ACON

09/06/2026

“We celebrate Kane Evans’ incredible courage in coming out as gay, demonstrating the power of sport to transform lives.”

“As a former Fijian international and NRL player, Kane has spoken about the mental health impact of hiding his sexuality over many years. His willingness to share this shows real bravery, but it’s also proof of what happens when sport gets inclusion right.”

“Kane’s journey in rugby league shows both how far the sport has come and the challenges that remain. His honesty matters because it reveals the profound difference sport can make when it creates genuine belonging.”

“For the next generation, Kane’s visibility proves LGBTQ people have always belonged in rugby league. Seeing someone like him represent his community at the highest level helps make the sport more inclusive. This is transformative, and it shows what sport can do when it embraces everyone.”

“We commend Kane’s extraordinary courage and thank him for sharing his story and the personal cost of silence. His decision will make a difference in making rugby league more welcoming for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. But this moment is bigger than one player. It shows the real power of sport to change lives.” - Pride in Sport National Program Manager Ben Cork

Read the full statement from Pride in Sport here ➡ acon.org.au/about-acon/latest-news/ -in-sport-statement-on-former-nrl-and-fiji-international-player-kane-evans

08/06/2026

Because of you, people like Suman can find vital connection and support. A space where they can belong.

“I found ACON’s counselling and the LOVE Project at a time when my mental health was fragile, and I felt isolated as an older q***r person. What I found instead was care that truly understood me.”

Please give generously before 30 June to help fund vital and affirming peer support, counselling and community health services.

You can make sure the next person like Suman can get the support they need. Your gift could be life-changing.

Donate today: https://www.fundraisewithacon.org.au/tax-appeal?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=tax_appeal&utm_content=organic_post

05/06/2026

SUSAN SOLOMON was a volunteer at ACON in the 1980s, before working in San Francisco and later Singapore on HIV prevention programs. She tells her story in her new book - it's a remarkable memoir of exile, activism and global HIV advocacy.

In the early days of HIV/AIDS, when fear and stigma dominated, Susan chose not to look away. "The book is a reflection of my determination to pursue prevention programs and help save lives," she explains. "I hope this story offers you some insight into the struggles and the profound loss experienced by so many people in the prime of their lives."

Susan's book is available to order at the link below, and for any enquiries, she can be contacted via email at [email protected].

https://parnassusbooks.net/book/9781764139441

04/06/2026

Have your say on HIV cure research!

We’re inviting people living with HIV to take part in a research survey about preferences for future HIV cure treatments and cure-related clinical trials. Your experiences and perspectives are essential — they help ensure HIV cure research is designed in ways that are ethical, acceptable, and meaningful to the community.

🕒 Takes 15 minutes
🔒 Anonymous & confidential
💬 Led by researchers committed to community-informed HIV cure research

Take the survey below:
👉 monash.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Q2H6u9h6nbD87I

Please share with others who may be interested! Monash University Study ID: 50379

04/06/2026

Curious about hookups? 🍆 Want to feel more confident on the apps? 🍑

Finding Mr. Right Now is a free 3-hour masterclass for Gay, Bi+, and Q***r guys.

When = Tuesday 23rd June 6.30-9.30PM
Where = ACON 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
Cost = FREE!

Register via link ➡ onlineforms.acon.org.au/261507233354856

04/06/2026

Here’s how to tell the difference between a hate crime or hate incident, plus your options for reporting.

If you feel safe and supported to report, it can help inform better responses and support for our communities.

Support is available through ACON or another trusted mental health or community service.

03/06/2026

One of the most vital voices in contemporary music and literature, Kae Tempest is back in Sydney for Vivid on 9 June for one night only. 🩵🩷🤍

Get your tix here ➡️ cityrecitalhall.com/whats-on/events/kae-tempest/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-03/kae-tempest-interview-transitioning-australia-self-titled/106750532

Poet, rapper, musician, playwright and novelist Kae Tempest is a prodigious polymath. It wasn't until he affirmed his gender that he connected with his true self.

03/06/2026

ACON’s next Yap Sesh: Community Story Sharing event is on Thursday 18th June in Mt Druitt!

If you’re a Multicultural and/or CALD Westie who loves to yap – this is your sign to come along.

Join us to chat to your community and get some story telling inspiration – plus, of course, a free feed.

Head here to sign up ➡ onlineforms.acon.org.au/261378190238865

02/06/2026

HIV TESTING WEEK
Newtown Pop-Up

FREE HIV and STI screening
2:30pm-5:30pm, Wednesday 3 June

Pride Square, Newtown
Opposite Newtown train station

01/06/2026

Are you nonbinary or genderq***r? I am seeking interview participants for my research project on nonbinary bodies and embodiment across Australia.

Open to anyone who self-identifies as nonbinary, genderq***r, or would describe their identity as between/outside/beyond the gender binary; is aged 16+; and currently resides in Australia.

Participation involves first completing a short screening questionnaire and if you are selected, a 1–2-hour semi-structured interview. There is also an optional social media photo activity that takes place during the interviews that will discuss gender expression and self-representation across space and time.

If you are interested in this project, please click the link to complete the screening questionnaire and express your interest!

➡ surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3l5VIUGocuQhiyq?Q_CHL=qr

01/06/2026

Free, Fast & Private

This HIV Testing Week (1-7 June), test your health in private with a free HIV self-test kit. Results take 15 minutes.

All you need is a mobile number or email address.

Find out more ➡ mytest.health.nsw.gov.au/en-US/

01/06/2026

What an incredible night!

Last week, ACON hosted SOLD OUT: ACON's Deadly Trivia Night! at The Beresford for Reconciliation Week, raising vital funds for the important work of our First Nations Health Programs. This was our third Deadly Trivia, and the energy in the room was as powerful and uplifting as ever.

We were also thrilled to auction a beautiful artwork generously donated by the deadly Keegan Forbes alongside prizes from legends such as Ngurrbul, Clothing The Gaps, Tony Albert, Gali Swimwear, Belvoir Theatre and Merivale. Thank you all so much for donating and contributing to this event.

Our entertainment on the night was the showstopping El Beauty and co-hosts Matty Mills and Program Manager Jinny-Jane Smith had everyone in stitches. All together we raised over $2.8k for our program and all the work we do for LGBTQ+ Sistergirl Brotherboy mob and mob living with HIV.

Thank you everyone! We hope to see you at the next Deadly Trivia, keep your eyes open for future events as well.

Photos by Zoe Hyland ._media

29/05/2026

ACON has a partnership with Dementia Australia and is proud to promote their new LGBT+ Hub for safe and inclusive resources on dementia. From navigating aged care, finding affirming doctors, supporting community connections and more.

Please visit ➡️ dementia.org.au/lgbt-people-and-dementia

Resources and links on affirming, inclusive dementia support, connection and information, tailored for the Australian LGBT+ community.

29/05/2026

Do you have a Will? Have you chosen a Power of Attorney? Have you thought about Advance Care Planning? Who is your Superannuation beneficiary?

LGBTQ+ people, PLHIV, carers and friends are invited to an online workshop exploring legal tips and end of life decisions, with an optional in-person consultation with a Seniors Rights Service legal expert. Join us online and learn the essentials to keeping your wishes and loved ones protected in the later stages of life, and how Seniors Rights Service can support you.

Legal Tips and End of Life Decisions

Date: Tuesday 16 June
Time: 12pm to 1pm
REGISTER HERE ➡️ loveproject.org.au/lgbtq_legal_planning_workshop

If you are unable to attend this event but would like to be contacted about future events, contact Zoe Hinton E: [email protected] ph: 02 9206 2126

Funded by the NSW Ministry of Health, supported by Seniors Rights Service and hosted by ACON’s LOVE Project.

28/05/2026

Join us for an evening of meeting new friends, connecting and hanging out, with board games, Nintendo, Mahjong and more! 👾

June is Pride Month, a celebration of our rainbow community. We’ve got some Pride themed trivia, games and prizes this month - and we’d love for you to join the celebrations! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🦄

We’ll provide the food and games, you just need to bring yourself (plus-ones are welcome!), your game-face, and that winning attitude 😈

THE DEETS:

Date: Wednesday 3rd June.
Time: 18:00 - 21:30
Location: ACON (414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills)
Who: Ages 18-26 Gay, Bi+ and Q***r men (and their friends)
Cost: Free! Catering provided.

