The Public Cervix Announcement campaign is rolling out now across Adelaide.

The campaign was created to encourage LGBTIQ people with a cervix – especially those from our transmasc communities – aged between 25 and 74 to have a cervical screening every five years.

Regular cervical screenings prevent nine out of ten cervical cancers. However, research shows many LGBTIQ people with a cervix have never had a cervical screening.

One of the campaign models Zac Cannell, who works in Sexual Health Counselling, said he’d come across confusion and misinformation in the community.

“We did see a bit of misinformation that ‘if you have never had sex with someone with a penis and you identify as someone with a vagina that there’s less reason to screen.’”

“And we know that that’s just not true.”

Zac is keen to help get the right message out.

“I work in sexual health and every day I talk about the importance of sexual and reproductive health and really looking after ourselves,” he said.

“For me, it still does feel a little bit confronting knowing that my image is going to be on a billboard with the word cervix, despite the fact that I am very publicly and obnoxiously trans.”

The campaign is the most recent initiative in a long line from SHINE SA and SAMESH in practicing inclusive health promotion.

“It’s about going ‘if this is what your body does, this is how you should look after it, regardless of who you are,’” said Zac.

“As we’re seeing more positive representation, we’re seeing less internalized stigma towards the community and greater collegiality, which is fantastic.”

For more information on cervical screening for LGBTIQ people, visit the Cancer Council website.

You can hear more from Zac about his work and running the TransHealth SA website on the JOY 94.9 podcast of Well, Well, Well.

Share this news article

Leave a Reply

You may also like…
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2022 The annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held at 57 Hyde Street on 15 May to commemorate the lives lost throughout the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The day provided an opportunity to reflect on community advocacy that began over 40 years ago a... READ
Helping young queer South Australians step out into the community Helping young queer South Australians step out into the community The Stepping Out Workshop series for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men aged 18-30 is starting Saturday 6 May at 57 Hyde Street. We asked Evan (he/they) about his e... READ
From Forgotten to Forefront: Chester Weinberg’s Fashion History and the Fight Against HIV/AIDS Stigma From Forgotten to Forefront: Chester Weinberg's Fashion History and the Fight Against HIV/AIDS Stigma Following Silhouettes: Fashion in the Shadow of HIV/AIDS, SAMESH is again working with The David Roche Foundation to present another world first ex... READ
© SAMESH 2019 - A partnership between SHINE SA & Thorne Harbour Health | Privacy Policy
Website by Fox & Lee - Web Design Melbourne