LGF Quickie 16 - The Sauna

[@LGBTFoundation]

In our experience, the saunas are well kept, staffed, discreet, safe and warm, which is why they are often a preferential choice for men to meet other sexual partners. If someone chooses to use a sauna, this doesn’t automatically mean they have many sexual partners. Similarly, having multiple partners does not necessarily mean that a person has STIs, particularly if they’ve been reducing their risks by having safer sex and getting tested regularly.

[@hiphopman610]

Sounds like I need to visit when things go back to “normal” soon

[@stuket100]

I'm thinking of going to splash in Leicester but I've never been before

[@LGBTFoundation]

Firstly, I think it’s important to point out that this informational video wasn’t sponsored by a sauna and neither was it an advert for saunas. We get asked very often about saunas and their environment and thought this was a great way to show those who are curious how the services run. Also, we know that men will meet other men in this setting and we have a responsibility to react to this and give them the best service we can.

[@LGBTFoundation]

Hello salfordguy69, we've got a response from Stacey Adams, our Sexual Health Manager, about your comment. As with your other comment our response will have to be put up in a few parts.

[@LGBTFoundation]

We provide condoms and lube sachets to saunas in Greater Manchester to make sure men have every opportunity to stay safe, and the saunas are very active in promoting this programme. Sexual health screening is an important part of looking after your health if you’re sexually active and even if people are consistently using condoms and lube, no sex is 100% safe, so people still need to get tested.

[@gaminginspace7731]

What's the age group

[@salfordguy69]

With the coroners report on a Manchester sauna today in the Mancunian, Pink News etc, do you not think you should do another video highlighting the dangers of going to saunas? Your statement "saunas are safe clean environments not riddled with STIs" is not the reality. As a healthcare organisation do you not have a responsibility to warn of the real dangers of visiting saunas?

[@salfordguy69]

Many thanks for your extensive reply. I stand by my comment. I understand you have to be non judgemental but a more accurate portrayal of saunas would help to inform young impressionable gay men about the dangers of going to gay saunas. Stating saunas are "not riddled with STIs" is misleading, inaccurate and down right dangerous to say. Young gay men are the fastest growing group to become HIV positive and should be encouraged to develop relationships rather than anonymous sex with strangers, which can become addictive.

[@danielhooper502]

then it is the customers that have them? a building wont give you the clap lol

[@johnmccabejhon702]

Okay

[@LGBTFoundation]

We provide a non-judgemental sexual health service offering information on a wide range of subjects to cater for the needs of a wide range of service users. If someone chooses to access a sauna or have multiple partners this does not mean that they have STIs, although they could be putting themselves at risk which is why we always make sure we reinforce the messages that use of condoms and water based lube alongside regular testing are the best ways to keep you and your partner(s) safer. Stacey

[@club_pittsburgh]

[@salfordguy69]

Surely as a Healthcare organisation you should be campaigning for gay saunas to be closed for the health of gay men after these revelations?

[@LGBTFoundation]

Thank you again for you comments and it’s great to see that members of our community show such a passion for the safety and wellbeing of their peers. It’s always necessary to highlight what the dangers actually are with regards to any kind of public sex but while this is contained in a safe, warm, staffed environment (like a sauna) then surely there has to be a preference for this as opposed to outdoor ‘public area’ cruising which can have heightened levels of risk, both with regards to personal safety and the law. There are of course dangers associated with substance misuse as well as the risks of unprotected sex but it is important to remember that these dangers are present just as much in any other environment if this activity is being engaged in. In our experience there is little risk with entering a sauna and using the facilities. As a health and wellbeing charity we campaign extensively around the importance of proper condom use, risk reduction methods with regards to STIs and HIV and we highlight the potential risks of substances and their usage. We also stand by our mission statement of empowering people. This means allowing them to make decisions around the activities they wish to partake in and we support them and encourage them to do this safely. If you have any further questions or concerns feel free to email [e-mail] and thanks again for your feedback.