善導會 2024-2025年報

/ 專題故事ﾠ FEATURE STORY Service User: Ken Meeting new people on dating apps was part of Ken’s daily life. However, behind his active social interactions, he rarely considered the potential health risks. It wasn't until six years ago, when an outreach staff member from SideBySide's "Project Member Special Mission (MSM) – Health Education for Men who have Sex with Men" contacted him online, that he began to reflect on the importance of safe sex. Ken was invited to Mercury III Centre for free blood tests, including screenings for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. This experience made him realise that protecting his and his partner's health is a responsibility. Since then, he has returned to the centre for testing every year – a commitment he has kept for six years. Growing up in a relatively conservative Chinese society, Ken often faced judgemental stares for being gay. He shared, "When buying lubricants at supermarkets or convenience stores, people would sometimes whisper or give me strange looks, which made me very uncomfortable." SideBySide's Mercury III Centre provided him with a safe space – a place where he could freely access complimentary condoms and purchase necessary items without fear of being judged. Transformation Through Awareness Through regular visits and conversations with staff at the centre, Ken gained valuable knowledge about safe sexual practices. While he previously had to search for answers online, he now receives professional guidance that helps clarify his doubts. This knowledge shifted his perspective on safety, and he began to see condom use as a responsibility – one that ensures peace of mind for both himself and his partners. Ken admits that many people neglect using condoms for convenience or make excuses to avoid them. Dating apps, he notes, are often filled with high-risk encounters. However, with SideBySide's support, he learned to identify risks and prioritise his health and safety. Today, he firmly believes that nothing is more important than staying safe and healthy. Looking ahead, Ken hopes to see more responsible individuals within the LGBTQ community, as ignoring safety can lead to widespread risks. He also wishes for a more inclusive society – one that respects diverse sexual orientations and reduces discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. In such an environment, he believes people would feel more comfortable seeking help without fear of judgement. 服務使用者︰ Ken 在交友程式上認識新朋友 ， 是 Ken 日常生活的 一部分 。 然而 ， 在頻繁的社交背後 ， 他甚少考 慮當中的健康風險 。 直到六年前 ， 善導會 「 會 員特務 」－ 男男性接觸者健康教育計劃的職 員透過網上外展接觸到 Ken ， 邀請他到 「 水銀 星三號中心 」 進行免費血液測試 ， 包括 HIV 、 梅毒及乙型與丙型肝炎檢查 ， 才讓他開始正 視安全性行為的重要性 。 這次檢測亦讓 Ken 反 思到 ， 保障自己與伴侶的健康是一種責任 。 因 此 ， 他每年都會定期到中心接受檢測 ， 至今已 是第六年 。 在華人社會相對保守的環境下 ， Ken 作為同性 戀者 ， 不時感受到外界異樣的目光 。 他舉例︰ 「 在超市或便利店購買潤滑劑時 ， 旁人可能會 竊竊私語或投以奇怪的眼神 ， 讓我感到很不 自在 」。 善導會的 「 水銀星三號中心 」 為他提 供了一個安全的空間 ， 不僅免費派發安全套 ， 還可以讓他自在選購所需物資 ， 無需擔心他 人的評價 。 因認識而轉變 透過定期到中心檢測和與職員的交流 ， Ken 獲 得了更多關於安全性行為的知識 。 以往 ， 他只 能依靠網上資料自行尋找答案 ， 現在則能獲 得專業的指導 ， 解決疑問 。 這些知識改變了他 對安全的看法 ， 他開始認為使用安全套是一 種應有的責任 ， 讓自己和對方都能感到安心 。 Ken 坦言 ， 許多人會因為貪方便或找藉口而拒 絕使用安全套 ， 而交友應用程式上也充斥著 高風險的約會行為 。 但在善導會職員的教育 下 ， 他學會了辨別風險 ， 懂得權衡輕重 。 如今 ， 他認為健康與安全比一切都更重要 。 對於未來 ， Ken 希望同性戀社群中能有更多具 責任心的人 ， 因為一旦忽視安全 ， 風險便會迅 速擴散 。 他亦期盼社會能減少對同性戀者的 歧視 ， 包容並尊重每個人的性取向 ， 讓大家都 能自在地融入社會 ， 無需因害怕被評價而難 以啟齒地尋求協助 。 135 | 2024-2025 | 年報 ANNUAL REPORT HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE 健 | 健康教育服務 | HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE |