Gay porn star Aaron Tanner has partnered up with the city of New York to help prevent STD and HIV infection among gay men. The Raging Stallion Studios exclusive is lending his adult film star quality and party-planning abilities to help kick off Hot Shot, a program that offers free STD/HIV screening, flu shots, and Hepatitis A and B shots to homosexual men who live in the city. The program will be launched with a Hot Shot Roll-Out Party on Monday from 1-9 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, with Tanner serving as host and coordinator.
Sponsored by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Bureau of STD Control, Hot Shot will make the rounds of local gay bars in an effort to improve the health of New York's gay community.
"This is very cutting edge," Tanner told AVN.com, adding that such a program is virtually unheard of in other cities. "The program is [city]-funded and supported, and they've really done their homework. I'm very excited about this program."
Of his involvement, Tanner said that "[the city] wanted to push the envelope a little further by hiring a porn star," and says that he hopes his participation (not just an emcee, Tanner will be getting a flu shot himself) will inspire others to take better care of themselves. He also hopes it will eliminate the stigma of shame surrounding STD prevention. "I remember when I used to get shots [or HIV tests], I'd take the Band-Aid off right away because I was embarrassed about it," Tanner recalls. "But we're trying to change that, because we shouldn't be embarrassed because we're taking care of ourselves.
"So many younger people think barebacking is OK because there are all these medications now," Tanner continued. "This is a good way to address those and other issues at the heart of New York's gay community. It's a way to bring it out and closer to people."
Tanner, who has a degree in marketing and finance and has been organizing events like the popular club Fetish for several years, says he looks forward to combining his love of throwing parties with a good cause. "People realize when they come to my events that they're going to have a good time, because I put a lot of effort and time into it," Tanner said.
Attendees of the launch party will have the opportunity to meet with city bar owners, drag queens, adult film stars, health officials, gay-friendly stores, and more.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is located at 208 W. 13th St. in New York City. For more information, visitwww.aarontanner.com.
