Ballinrobe’s Rory launches HIV testing campaign

GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT THERE?Rory O’Neill, Entertainer and gay rights activist, pictured at the launch of a new HIV awareness campaign encouraging gay and bisexual men in Ireland to know their HIV status by Janssen, in partnership with the gay health Network.?Pic: Robbie Reynolds

Ballinrobe’s Rory launches HIV testing campaign


Ciara Galvin

BALLINROBE native Rory O’Neill, also known as entertainer ‘Panti Bliss’ has launched a HIV testing campaign and a new online locator map on Man2Man.ie.
The online locator makes it easy for everyone to find a free HIV or STI testing centre in their local area.
At the launch Rory spoke about his own personal experience of HIV saying: “As someone who is HIV positive and leads a healthy life, I would encourage everybody to get tested. Testing is essential to prevent the spread of HIV, it also ensures that people who are HIV positive get the treatment they need early and can go on to lead a productive and normal life.”
Janssen in partnership with the Gay Health Network has launched the campaign to stress the importance of knowing your HIV status. The campaign Know The Score: Get Tested! aims to encourage gay and bisexual men in Ireland to get tested or to retest for HIV, and to stress the advantage of knowing your HIV status.
In partnership with the Gay Health Network Man2Man.ie programme and Dublin AIDS Alliance, Janssen has created a new online locator map which shows exactly where you can get a free HIV or STI test in Ireland. The map includes the addresses, contact details, opening hours and appointment types for each centre. The map and information can be viewed on www.Man2Man.ie and also onwww.dublinaidsalliance.ie.
Rory performed his near sell-out show ‘High Heels in Low Places’ in Vicar Street, Dublin and Cork Opera House at the weekend and will also be performing the show at the Galway Arts Festival on July 22 and 23 next.