Melbourne Gay Community Periodic Survey 2015 Kicks Off at Midsumma Carnival

The Victorian AIDS Council (VAC) will once again be partnering with the Centre for Social
Research in Health (CSRH) & The Kirby Institute, UNSW to conduct the Melbourne Gay Community Periodic
Survey. Kicking off on Sunday 18 January at Midsumma Festival’s Carnival, the survey will continue to be
conducted at participating venues and clinics until Sunday 25 January. Now in its 17th year, the Melbourne
Gay Community Periodic Survey annually provides a snapshot of the lives of gay and other men who have
sex with men (MSM) in the Melbourne area.
Starting in Melbourne in 1998, the survey looks at the sexual practices of MSM in relation to the transmission
of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. This annual survey allows for comparisons over
time and notes changes in sexual practices including: partnering habits, HIV & other STI testing rates as
well as drug use. The Periodic Survey is conducted in other states during respective LGBTIQ community
festivals - allowing for interstate comparisons. The data collected goes on to inform both state and national
health promotion campaigns as well as education strategies.
The Melbourne Gay Community Periodic Survey seeks MSM who have been homosexually active in the
last five years to participate. MSM who do not live in Melbourne but regularly participate in the Melbourne
gay community are welcome to fill out a survey as well. The anonymous survey takes approximately 6-8
minutes to complete.
“It only takes minutes to complete the survey, so drop by our tent at the Midsumma Carnival to say hello,”
said State Coordinator Tex McKenzie. “We will be in venues and clinics during the following week as well.
Look out for our recruiters. Your support in completing the survey makes a difference and helps to guide
the direction of HIV/AIDS and STI health promotion strategies here in Victoria.”
As an anonymous survey, feedback and findings will be provided through LGBTIQ media outlets as well as
through public meetings and seminars, online reports issued by the National Centres and journal articles.