bumboy’ T-shirts.

The sponge, egg and peach images will appear on ads in London gay press until late January. They will also be seen on posters, condom packs and wallet sized information cards inside liquid filled travelcard holders. An action doll-themed booklet called ‘Ready for Action’ is also being distributed explaining the many ways men can reduce their risk of getting or passing on HIV.

Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion said:  “Many men become sexually active having left school without the basic HIV facts they need to stay safe. Young men have been very enthusiastic about this new campaign. With its simple language and easily understood visuals men of all ages will benefit from hearing how HIV is transmitted and how condoms - or having non penetrative sex- greatly reduces their risk.” 

‘Bum Boy’ is a London-specific revised version of a CHAPS campaign that first ran seven years ago and which won the 2003 Communication Excellence Award. It has been independently evaluated as the most popular and effective of all the CHAPS campaigns. The accompanying ‘Ready for Action’ booklet has been awarded a Patient Information Award by the British Medical Association.

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Notes to Editor

1. The CHAPS programme is funded by the Department of Health and co-ordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust to provide HIV health promotion to gay men in England and Wales. The partnership includes THT, GMFA, Manchester’s Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Yorkshire MESMAC, Trade Men's Sexual Health Project in Leicester, Liverpool’s Armistead Project, Sheffield Centre for HIV and Sexual Health, the Eddystone Trust in Plymouth, and Sigma Research. www.chapsonline.org.uk
2. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk