A huge crush of celebrants enjoyed announcements, drink specials, appetizers, and dancing. It was so crowded that dancing was really more like people rubbing up against each other. The HIV Research Section of the SF Department of Public Health wanted to thank their supporters with a Gratitude Celebration at one of The Castro’s favorite bars for their efforts on the Prepare Study. Guests Supervisor Bevan Dufty and activist/author/sexual health expert Frank Strona were joined by special guests Garza Peru and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. 

The Prepare Study is a new HIV prevention effort for gay and bi men that uses the common HIV medication  Truvada to test if it is effective in preventing new HIV infections. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is the term used for this method of using medications to prevent HIV. It is a global study that the SFDPH is conducting locally, and a total of 3,000 gay and bi men worldwide are to be recruited. 

For more information at the SFDPH HIV Research Section:  (415)554 8888 and http:www.preparesf.org

Pictured: Garza Peru, Sister Gladys and SF Health Commission chair Jim Illig joing Gavin Morrow-Hall and his Prepare Study crew at the party.