Australian MP Stephen Bates Joins OnlyFans to Advocate for PrEP Access
In a notable development, Australian Member of Parliament Stephen Bates has joined the content subscription service OnlyFans . Bates, who openly identifies as gay, has chosen this platform as part of his strategy to advocate for expanded and free access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) , a medicament critical in preventing HIV infection among high-risk populations.
Understanding the Financial Challenge of PrEP
While PrEP is subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia, Bates emphasized the remaining financial hurdles for many individuals. He pointed out, "While PrEP is on the PBS, the gap payment can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. In a cost-of-living crisis, that’s just too much." Bates highlighted the necessity of financial ease in healthcare, stating, "You shouldn't have to pay a fortune to be sexually responsible."
Strategic Use of OnlyFans for Advocacy
The decision to use OnlyFans , a platform predominantly known for adult content, underlines Bates' approach to draw significant attention to the issue of PrEP accessibility. "Sometimes you have to make a splash to make people pay attention to the things that matter," he noted. This move aligns with his earlier innovative campaign strategies, including his memorable use of the dating app Grindr to engage the community with slogans promoting his political agenda.
Previous Campaigns and Digital Advocacy
Bates is not new to utilizing digital platforms in unique ways for community engagement and advocacy. His previous campaigns have effectively captured public and media attention, reflecting his commitment to addressing key community issues through digital means. However, details about the specific content he plans to share on OnlyFans or his plans for steering these efforts into effective advocacy for making PrEP freely accessible haven't been disclosed yet.
