What Is PrEP..? 2

3.  Gay Men Announcing Their PrEP Use Online
4.  Gay Men Bragging About PrEP In The Saunas 


3.  Gay Men Announcing Their PrEP Use Online

1.   Over the last few months, here in Very Rich Megacity, (and we suspect elsewhere in Western cities with high concentrations of gay men) we've spotted online profiles on Craigslist, chatrooms, escort sites and phone apps where guys seeking M2M hookups gave their stats, a pic and a statement that they were - and are - on PrEP.  

2.   In several cases the guys have gone further by announcing when they were last checked for STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), their current STD, status - AND that they have their latest STD certificate which they are prepared to show. (In some cases, demanding reciprocal disclosure).

3.   Let's be more precise and put it into context.  The hookup ads that we saw were from Western tourists visiting Very Rich Megacity.  They would have obtained PrEP by prescription from doctors in their home countries.

4.   Unless we've missed something, whilst PrEP has been available in Very Rich Megacity since 2014, as at May 2016, PrEP is only available by prescription in private clinics - at a cost of HK$8,500.00 - HK$10,000.00 (US1,080.00 and up) for one month's supply.  The cost is not covered by government subsidy and is not covered by private medical insurance.   That explains why it isn't the local GAMs mentioning PrEP in their online profiles.  They can't afford it. Period.

5.   Let's put it into context again.  In this city, buying a slice of Viagra (under the counter without a prescription) costs about HK$300.00.  Cut it in half and you can get double the mileage.


COMING UP IN PART 3:

4.  Gay Men Bragging About PrEP In The Saunas