Contents

welcome
what is diy?
what is free?
what is queer?
fuck gender
respect
squatting
indigenous statement
access
conflicts and personal violation
kidz space
food glorious food
dress-up space
art space
health
communal accommodation
queeruption finances
entertainments
sex party info
safe sex info
workshops schedule
queeruption timetable
public transport in sydney
actions
safe drug use info
vegie/vegan sydney

Welcome to Queeruption 7: sex and anarchy in the antipodes

Sydney, Australia 16-23 February 2005

Queeruption is an opportunity for Queers of all genders and sexualities to gather, celebrate our queerness and diversity - to share experiences, fun stories, ideas, listen and learn from each other. We've been planning this for months, worked really hard and travelled a long way to be here - we are totally excited, happy and thrilled that we are all here - welcome!!

Please remember that Queeruption is a DIY event. This means that we need YOU to participate in what needs to be done to make this gathering pleasant for everyone - we will always need people on door duty, to chop veggies, decorate, clean and all other "behind-the-scenes" stuff. We recommend that everyone do one "job" per day.

And don't forget, Queeruption is itself a political action! While the dark forces of gay mediocrity on Oxford Street are busy trying to convince us to spend our way to liberation during the Mardi Gras silly season, we'll be working on ways to fight oppression, empower ourselves, build community, revel in our queerness, and to hopefully make the world a better place for ourselves and others.

queeruption mobile: 0402 564 008.
www.queeruption.org

Queeruption is a free DiY gathering for queers of all genders and sexualities.

What is DiY?

Basically this means DO IT YOURSELF!

You don't have to be an expert.

We all have talents and abilities that we can share we each other.

From cleaning the toilets to putting on makeup, we want to create autonomous communal space/s where we can be ourselves, work and play together.

DiY includes anti-consumerism. By this we mean that not everything will be served to you on a plate.

We want and need your participation to make this happen for you and for everybody else.


What is free?

Free means there is no cover charge, however, affordable donations are encouraged to cover costs.

Nobody is getting paid. The money we have comes from two fund-raising parties that queerupted in 2004.

We try to keep the costs down to a minimum and most of the materials and equipment have been found, borrowed or recycled. Inevitably there are things that we can't avoid paying for like food, fuel, mobile phone and equipment hire.


What is Queer?

We all use the word 'queer' in different ways.

Here we are using the word queer in the hope of generating a sense of radicality, diversity and perversity.

We want gender-benders of all descriptions, labelled and unlabelled to come share a friendly space where you don't have to answer to any definitions of gender and sexuality (unless YOU want to, of course…).


Fuck Gender

Queeruption is a space that challenges gender and what it means and how it is constructed.

We think that an important part of fighting the construction of gender is to look at how socialisation impacts on what we choose to get involved in and what tasks we feel comfortable taking on. People should think about this when making decisions about what they do at queeruption and challenge themselves ...to get involved in a group you do not have to know anything about it, all ya need is a bit of enthusiasm and the voice to ask to be shown how to do something.

Queeruption is a gender queer space, don't make aesthetic (or any) assumptions about others' gender identification. If you are unsure what pronouns to use, ask the person/s how they would prefer to be 'nouned', or make up some new ones… Gender means different things to different people, so be sensitive and steer clear of generalisations, assumptions and binarisms.


Respect

Queeruption is a DIY event -- so it is what we make it. We want all people here to feel comfortable, so we all must work to make that comfort for each other. We can start by listening to one another, being openminded, knowing that we have come together to learn from one another. We aim for an environment where differences are not only tolerated but respected, celebrated, supported, and defended. Let's have each other's backs here, people!

*Queers will not tolerate disrespect for queers at Queeruption. You're expected to take responsibility for all your isms and phobias (sexism, racism, ageism, ableism, fatphobia, homo/bi/trans/intersex/heterophobia, kinksexphobia, asexphobia, classphobia, and all the other hierarchical shit that's out there). You can't leave your fears at the gate but you can limit the impact they'll have on other people at Queeruption.

*All identities are self defined. Don´t presume you know someone's gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, political position, favorite position, or anything else to do with their identity; ask, listen, and respect what you hear.

*Pay attention to boundaries. Different people have different boundaries when it comes to personal space and physical contact. Most of us want different things at different times, or different things from different people. Please do not make assumptions about other people's comfort or desires. And remember: No means no.

* Watch people's body language. If someone is continuously turning away from you, avoiding eye contact, crossing their arms when you speak to them, looking awkward, bored, making excuses as to why they need to be away from you, not egaging with you, not responding to your physical advances - this is often a good indicator that they're saying back off! Respect it.

