Abstract:
This paper reports on the project design of research developed to expand HIV prevention programmes at Mplus+, a grass roots community-based organisation formed to improve the sexual health of men that have sex with men (MSM), including transgenders, and male sex workers (MSW). The goal of the project, funded by the Australian Association of AIDS Organisations (AFAO), is to produce animations aimed at increasing understandings of safe sex practices and addressing low perceptions of personal risk. MSM are not adequately reached through HIV prevention programmes in Thailand most likely because little is known about their particular situations, contexts and practices. To address this, the project is first researching the sexual practices of MSM and Thai and migrant male sex workers (MSW) to focus on understanding their sexual practices as they are socially produced in terms of their impact on current HIV prevention programmes at Mplus+. The second phase of the project is devoted to using the data generated from the sociological research to develop multimodal educational resources (animations, vod/pod casts and other digital and print-based multimedia) with the MSM and MSW with whom the research is carried out. This kind of collaborative research has the potential to build stronger alliances between MSM and MSW (of all genders) and could improve advocacy efforts around sexual health and rights, particularly in relation to HIV prevention. The animations will ultimately be incorporated into Mplus+'s already established and trusted HIV prevention programme via Ipods, mobile phones and mobile-based portable devices.