From: MPetrelis@aol.com Date: Sat, 8 Nov 1997 10:35:47 -0500 (EST) Subject: SF Stop AIDS Project: Condoms FINALLY available in gay bars PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Contacts: 415.621.7177 Friday, November 7, 1997 Steven Gibson, x.258 Robert A. Pérez, x.236 C O N D O M S N O W ! ! STOP AIDS Distributes Over 150,000 Condom in First 6 Weeks of New Program; Gay & Bi Men Are Snatching Them Up Left & Right at Their Favorite Bars & Clubs San Francisco -- In just six weeks, the STOP AIDS Project has successfully distributed over 150,000 condoms to 71 bars, clubs and retail stores as a part of its new program to offer free condoms year round to gay and bisexual men. Gay and bi men are eagerly helping themselves to the free condoms. The new program represents one of the most successful collaborations to date between businesses and a community based organization. "It's refreshing to see that there are 71 businesses in San Francisco that are demonstrating a true commitment to keeping their customers safe," stated Steven Gibson, a Community Organizer with the STOP AIDS Project. "The participating businesses recognize that it not only makes good business sense, but that it's the right thing to do for the community that they serve." Added Gibson, "It's also exciting to see that the condoms are not staying in their containers, but are making it into the hands, pockets and bedrooms of gay and bi men in San Francisco." Condoms began being distributed the week before this year's Folsom Street Fair. During the first distribution cycle, STOP AIDS gave out 81,504 condoms to businesses. With huge numbers of men flooding bars, dance clubs and retail stores during the Folsom and Castro Street Fairs, gay and bi men were snatching up the free condoms at a rapid pace. STOP AIDS staff and volunteers hit the streets before the Halloween weekend rush to deliver another 82,515 condoms, bringing the total to 156,528. In October of last year, community activists and newspaper editors began demanding a year-round free condom distribution program targeted at gay and bisexual men when it was discovered that free condoms weren't widely available in bars during the Folsom Street Fair. The Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisors Leslie Katz, Tom Ammiano and Susan Leal, quickly followed suit calling for such a program. Based on three years of success by STOP AIDS at mobilizing businesses through its Neighborhood Mobilization Program, the AIDS Office responded by rewarding STOP AIDS with $150,000 in grant money with the goal of distributing over 1 million condoms over one year's time. In a tribute to the community activism that fostered its creation, STOP AIDS named the new program "condoms now!". Michael Petrelis, one of the community activists who led the effort to get condoms into the bars, applauded the success of the program and called for its continued funding. "I hope the AIDS Office will permanently fund this necessary project. I applaud the collaboration between the STOP AIDS Project and the bar owners. Condoms in the bars remind all of us that sex is good and that the AIDS crisis is not over," said Michael Petrelis, a member of ACT UP Golden Gate. -30- What People Are Saying About condoms now! "Our customers have said it best: 'It's about time!'. Hurray for STOP AIDS!" Tyler Saur Kimo's, in the Polk "The condom distribution program represents an outstanding achievement for San Francisco. The STOP AIDS Project has implemented a program through which free condoms can effectively be distributed to a large number of gay and bisexual men. This effort has built a partnership with businesses that is a model for community based prevention efforts in San Francisco and across the country. I applaud their success and will continue to strongly support this type of community-based effort." Leslie Katz, Member Board of Supervisors City and County of San Francisco "The condom distribution program is long overdue, and is a step in the right diretion to combat AIDS in San Francisco. We are addressing the problem where we can make an impact, that is, in the bars." Susan Leal, Treasurer-Elect City and County of San Francisco "We need to have fun, but we need to have smart fun. I think that people should not hesitate to take more than one. These condoms are there for them and they shouldn't be shy about it. I find myself giving them to my customers. I want them to be smart out there. Life is too short and things have changed. We need to take care of ourselves and each other." Paula Madness, Bartender The Café, in the Castro "Having free condoms in our bar sends a very clear message to our customers that we're concerned about their health and about stopping AIDS." Gerry Olson, General Lone Star Saloon, in SOMA "The condom program is excellent and our customers are very happy. They feel more secure. They know that they can really take someone home and be safe. And, they don't have to be embarrassed about buying condoms in stores." Manuel Quijano, Owner Esta Noche, in the Mission ••••• The STOP AIDS Project is a community-based HIV prevention program by and for positive and negative gay and bisexual men of all ages and colors. The Project, established in 1984, remains true to its founding mission - to develop and implement a community organizing project for self-identified gay and bisexual men in San Francisco which seeks to reduce HIV-transmission and lessen the adverse effects of the HIV epidemic on the community. STOP AIDS continues to serve as a pioneer and model for HIV-prevention activities nationally and worldwide.