What is H.I.V. Workshop?
Healthy Interaction and Values (H.I.V.) Workshop is a one-day safer sex seminar organized by TLF SHARE Collective, Inc. for individuals, informal groups, or in partnership with other organizations. This workshop specifically addresses sexuality and sexual health concerns of men who have sex with men, regardless of gender identity. This type of sexual behavior among Filipino men is practiced by gay, bisexual, transgendered men as well as some other identities. Same-sexual behavior among men is not however solely practiced by one (or several) particular gender group/s.
What is it about?
The H.I.V. workshop deals extensively with sexual activities or practices, including sexual partnerships and venues. It discusses in-depth risks encountered by men in seeking, meeting and engaging with sexual partners, including health risks. Sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) will be specially focused.
How is it done?
The H.I.V. workshop is peer-facilitated and participatory. There are no "experts" or resource persons invited to deliver lectures, papers or speeches. It consists of group discussions and learning exercises facilitated by volunteer-individuals who have previously attended the workshop and have only been further trained to facilitate discussions. The workshop is intensive; the full course will take a whole day (or nine hours) to cover.
The workshop deals with a considerably sensitive and very personal concern. As a venue/space, it should be open to diversity of opinions and experiences, but it should also be confidential. No other party - other than TLF, its volunteers and the participants' trusted peers - could be involved.
What is required to become a participant?
A participant should be able to fully relate to sexuality of men who have sex with men; experience, however, is not necessary. (Individuals who self-identify with a gender usually related to male-to-male sexual behavior qualify.)
Participants in this workshop should also be able to express interest in becoming a participant; to agree in providing the minimal counterpart; and to share openly and confidentially information about his personal views and experiences.
I'm interested. How can I join?
Through project grants such as the Global Fund HIV/AIDS projects, TLF SHARE Collective's offices in Metro Manila, Batangas, Lucena and Legazpi cities regularly schedule and announce H.I.V. Workshops within and near their areas. Other learning group sessions such as small group discussions are also scheduled, content and processes also approximate some of the Workshop's modules. We also co-sponsor the Workshop with other organizations and peer groups. If you or your group is interested in the Workshop (or any of the other learning group sessions), please contact our program staff.
TLF SHARE Collective Inc.
- Metro Manila: +632.751.7047 or 728.8487
- Batangas City: +6343.723.5059
- Lucena City: +6342.373.6165
- Legazpi City: +6352.480.9669
- E-mail: msmhealth@tlfmanila.org
