23 May 06

GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, has won funding to provide signers for deaf gay men on their famous groupwork courses.

The money has come from Awards for All, part of the National Lottery fund, and will mean that for the first time deaf gay men will be able to access any of GMFA’s range of courses, from Assertiveness and Self Defence courses, to Bondage for Beginnners or the Arse Class.

“Deaf gay men are a sizeable and valuable part of our community,” said GMFA spokesman Matthew Hodson, “but research indicates that they often have difficulty in accessing gay specific health information, including the services that groups such as GMFA provide. This award now means that deaf gay men can come on any of our courses and pick up the kind of skills for gay life that none of us are taught at school.”

Deaf gay men can now be provided with a signer on any of GMFA’s courses so long as the charity is given adequate notice.  GMFA courses can be booked online at www.metromate.org.uk or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Deaf gay men with access to Typetalk can also call the GMFA courses booking line by calling 020 7738 3712 during office hours. GMFA request that participants notify them of any special needs, such as requiring signers, at the time that they book and allow at least a fortnight so that any necessary arrangements can be made. All of GMFA’s courses are free to gay men in London but places are limited and must be booked in advance.

GMFA previously collaborated with the Brothers and Sisters Club, a social group for deaf lesbians and gay men, to provide a signed session of the popular Sex Course.  Boyz sex expert Charlie W, who went on the course said, “Everything’s done without being tacky, without pressure and with the requisite amount of humour to diffuse any potential embarrassment. Take it from me, it works.  If I can come out of there with four new blowjob techniques under my belt (as it were), then surely everyone has time to learn at least one new way to nosh. ”

GMFA: Volunteer or donate at http://www.gmfa.org.uk

Metromate: London's sexual health directory for gay men. http://www.metromate.org.uk

G-A-Why Don't You? Your guide to gay sports clubs, activity groups and things to do in London. http://www.gawhydontyou.com

Registered Charity No: 1076854