A cross Ireland, LGBTQ+ people come together to march, dance, protest and simply be themselves during Pride season. Pleasure, intimacy and connection can be important parts of that as well. Looking after your sexual health is not about judgment, shame or being told what to do. It is about having information, support and practical tools to make choices that feel right for you, while looking after your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
There is no single approach that works for everyone. People’s experiences, relationships and circumstances are different. There are, however, some simple ways to support your health during Pride season and beyond.
Stay connected to sexual health services
Sexual health is about more than testing. It can include vaccination, HIV prevention, condoms, mental wellbeing, relationships and having somewhere to turn for advice or support when needed. Many sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, can have no noticeable symptoms. Staying connected to sexual health services and understanding your options can be an important part of looking after yourself. Free sexual health services are available across Ireland, including STI testing, HIV prevention, vaccination, mental wellbeing supports and confidential advice. If something feels off, or if you simply want reassurance, reaching out early can help.
Know your HIV prevention options
HIV prevention has changed significantly over recent years. PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, can help prevent HIV before exposure. PEP, or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is available after a potential HIV exposure and should be started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours. Knowing what options are available before you need them can help reduce stress and make difficult situations easier to manage.
Pleasure and protection can go together
Pleasure and protection are not opposites. Looking after your sexual health can support confidence and help people enjoy intimacy in ways that work for them. Condoms remain an important way to reduce the risk of many STIs, particularly when changing partners. For some people, condoms are used alongside PrEP, testing, vaccination and communication. Sexual health is rarely about one action alone. It is about understanding your options and finding what suits you.
Free condoms and lube are available through sexual health services such as SH:24, GOSHH and Sexual Health West, as well as in many LGBTQ+ venues across Ireland. More information is available at man2man.ie/freecondoms.
Small hygiene habits can make a difference
Sexual health also includes hygiene. Simple steps such as washing hands before and after sex, cleaning sex toys before sharing, changing condoms between activities or partners, and avoiding sharing items like towels or razors can help reduce the spread of infections, including some gut-related infections such as shigella. Not the sexiest conversation, perhaps, but an important one.
If drugs are part of the picture, harm reduction matters too
For some people, Pride and festival season may involve alcohol or drugs, including in sexual settings. If this is part of your experience, planning ahead can help reduce risks. Staying hydrated, pacing yourself, avoiding mixing substances, understanding what you are taking and letting someone know where you are can all make a difference. Start low and go slow is always good advice.
For people involved in chemsex, looking after yourself may also include setting boundaries, checking in with trusted friends, understanding consent, planning recovery time and knowing where to go for support if things become difficult.
Harm reduction is not about judgment. It is about helping people stay safer and supported.
Mpox has not disappeared
While mpox may no longer dominate headlines, it has not gone away. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce risk for people who may be more exposed through close or intimate contact. If you think vaccination may be relevant to you, it is worth checking current guidance and availability.
Mind your mental health
Pride can be joyful, but it can also bring pressure, loneliness, anxiety or emotional ups and downs for some people. Taking breaks from socialising, checking in with friends, recognising when you need rest, managing alcohol or drug use, or reaching out for support can all help. Mental health matters just as much as physical health. Sometimes, the healthiest choice is to slow down and be kind to ourselves.
This Pride season, however you celebrate, remember that looking after yourself does not mean missing out on pleasure. Your health matters, your wellbeing matters, and looking after yourself can be part of enjoying Pride too.
For information on sexual health, HIV prevention, free condoms and lube, mpox, mental wellbeing and harm reduction, visit man2man.ie. Man2Man.ie is a collaboration between Gay Health Network (GHN) and the HSE Sexual Health Programme (SHP).