Festive parties fuel STI’s

With party season in full swing, a different kind of Christmas single has been released as a reminder of the importance of planning for safer sex when drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Both drink and drugs have been linked to an increased likelihood of unsafe sex and Britons consume 41% more alcohol during the festive season than usual; the greatest increase seen in leading Western countries.

With young people being three times as likely to have unprotected sex when they are drunk compared to when they are sober and gay men being at least twice as likely to report unsafe sex if they take drugs, the single serves as a reminder of the increased risks at this time of year, in the hope that people will plan for safer sex, by carrying condoms and lube, before they party.

Lee Thomas (a.k.a. 4th Child), who has released the single called Lovers & Best Friends, will be donating all the profits to GMFA, a charity at the forefront of HIV prevention for gay men. Gay men remain the group most at risk of being infected with HIV in the UK.

“The first time I recorded Lovers & Best Friends, in 1993, a close friend of mine was diagnosed HIV positive. He has since passed away and rather than let him or anyone else be remembered as just another statistic, I want this record to be for them,” said Lee Thomas. “I now feel strong enough to sing it again and having all the proceeds going to GMFA seems the best and right thing to do with the song.”

In a recent report from the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV drink and drugs were described as a "fuel for a sexual heath crisis", with reduced inhibitions making the likelihood of condoms being worn during sex less likely.

“Although taking drugs and drinking alcohol can play a role in HIV transmission, they are not the cause of HIV. Whether you have been out partying or not, safer sex is the best way to reduce the risks,” said Matthew Hodson, head of Programmes for GMFA.

You can preview Lovers & Best Friends on MySpace and it can also be viewed on YouToutube.com. Downloads are available from: iTunes, Napster, MTV Digital Download Centre, MSN, Tunetribe, Oxfam eMusic, Tiscali Music Downloads and Y! Music Unlimited.