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Canadian officials issue health alert for gay men
Health officials in the Canadian province of British Columbia have issued a health alert after documenting an outbreak of type C meningococcal meningitis among gay men.

Six cases of the potentially fatal disease, including three fatal ones, have been identified among gay men since October.

Although very few people exposed to the bacteria will develop meningococcal disease, the infection can be very serious, sometimes causing brain damage or death. The provincial Centre for Disease Control is recommending meningococcal vaccinations for all gay men living in the area, including teenagers.

Locals and visitors in British Columbia, particularly the city of Vancouver, have been warned about the danger of kissing strangers as the bacteria is easily spread via saliva by sharing drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, and cigarettes. Health officials also urged gay men to use condoms during oral sex to prevent transmission of the bacteria and to avoid sexual activities that share saliva.

Common symptoms of meningococcal infection include high fever, headache, and stiff neck, all of which can develop suddenly. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness, and discomfort when looking into bright lights. The incubation period for meningococcal disease is two to 10 days; people exposed to the bacteria who do not become ill after 10 days are no longer at risk for the infection.

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Gay and straight men alike in body image hang-ups

Contrary to conventional wisdom, a new research has indicated that both gay and heterosexual men are equally likely to aspire to an unattainable body type, or to harbour a distorted image of their actual body.

Author Dr Armand Hausmann told Reuters that their findings published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in November revealed that gay men have no more "hang ups" about their appearance than their straight counterparts, defying the belief that gay men are more likely to adopt a "feminine gender identity," that gay culture places a high emphasis on body image, and that gay men have generally lower self-esteem.

For the study, Dr Hausmann's asked 37 gay men, 49 heterosexual men and 24 heterosexual men with eating disorders to complete a computerised test about body image.

The participants were asked to alter a drawing of a man using fat and muscle to produce images that represented their perception of their own bodies, the bodies they would like to have, the bodies of the average man, and the bodies most appealing to men or women.

The study found that heterosexual and gay men without eating disorders were equally likely to have unrealistic body images - meaning they want bodies that are difficult or impossible to achieve - or to have a distorted body image, in which they misperceived their actual shape. However, men with eating disorders were more likely than the other two groups to have body image distortions, providing some clues about eating disorders in men.

He said that the findings indicate that distorted body perception, rather than body ideal, may be central to eating disorders in men and suggested that gay men may simply be more "open" about their bodies, allowing them to freely discuss their concerns.

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New Zealand gay club suspects arsonist
A popular gay nightclub in central Auckland was the target of a suspected firebomb that forced about 20 staff and patrons to flee unharmed through an emergency exit of Flesh nightclub on Monday night.

According to the New Zealand Herald, witnesses saw bursting flames and glass exploding from the three-storey building in O'Connell St housing the nightclub about 11.15pm. Club owner Nicholas, who did not want to give his surname, said the fire, which started in the entrance and caused considerable fire and smoke damage, was "definitely" the work of an arsonist.

A detective from the combined investigation unit, said police was treating the fire as suspicious and waiting for a fire safety report to determine the cause. She added that the police was unaware of any threats to the gay community.

Early registration deadline nearing for Chicago Gay Games
Chicago organisers of the Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival are reminding worldwide LGBT athletes and artists that early registration for the 2006 quadrennial sports and culture event closes on Friday, December 31. Registration is available online at www.gaygames.org or by calling (773) 907-2006. On January 1 the base registration fee for Gay Games VII increases from US$125 to US$175. The additional sports and cultural event fees remain the same, ranging from US$35 to US$124. The sailing event has now reached capacity, and the golf competition is filling up quickly. Gay Games VII will take place 15-22 July 2006 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

All are eligible to participate. There are no qualifiers. Athletes and artists that are beginners to recreational, masters to elite levels, are welcome at the Gay Games.

Visit www.gaygameschicago.org for more info.

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