Get informed. Get tested.
Health concerns and health care for gay men and women are affected by a number of issues specific to the gay community. Stigma and prejudice still persist in many societies, and research indicates that only 18% to 49% of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people disclose their sexual orientation to their physician.
There is a tremendous amount of information on the internet regarding sexuality and health - both good and bad. We aim to present relevant local information through these pages.
Anonymous Testing
December 2011 Interior Health eliminated all STD testing Clinics in the Okanagan. While you can go to a walk in clinic or see your family doctor for these tests, you will not be able to get anonymous STD testing from those sources. The only place left for anonymous HIV testing is Outreach Urban Health - 455 Leon Ave, Kelowna, BC (250) 868-2230.
There are NO locations that allow for anonymous non HIV STD testing.
There are NO locations for any anonymous testing in Penticton or Vernon.
If you are able to travel to Vancouver, we also highly recommend the services of the Health Initiative for Men - a community-based organization dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of gay men. They have execeptional, non-judgemental staff and offer all testing including Rapid and Early HIV testing.
The BC Centre for Disease Control also has an informative and helfpul website with more clinic locations and information on STIs.
Find out more about health issues at this great site from About.com
http://lgbthealth.healthcommunities.com/
Safe Sex Resources
Safer sex information and resources (protection, etc) can also be found at the following places.
Okanagan Pride Centre,
1476 Water Street, Kelowna, BC,
Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan
168 Asher Road, Kelowna, BC
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Telephone: (778) 753-5830
BC Toll Free: 1-800-616-2437
Living with HIV in Kelowna?
There is an HIV peer support group for gay, bisexual or other Men who have Sex with Men available in Kelowna. We invite you to share your ideas, experiences, hopes and fears in a friendly and confidential environment. Talk, listen and connect with those who can relate.
Want more details? Contact Kevin at LPRC: 778-753-5830, extension 105