NICOLE

Hi my name is Nicole. I was born in Singapore, and came to Australia two years ago. Singapore is visually appealing with many places to see, from super modern architecture to stunning exotic nature and beauty.

I’m very passionate about photography because it allows me to capture this beauty, and allows me to explore my creative side. Photography gives me an escape from my everyday life and allows me to enter my happy place of peace, tranquillity and beauty.

I have been using PrEP for over nine months.

PrEP is important to me because as a sexually active woman, I want peace of mind that PrEP protects me from HIV. As a proud trans woman, I’m aware that my community has high rates of HIV, so I want to not only look after myself, but also spread awareness to all, that PrEP works in preventing HIV.

I am also a proud sex worker, and by taking PrEP, I’m also looking after my clients, and that’s really important to me.

If you haven’t been on PrEP before, I’ll tell you the simple and cost effective steps you can take.

The Australian government is supportive of all people looking after their sexual health, and that includes anyone without a Medicare card. My experience here is, clinicians in Australia are professional, non-judgemental and take confidentiality seriously.

The appointment

Firstly, find a clinician who can prescribe PrEP. There are government funded clinics that offer free PrEP consultations for all, no Medicare card required.

Click HERE to see a list of clinics at no cost.

Call the clinic from this list closest to you and let them know you are interested in PrEP, and lock in your appointment.

At the appointment, the clinician will explain the risks and benefits of PrEP, and test you for any possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Your tests will include providing a blood and urine sample, as well as swabs that may include; throat, genitals and rectum. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you like/

After one week, you will get your results. If any STIs are detected then they will help you with treatment, which is also free. As this second appointment, the clinician should give you your PrEP prescription. One prescription gives me three-month supply of PrEP.

Get your PrEP

Take your prescription to your local pharmacy. For me, I pay around $50 for 30 tablets from a local pharmacy. I know you can also order PrEP from online pharmacies for around $20 for 30 tablets. They take longer to arrive (under 2 weeks), but are delivered to your door in normal packaging.

Click HERE to find recommended Online Pharmacies.

Taking my daily PrEP.

I take PrEP daily, as recommended for trans women. I have a routine where I take my PrEP with my breakfast, every day. I keep my PrEP in the fridge as a reminder, that way I’m sure I never miss a dose.

Testing every 3 months.

I go back for regular STI screening to make sure I haven’t picked up any STIs. Testing 3 monthly means if I get an STI, I can get it treated sooner. It’s also when I get my next prescription.

PrEP can work for you too

My personal experience since living in Australia is, getting on PrEP is easy and very affordable. I have never had any side effects and now have no anxiety about getting HIV.

Sex should be fun, and PrEP lets me enjoy it even more! It's easy to get without Medicare. I hope my story helps you enjoy sex safely too.