Men, historically have been more reluctant to receive or seek health care and there are no exceptions when it comes to gay men and their sexual health. Denial plays a big part, especially among young, sexually active men. We continue to believe that "it won't happen to me" and also include the opposite extreme "that burning will eventually go away".

There is also a concern for privacy (especially when visiting the Health Department, a government agency). Some of us are afraid of needles or other testing methods, or maybe we are embarrassed to be seen in an STD clinic, concern for being judged or labeled. There is a lack of community services that are familiar with gay men's health issues and/or lack of interest/concern/knowledge from health care providers regarding gay men's health issues. There is also a lack of available education regarding gay men's health i.e., Hepatitis A & B, genital warts, the inconsistencies of STD signs and symptoms.

It is important for health care providers to convey acceptance, caring attitude, and knowledge of health issues that affect gay men. That was the foundation to the implementation for the PowerOnPeoria website and to promote a gay-friendly clinic at the Peoria City/County Health Department, STD/HIV Clinic. I envisioned something that addressed other concerns that gay men might have, to expand beyond just STD and HIV. The site has great information that talks about how to have great sex, discusses mental health, and straight facts about drugs. For central Illinois, this is a step forward for a region that lacks gay-specific services for gay men.

1.We have educational and literature that is specific for gay men's sexual health (testicular cancer, prostate cancer, hepatitis)

2.We are strictly a confidential clinic. We do offer partner notification services but this is not forced upon you (partner notification services is for clients who have been diagnosed with an STD/HIV, can have the health department contact the clients partner(s) to let them know they have been exposed to an infection).

3.We offer HIV testing by using Ora-sure, a needless devise that is just as effective when testing for HIV. As for the dreaded swab to test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia, this is a very accurate test. The swab is smaller than the opening of the urethra and is inserted into the opening of the penis (about or less than 1/8th of an inch) for about 5 seconds. Compare this to what a woman has to go through; get on her back, put her feet into stirrups, have either a plastic or metal speculum inserted into the vagina to open it up enough to see the cervix and then to have a swab inserted into the cervix for 15-30 seconds.

4.If you walk into a STD clinic, everyone else in the clinic is there for the same reason. Humans are sexual beings and it is important to take care of your sexual health. Choose a clinic that promotes them as a gay-friendly clinic. Look to see if they have posters, a rainbow, pamphlets and such in the office that let you know they are gay-friendly and have knowledge regarding your health issues. Don't be embarrassed to use a Public Health Clinic. Our HIV testing is always free, STD testing we ask for $5.00 for Peoria County residents, $20.00 if not, and if you don't have the money you can still be seen. This includes testing and treatment. Why pay $45.00-75.00 at a doctor's office? That money could be used for shirt or nice dinner.

The PowerOnPeoria website has a lot of information about our services. I like to tell clients that if they spend hours working out at the gym every week, then they should be just as concerned about taking care of their sexual health. Also, when they complain or rather not have all the testing done, I ask when they take their vehicle in for service, don't they want everything to be done thoroughly?