GAY MEN'S TASK FORCE
OUR MISSION
Working to provide sensitive, appropriate and comprehensive health messages and interventions aimed at improving the overall health of gay & bisexual men in Montana. Our vision is to help gay & bisexual men create lives for themselves worth protecting with bold and fearless conviction.
The Gay Men's Task Force (GMTF) is made up of gay men from across the state of Montana. We meet three times a year in person and several times a year via conference calls or at GMTF events.
The Task Force organizes retreats for men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with men. In addition, specific retreats for HIV+ men, young gay men, and Native American gay, bisexual, transgender identified, and/or two spirited also occur each year. We make recommendations about gay men’s health issues to the Governor's AIDS Council, and the Montana Community Planning Group (CPG). Task force members also conduct peer outreach, advocate for gay men’s health and work with local health agencies and community-based organizations to help fulfill our mission.
The GMTF meets to review health data, interventions, and community assessments in order to evaluate and recommend ways to improve health promotion strategies and expand healthy options. We identify solutions rather than focusing on problems and challenges surrounding HIV / STD prevention and general health. We work to transform the public conversation on gay men’s health from one narrowly focused on disease and victimization to an expanded focus including our rich community assets, and our collective resilience.
The Task Force conducts periodic surveys that collect information from the gay and bisexual community. Survey results help us to identify current trends in HIV/STDs, alcohol and drug use, safer sex and other health concerns. The information helps determine the best way to reach and inform gay and bisexual men in Montana about ways to reduce their risk to HIV / STDs as well as ways to maintain good physical, mental and spiritual health.
For more information please contact:
FDH & Associates - fdh@mtgayhealth.org
