UW Conference Explores New Strategies for HIV Prevention

Because traditional approaches to at-risk sexual behavior have not succeeded in reducing the risk of HIV infection, a conference will be held Oct. 27-28 at UW–Madison called “Crossing Boundaries, Building Bridges: New Strategies for Preventing HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men.”

The interactive two-day conference, scheduled for UW–Madison’s Memorial Union, is an effort to improve HIV prevention practice. It brings together the resources of UW–Madison and the prevention professionals who work with young men who have sex with other men.

Participants, core faculty and major speakers will explore the dynamics and patterns of sexual risk behaviors among young gay and bisexual men and translate a broader view of behavior into humane, workable HIV prevention strategies.

Keynote speakers include:

• Gabriel Rotello, columnist and author of “Sexual Ecology: AIDS and the Destiny of Gay Men”
• Michelangelo Signorile, journalist and author of “Life Outside: The Signorile Report on Gay Men”
• Eric Rofes, activist and author of “Reviving the Tribe”
• Dr. Richard P. Keeling, director of University Health Services and professor of medicine at UW–Madison

Rofes, Rotello and Signorile will read from their works and sign books Monday, Oct. 27, from 8:30-10 p.m. at Memorial Union. The event is free and open to the public.

Registration fee for the conference is $75. A limited number of scholarships are available. For a conference brochure and registration form, call Patrice Flax at 262-8635 or send e-mail to pflax@facstaff.wisc.edu and include your name, address and phone number.

The conference is sponsored by University Health Services, UW–Madison; AIDS Network, Madison; AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; New Harvest Foundation; UW–Madison Lectures Committee; Canterbury Booksellers, Madison; Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Alumni Council; UW–Madison Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Campus Center; Ten Percent Society, UW–Madison; Faculty Senate Committee on Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues, UW–Madison; and United Migrant Opportunity Services.