FAQs

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What is Project Pride?

Project PRIDE is a new program designed specifically for gay/bi/queer men between the ages of 18 and 25. It is sex-positive and is aimed at increasing pride and mental well-being, and sexual health among young gay/bi/queer men. It was designed by a team of gay and bi men (and allies) who know that big and small instances of discrimination can be stressful. These instances can range from not coming out because we are scared of how people will react to being targets of verbal and physical violence. This program is all about developing skills to cope with discrimination – just because homophobia and biphobia are stressful doesn’t mean we can’t do anything about them!

I might be interested, but what would participating mean?

Participating in the project would mean coming to group meetings once a week for 8 weeks. It would also mean filling out 3 questionnaires along the way, getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and a confidential drug screen. Finally, participants will be asked 3 times to collect their saliva at home, store it in their freezer, and return it to us. Participants will be compensated up to $230 in Target gift cards for participating and will be provided with bus/metro tickets.

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone who identifies as a man as well as gay, bisexual, queer, same-gender-loving, or a variety of other non-heterosexual identities. Also, you have to be between the ages of 18-25 years old. Lastly, we are looking for participants who are HIV-negative or who don’t know their HIV status.

Why are you looking for people who are HIV-negative or do not know their status?

An important aspect of Project PRIDE is providing participants with strategies to reduce their risk for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections. The goal is to increase sexual health and well-being among young gay/bi/queer men. While all people deserve sexual health, this program is in part an HIV prevention program, and is for men who are HIV-negative or do not know their status. If the program is successful, we think it could also be useful to promote sexual health among HIV+ young men, but we would need to include HIV+ specific stressors like HIV stigma and disclosure, which are not in this program.

How do I know this study is legit?

This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Houston Institutional Review Board (IRB). You may talk to them at (713) 743-9204 or cphs@central.uh.edu

If you are interested in participating, have questions, or would like more information, please contact us!

Please contact us at uhcore@central.uh.edu or 713-743-7477.

You may also contact Dr. Nathan Smith, the Principal Investigator, at ngsmith@uh.edu or 713-743-7648.

We hope to hear from you!