Sex can be described, as in George Micheal's song, "physical... natural... [and]... pleasurable... Everybody's doing it," but does everyone know what they are doing and are they ready for it? For many Asian-Canadian Men who have sex with Men (ACMSM), sex is still a mystery. In our society, there are barriers that prevent people to either have access to the right information or to have received inaccurate information. One of the barriers is the homophobia in mainstream and Asian communities. For example, in some Asian-Canadian families, there is an unspoken rule that sex should not be discussed and it is even more difficult when the topic is about safer sex for ACMSM. In school, the information is very general and usually does not take the racial and cultural aspects into account. For most religious schools, the information about gay sex is limited and the message usually comes with a moral overtone such as masturbation is bad, homosexuality acts are sinful and usage of condom is not encouraged. However, studies have shown that if used correctly, a latex condom can effectively reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and other sexual transmitted diseases

Moreover, as people of colour in Canada, ACMSM has to deal with the systematic racism in the general society and gay community. For example, in North American gay media, positive gay Asian images are usually under represented. However, when it is presented, Asian men are portrayed in a stereotype, such as subserviant and helpless. This myth is very harmful because if an individual internalizes these messages, it will prevent him from asking what he needs when negotiating safer sex with his partner. Even though the Asian population in Canada has increased in the last decade, there is still a lack of materials and resources. There is a definite need for such materials about sex and safer sex that are appropriate for ACMSM, who have limited or no English skills. There is also a need for published information for Asian male as a whole.

So, what has been done to address some of these issues? There are specific groups that provide services and support for ACMSM. Gay Asians Toronto (GAT) is an invaluable group for advocacy and social support. Asian Lesbian, Gay, Bi Peer Support Services (ALPSS) is a volunteer peer support counselling group. Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) has ACMSMS program that focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention and safer sex education.

Since the topic is on sex and safer sex, the focus of this article will be on ACAS' gay men's education and outreach program. For its part, ACAS' gay men's projects have developed innovative projects to educate Asian Men about sex and safer sex. For example, ACAS has produced a condom match book campaign, It's Your Body, It Your Call. In addition of it being used as an educational tool for outreach to Asian- Canadian men in Toronto, the new condom match book contains several important messages.

1. This campaign advocates that ACMSM have choices. They can be assertive and make decisions for themselves. The slogan "It's your body, It's your call" was choosen to encourage the ACMSM to make an informed decision about their sexual behaviour with themselves and with their partners. They have the choice to use condoms to protect themselves against infection of diseases if they are negative status or reinfection of other diseases that may cause more complication for their immune systems if they are HIV positive.
2. The condom match book is to promote safer sex practices. The new condom match book had an illustration of putting on condoms correctly in three different languages (English, Vietnamese and Chinese). By including it in the condom match book in different languages, it will make the information more accessible to those who are unable to read in English. It is also a friendly reminder for everyone else to continue in particing safer sex. The reason for this information is based on the feedback from the "97 ACAS Men Sex Survey, which had indicated that many respondants" partners are still having problems using condoms correctly. This free condom match book has been distributed at establishments and social events that are frequently visited by ACMSM.
3. This campaign promotes a positive image of ACMSM. All of the (volunteer) models on the cover of the match book are Asian men. The cover has a nude model (there are four different models with various body types) "striking a pose" as a sensual individual who is proud of his body. The purpose is to give a message to ACMSM in the community that they are attractive sexual beings despite their HIV status. No matter what an individual's body type is, such as a body with "washboard" abs or "love-handles", he should be proud of his own body. By providing a positive image, it will help others realize that they, too, can feel good about themselves and will take better care of their own bodies, such as practicing safer sex and staying healthy.

In combating these issues, organizations such as GAT, ALPSS and ACAS are only one component in advocating support and promoting positive images of ACMSM. ACAS' condom match book demonstrates the on-going efforts to promote awareness among ACMSM in the Asian communities and in the gay communities. However, individuals can make significant changes within our society. By getting involved with community groups and educating themselves about issues of sex, practicing safer sex, homophobia and racism, individuals will have the knowledge to make informed decisions for themselves. After all, "it's your body, it's your call."

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