The AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County (ACG) has developed an app to help confront homophobia and spread awareness about HIV transmission.
The iPhone app, titled H3: Halt Homophobia & HIV, gives witty comebacks to homophobic slurs/phrases, answers questions about HIV transmission, and even has a quiz which can rate your level of homophobia.
Homophobia is a real problem in our society, with real consequences for those who experience it. Experiencing homophobia has been linked to homelessness, depression, and risk of HIV and other STIs.
“Utilizing technology such as this iPhone app allows us to address homophobia and HIV stigma which we know are key factors in reducing HIV transmission,” said Tom Hammond, executive director of the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County.
ACG board president Tony Macerollo, when asked about the app, said, “This is yet one of many remarkable accomplishments of ACG and I encourage all to try it out. This is about testing your fears and where there is fear, there is no love. And don’t despair if you don’t get the score you wanted, reflect on it and remember there is such a thing as internalized homophobia”.
In order to share this app with as many people as possible, the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Wellington County is having an app release party on Jan. 31 at 8:30pm, upstairs at the Albion Hotel (49 Norfolk). The release party is pairing up with the Albion’s unofficial “queer night” in hopes of reaching a wide audience.
“This app is for everyone, is easy to use, and is a great way to challenge homophobia and learn about HIV transmission,” said ACG positive prevention coordinator, Olivia Kijewski. “Both the app and the launch party are great ways to open up needed discussion around homophobia and HIV, but in a light and fun manner.”
The party will have music, dancing, interactive app demonstrations and prizes.
The party is an age of majority event. Admission is free to attend before 11pm. The Albion’s resident DJs, “Gosh Damn” will start at their usual time, to encourage the crowd to stay and dance the night away.
To download the free app visit aidsguelph.org/app.
