Mónica García: Pride Campaign for Fearless Sexuality

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Spain Launches ‘Today Follas Safe’ Campaign Amid Sti Increase

Spain’s Ministry Of Health initiated the ‘Today Follas Safe’ campaign on Monday, emphasizing “sexuality without fear” during LGTBI+ Pride celebrations, prompted by a worrying increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The initiative promotes sexual health as a fundamental right, highlighting prevention and individual, as well as collective care, as forms of freedom.

Promoting Sexual Health and Freedom

Health Minister Mónica García underscored that the campaign centers on sexual health as a right, utilizing combined prevention as a crucial tool alongside individual and collective care to ensure freedom.

“Today you leave sure. Today you enjoy sure. Today you dance. Today, sure leagues. Today, sure,” are the campaign’s core messages, stressing the importance of enjoying Pride celebrations safely through condoms, PrEP, PPE, diagnostic tests, and vaccines.

Designed in collaboration with LGTBI+ groups, the campaign addresses sexual health with a positive and respectful approach, directly countering opposing viewpoints.

García asserted, “Pride is not touched, rights and freedoms do not touch,” vowing to resist attempts to undermine these rights with courage, dignity, and pride.

Prep Access and Hiv Transmission

Since its integration into the public system in 2019, over 34,000 individuals have gained access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. despite this,García acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance understanding,remove access barriers,and improve healthcare personnel’s cultural competence.

according to Julia del Amo, director of the Division for HIV control, STIs, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis, health officials are assessing whether the current number of PrEP users is sufficient to halt HIV transmission.

Moast PrEP beneficiaries are young, Spanish-born gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (HSH) with a high risk of acquiring HIV, frequently enough with completed secondary education and employment.

Did You Know? PrEP, when taken consistently, can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%. Getting tested regularly is key to staying on top of your sexual health.

Sti Statistics and Vulnerable Populations

In 2023, Spain reported 3,196 new HIV diagnoses, 80% of which were attributed to sexual transmission.Heterosexual individuals accounted for 26% of these cases, while 55% occurred among HSH, which asunción Díaz from the National Center for Epidemiology identified as a particularly vulnerable population for HIV and other STIs.

Regarding other STIs, 34,401 gonorrhea cases, 10,879 syphilis cases, and 1,753 venereal lymphogranuloma cases were detected in 2023. Alarmingly, 39% of gonorrhea, 72% of syphilis, and 97% of venereal lymphogranuloma cases were found in HSH men.

Addressing Chemsex and Promoting Testing

Nano García from Mr. Gay Spain highlighted the challenge of reaching the target audience, noting that preventive measures are often overlooked in celebratory environments involving alcohol and drugs. He specifically pointed to Chemsex as a notable issue, particularly among gay men, due to the association of sex with drug use and partying.

Toni Poveda, director of Cesida, praised the first year of envihos, an initiative providing free at-home HIV self-test kits. The program has seen impressive results, with 2,682 kits distributed, led by Madrid (741 tests), Andalusia (511), and Valencia (360).

The typical user is a cisgender homosexual man aged 20 to 35,without a stable partner,who does not use substances during sex. Notably, 21% of users were unsure where to get tested, and 37% had never been tested before, demonstrating the initiative’s success in reaching previously unreached populations.

Poveda emphasized the importance of pleasure and joy in sexual health, stating, “Enjoy, pleasure, is fundamental in our movement.Let’s not lose joy as it is indeed the best form of resistance to the times that come to us.”

Key Sti Statistics From 2023

STI	Cases	Percentage in HSH Men
Gonorrhea	34,401	39%
Syphilis	10,879	72%
Venereal Lymphogranuloma	1,753	97%

The Importance of Safe Sex practices

• Consistent Condom Use: Using condoms correctly and consistently reduces the risk of STI transmission.
• Regular Testing: Regular STI screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment, protecting both individual and public health.
• open Interaction: Honest conversations with partners about sexual health, history, and preferences are essential for building trust and ensuring mutual safety.
• Vaccination: Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV and hepatitis B, offering protection against these infections.
• PrEP for HIV Prevention: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective medication for preventing HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals.

By embracing these practices, individuals can take control of their sexual health and contribute to a healthier community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stis and Safe Sex

What steps do you take to protect your sexual health? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions based on the provided text:

Mónica García: A Champion for Pride and Fearless Sexuality

Celebrating Pride and Advocating for LGBTQ+ Rights

Mónica García, a prominent figure in public service, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and the celebration of Pride. Her work aligns with broader *LGBTQ+ advocacy* efforts and the promotion of inclusivity. A key aspect of this support involves championing policies and initiatives that protect and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. This includes supporting inclusive education, advocating for safe spaces, and promoting access to healthcare for all.

Key Initiatives and Areas of Focus

García’s contributions extend beyond symbolic gestures. She actively engages in various initiatives tailored to foster a more accepting and supportive environment for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. These include:

• Policy Advocacy: Championing legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. This encompasses employment, housing, and public accommodation.
• Community Outreach: Participating in and supporting Pride events and community gatherings, showcasing solidarity and visibility.
• Educational Programs: Promoting inclusive curricula and training programs to educate the community about LGBTQ+ issues and create a better understanding of diversity.

Promoting Fearless Sexuality and Inclusivity

Mónica García’s advocacy extends to supporting *fearless sexuality*, encouraging individuals to embrace their identities without fear or prejudice. This involves challenging societal norms and fostering environments where self-expression and authenticity are celebrated. Moreover,it helps to promote *sexual health* education and resources.

Benefits of Championing Fearless Sexuality

The benefits of fostering a culture of fearless sexuality include:

• Enhanced Mental Health: reducing stress and anxiety related to identity and self-expression.
• Increased Self-Esteem: Promoting self-acceptance and personal empowerment.
• Stronger Community Ties: Creating a more inclusive society where all individuals feel valued.

Impact and Real-World Examples

Mónica García’s efforts have a tangible impact on the community by positively influencing the lives of individuals and organizations. Examples include:

case Study: Restorative Justice in LAUSD

As noted in the search results, implementation of Restorative Justice (RJ) involves promoting inclusive disciplinary practices within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This approach focuses on supporting vulnerable students and aims to create safer, inclusive school environments.

Within the RJ framework, the focus is on addressing conflict with empathy, providing the chance for understanding, and promoting inclusion.

Initiative	Impact	Related Keywords
Restorative Justice Programs	Safer School Environments, Reduced Disciplinary Actions	Restorative Justice, School inclusivity
LGBTQ+ Community Support	Increased Visibility, Community empowerment	LGBTQ Advocacy, Pride

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Specific focus on *LGBTQ+ youth* involves providing safe spaces, support resources, and educational programs. this support helps to combat discrimination and empower the next generation.

Further Resources and Information

To learn more about Mónica García’s work and connect with related organizations, consult the following resources:

• Local LGBTQ+ Community Centers
• Advocacy Organizations
• LAUSD Website for Education programs