The Gay Health Network, LINC, and Dublin Pride have joined forces to launch the 'Proud and Prepared' campaign, a collaborative effort which encourages Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community to prioritise sexual health and well-being during Pride month and throughout the year.

The new campaign aims to tackle the unique challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces. As explained by the organisers, LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges regarding sexual health. This includes limited access to inclusive and knowledgeable healthcare providers, stigma, discrimination, and a lack of education about prevention options.

Dublin Pride 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

The Proud and Prepared campaign addresses some of these challenges by teaching that sexual health and well-being extend beyond safe sex practices to include pleasure, respect, and consent.

Proud and Prepared will connect with Pride Festivals across Ireland throughout the month of June to encourage LGBTQ+ people to care for their sexual well-being. The programme also aims to decrease the stigma and discrimination surrounding sexual health.

The campaign emphasises how regular testing, open communication between partners, and practising preventive measures can contribute to safer and healthier sexual experiences.

🌈Join us in promoting sexual health and well-being in the LGBTQ+ community!

Check out the Proud and Prepared campaign by @man2manIreland @LINCwomen & @DublinPride.

Visit https://t.co/LO9fCau2Bb or https://t.co/uAJU5t18kr#ProudAndPrepared https://t.co/L7jL5q8a0G pic.twitter.com/JXpt233Ajj

— Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre (@Outhouse_Dublin) June 14, 2023

Over the past year, Ireland has seen a dramatic rise in HIV cases. HIV Ireland have called for targeted and strategic preventive measures, such as improved education for younger people to combat the rising numbers of infections.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) offers free at-home testing kits for everyone aged 17 and over in Ireland, encouraging anyone who has STI symptoms or a new sexual partner to get tested.

Dublin Pride’s Colm Molloy designed the inclusive campaign illustrations, which will be displayed across Dublin city centre, as well as other cities in Ireland, throughout the summer months.