Register through the link:

➡ sparkonline.org.au/gamesnight

28/05/2026

Read more of our statement about the release of the NSW HIV Strategy 2026-2030 here:

➡ acon.org.au/about-acon/latest-news/ -action-is-needed-to-continue-success-on-hiv

27/05/2026

This DFV Awareness Day, we stand with LGBTQ+ communities and name what too often goes unseen: domestic and family violence can include control, fear, humiliation, isolation, and abuse tied to someone’s sexuality or gender.

You are not alone, and you deserve support that is safe, inclusive, and affirming. ACON and Say It Out Loud are here.

➡ acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/domestic-family-violence/
➡ sayitoutloud.org.au

26/05/2026

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week - a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year's theme, 'All In', reflects a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

'All In' makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change. The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' rights isn't a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

In the 2026 campaign, created in collaboration with Carbon Creative (a First Nations-owned and operated marketing and creative agency), renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey has applied his distinctive style to create a colourful and optimistic visual representation of people from all walks of life being 'all in' to make change.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Find out more ➡ reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

26/05/2026

Sweat With Pride is happening this June Pride Month! Join ACON’s team of Sweaty Bettys to get sweaty, raise funds and strengthen rainbow communities 🥇🏃🏽‍♂️🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍⚧️

25/05/2026

Today we observe National Sorry Day. We remember and acknowledge the grief, suffering and injustice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families, country and culture.

We pay our respects to the Stolen Generations.

We recognise that this historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for First Nation families, communities and people.

🖤💛❤️ 💚🩵🤍

22/05/2026

Diversity Day Grants Applications Now EXTENDED!!

We’re giving y’all an extra week to apply for a grant of $1,000 to host an event that celebrates LGBTQ+ Days of Significance or centers LGBTQ+ communities in Cultural Days.

Head here to learn more and apply:
➡️ onlineforms.acon.org.au/261030590642045

Applications close Sunday 31 May 2026

21/05/2026

ACON has a partnership with Dementia Australia and is proud to promote their new LGBT+ Hub for safe and inclusive resources on dementia. From navigating aged care, finding affirming doctors, supporting community connections and more.

Please visit dementia.org.au/lgbt-people-and-dementia

Dementia affects le***an, gay, bi+ and trans people in the same way as the broader community. Explore resources designed for LGBT+ communities.

21/05/2026

Silver Sessions invites older LGBTQ+ women to join us for an afternoon of exploration, discussion and crafting at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Come along to Art Gallery of NSW located on Gadigal land to explore the Biennale of Sydney Exhibition. Spend the day exploring artworks included in the Biennale, including a chance to view and discuss select artworks up close, followed by a workshop at the Learning Studio where you can create your own masterpiece!

Silver Sessions is a partnership between the City of Sydney and ACON, hosting events for LGBTQ+ women aged 50+.

Date: Saturday 6 June 2026
Time: 2:00pm - 4:15pm
Location: Naala Badu Building, Art Gallery Road, The Domain

Register at the link or email Sarah Asthana Badewitz ([email protected]) to secure your spot!

➡️ onlineforms.acon.org.au/261121090713040

20/05/2026

UPDATE: Next Thursday's Deadly Trivia Night is now SOLD OUT! Thank you to everyone who booked. See you at trivia! ❤

SOLD OUT: ACON's Deadly Trivia Night!

If you've already booked and have event enquiries, please email [email protected].

20/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the Sydney Candlelight Memorial 2026 on Sunday at the Collider venue on Pitt Street.

It was a poignant and moving service. City of Sydney Councilor Yvonne Weldon welcomed us to Country, and Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre Director David Lewis was the keynote speaker, sharing a history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With the kind assistance of the Powerhouse team, a panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt was on display.

We treasure our memories of those we've lost, and recall the light they brought into the world. We will never forget them. This event is produced in partnership with Positive Life NSW. Photos by Deep Field Photography.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Sydney Candlelight Memorial on Sunday 17 May at the Collider venue on Pitt Street. It was a poignant and moving service. With the kind assistance of the Powerhouse team, a panel of the AIDS Memorial Quilt was on display. City of Sydney Councilor Yvonne Weldon welcomed us to Country, and Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre Director David Lewis was the keynote speaker, sharing a history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We treasure our memories of those we've lost, and recall the light they brought into the world. We will never forget them. This event is produced in partnership with Positive Life NSW. Photography by Mark Dickson.