*Own your words and actions. We want to encourage the expression of radically different opinions, choices, and tactics at Queeruption, which means we must work hard not to silence each other. When we disagree, let's try to do it in a way where we can hear each other. Communicate with care and respect and always consider the context in which you are speaking.

*Be safe. Medical emergency, fire, theft, physical confrontation, sexual assault, and emotional crisis are all variables of life, and they exist here too. We have a basic (DIY) support structure for dealing with crisis at Queeruption. Please take the time to read the Safety section of this handbook so that you know about your options in case you or someone else should need help during the week.

*Play nice. If you know or have been told that you become violent or disrespectful under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please do not drink or do drugs while you're here.

*Violence will not be tolerated at Queeruption. Anyone engaging in violent behavior -- such as fighting, sexual assault, threats, harassment -- can be thrown off the site.


Squatting

There are hundreds of houses/buildings left empty right now while people who are in need are left homeless or live in substandard and unaffordable accommodation.

Town planners and 'housing experts' have long been perplexed as to why government programs to 'house the poor' in Western and non-Western countries fail to satisfy people's needs for housing and community, while self-help squatter settlements around the world have been so successful. The answer lies in the autonomy that squatters create and maintain for themselves by taking control of their own housing problems.

"It's profit margins that count. Look at the scale of urban gentrification in Sydney at the moment - it doesn't look like abating in the near future does it? Relax. It's only natural - the strong over the weak. One day, when you can afford to purchase property of your own, you will understand. You too will give the gift of rental accommodation to someone who has enough money to afford it but not enough to return the gift. And they will give you the security you need for further speculation in real estate. Everyone's a winner!"

If you can't afford to purchase private property - or simply don't want to assist private property owners to purchase more property by paying them excessive rent - there is no need to wait for the private rental market and/or the government to provide a solution to your housing needs. Help yourself and solve your own housing problems - squat in these buildings before the owners let them rot!

Squatting allows you autonomy. Despite the 'threat of eviction', squatting actually gives us a high degree of control over where and how we choose to live. It enables us to learn a great deal about how to repair a building and organise our living/organising spaces according to our individual and collective desires - a privilege usually reserved for owners of private property. And when we create that kind of autonomy we tend to actively participate in maintaining it, rather than simply waiting for the government / rental market to try and provide housing for us.

Queeruption 7 has taken over a disused building to be created as a free space, an autonomous zone free of government interference where folks should feel free to indulge in whatever they like, a stark contrast to the extreme regulation of most Australian social gathering places.

By appropriating spaces outside the control of the state and market for info shops, gallery space, free/cheap cafes and bars, independent film nights, forums, theatre, parties, free recycled multimedia access centres, gatherings and community centres, we demonstrate the capacity of people to organise themselves outside the systems of state and market which increasingly control our lives. By providing our own social and political spaces we are empowered to express marginalised voices and take control of our communities.

www.squat.net
www.squatspace.com


Indigenous statement

Queeruption wishes to acknowledge and pay respect to the Indigenous nations and traditional caretakers of the land. We acknowledge that the country upon which Australia has been built always was and always will be an integral part of the spiritual and cultural history of Indigenous people and that this land was never ceded. More than 500 Indigenous nations shared this land for over 40, 000 years before invasion. We express our solidarity and continued commitment to working with Indigenous peoples, both in Australia and around the world, in their ongoing struggle for land rights, self-determination, sovereignty and the recognition and compensation for past injustices. If you can read this you are standing on Aboriginal land.


Accessibility

Why an access group?

The access group is primarily concerned with ensuring Queeruption is a comfortable, safe, welcoming and accessible safe for every one. This group has identified key issues which may prevent people from feeling safe, or comfortable at queeruption, and attempted to deal with them.

This working group was created in recognition that we live in a society where we are not all equal, discrimination is rife, and this affects our radical spaces. This group is also recognition that we all have different needs, some needing more attention and support than others. We believe attempting to meet those needs is a big part of creating community.

This has included such things as; looking at ways to make the space accessible for people with disabilities, seeing that people with mental health issues will feel safe and can be supported, that people of colour feel comfortable, that people who don't speak english are included, that people who are transgender aren't excluded, that personal space is respected, how to support those who feel confronted by certain workshops, how to deal with conflict in the case that it arises, how to deal with personal violations... and many such other issues.

