LGBTQ

The RIghtTime app offers LGBTQ+ (and all) Rhode Islanders information, resources, and videos right at your fingertips 24/7 on topics like:

• Prevention, testing, and treatment of HIV/STDs
• Free and low-cost sexual health services
• Where to find free condoms
• PrEP and PEP (medications to prevent HIV)
• Dating and healthy relationships
• How to find a gay-friendly doctor
• FAQs for gay/bi men, lesbians, and trans* people of all ages
• Send an anonymous text or email to notify a partner to get tested (coming soon)
• And a lot more!

How can I find a doctor that is gay-friendly in Rhode Island?

• The Rhode Island Department of Health’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equity Group maintains a list of LGBTQ+ health resources at http://health.ri.gov/sogi.
• Ask some friends for referrals.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ Safe Zone Program certifies gay-friendly healthcare providers. See the list at http://bcbsri.com/safezones.
• Directly contact doctors’ offices and ask if they have doctors that specialize in LGBT or gay men’s health.
• Fenway Community Health located in Boston is dedicated to the health needs of the LGBT community and is the closest provider of its kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I get STD testing?

Depending on which STD you’re being tested for and what place on your body might be infected, you might be asked to urinate in a cup (that urine sample could be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomonas), or to give a sample of your blood (that blood could be tested for HIV infection, herpes, or syphilis). In some cases, your health care provider may swab your throat, mouth, tip of your penis, anus, or a rash/sore. The majority of screenings done generally require only a urine or blood sample.

If I only have oral sex, am I at risk for HIV?

It is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV or a STD through performing or receiving oral sex, although this is extremely rare. There are some things that can increase the risk of HIV transmission during oral sex including:

• If there is gum disease.
• There are cuts or sores around the mouth, throat, or penis.
• If ejaculation occurs during oral sex.
• If other STDs are present.

What are the health risks associated with HIV and STDs for lesbians?

Sexual transmission of many diseases has been reported between lesbians, including rarely HIV. This is likely due to the sharing of sex toys and/or intimate genital contact. People who report same-sex behavior should be screened periodically for HIV and other STDs. Please contact your doctor for more information.

Can I get HIV or an STD by sharing sex toys with my partner?

Although it is possible to get HIV or an STD by sharing sex toys with your partner, there are ways to cut down on this possibility. Washing the sex toys in hot, soapy water before sharing (then rinse well with water), or using fresh condoms over them for each partner can decrease the chance of contact with menstrual blood, vaginal fluids, semen, or other body fluids that might transmit HIV and STDs.