Support people will be available during the gathering to speak with if you have any concerns, are feeling unsafe, unwelcome, or if any issues have come up for you during queeruption. We ask that you understand our resources and time is limited. Sometimes our support will consist of giving you a phone number to seek assistance elsewhere.

If you are feeling isolated because of your identity, or would simply like to create an autonomous space/ group, please speak with us and we can assist you in doing this.

This group needs people to get involved. If you are happy to be a support person and/or can help deal with grievances and conflicts. Please talk to Karen or email access@queeruption.org . We also would appreciate everyone's input on making this space accessible for everyone so if you have any concerns, or ideas please come and talk to us or just take on doing whatever you think would help.


Conflicts and Personal Violation

In realisation of the fact that queers do not all live in harmony (as much as we would like this), we have developed protocols to help people deal with conflicts they feel unable to deal with themselves. We encourage people as much as possible, to try sort things out yourselves, and/ or talk to a friend.

In the event this is not possible, you don't feel able to, or it is unsafe or uncomfortable to do so, seek out the assistance of an access collective member. We don't want, or expect people to deal with problems in isolation.

Some grievances may be more serious, such as personal violations. These may include; sexual harassment or assault, racist attacks, continual invasion of personal space, or discrimination due to identity. These are only some examples; we accept that each individual will identify what a personal violation is. We believe that personal violations are not one individuals' responsibility to deal with (particularly not the victim), and should be dealt with collectively.

We want to make it clear that, we will not provide counselling. If you would like to see a counsellor we have appropriate and professional services' numbers available.

To ensure conflicts, and grievances are dealt with effectively, we have developed certain procedures. All support people will act with respect, and treat the situation confidentially. Confidentially means; your concerns and/ or problems will not be broadcast to the whole of queeruption, unless you want it to be, or people's safety is at risk. In the event we do need to broadcast serious issues of safety risk, we will do so only in a way which will not identify you.

Please also understand that support people may need to talk to other access members about your situation, either to de-brief or get help, it is not to gossip.


Kidz Space: For big kids as well!!

"Children whose clarified senses betray them into a brilliant sorcery of beautiful pleasure reflect something feral and smutty in the nature of reality itself: natural ontological anarchists, angels of chaos- their gestures and body odors broadcast around them a jungle of presence, a forest of prescience complete with snakes, ninja weapons, turtles, futuristic shamanism, incredible mess, piss, ghosts, sunlight, jerking off, bird's nests and eggs- gleeful aggression against the groan-ups of those lower planes."

Hakim Bey, The Temporary Autonomous Zone, Ontological Anarchy, Poetic Terrorism.

Children and young people are a vital part of our queer alternative community. At Queeruption 7 we want to recognize this and breakdown the barriers between children and adults. Younger people have so much to say, teach and learn as they live in a reality that is fiercely perceptive and imaginative. They deserve to be listened to and engaged with about the kinds of issues we are raising.

There is a children's space set up where you will find books, paints, toys, paper, pencils, craft stuff, face paints and sleeping area. Anyone is welcome to use this space to take children or to just have a play for yourself.

We will be running sessions for children and young people every afternoon from 2pm to 6pm. This is a time for children and parents to have a break from each other. Check the information board to see the kids activity plan.

If you are leaving a child in the children's space will ask that u give us some basic information such as what the child likes to be called, any allergies or medical issues and how to get in touch with you if need be.

There are no structured times for child sessions in the evenings. But we are more than happy to look after children up until 11pm (?). so if you would like child care in the evening call 0407582200 or speak to Karen, Kat or Amy.

Anyone interested in helping out with child care stuff should contact Karen 0407582200 or put your name down on the roster located on the information board


Food Glorious Food

The Queeruption kitchen is vegan - that means no animal products will be used in the creation of all the sumptious meals and cakes - and collective. We're not employing staff to cook for us or clean up afterwards, so everyone is expected to contribute to this. If you have special dietary requirements beyond vegan, please make sure whoever is cooking knows about it.

We are not charging for food but we recommend a gold coin donation for a main meal and whatever for breakfast/drinks on offer, please leave money in the collection boxes.

Remember to clean up after yourself and return cups, plates, forks etc so others can use them after you.

There will be 3 communal vegan meals per day:

8-9am: Self serve breakfast
1-2pm: Plated lunch
8-9pm: Plated dinner

How cooking is organised?

Each day we will need:

7am: a small group (about 3 people) to set up the breakfast table, boil water for urns, etc.
10am-1pm: a crew to cook lunch
4:30pm-8pm: a crew to cook dinner

Lunch and dinner need a *head chef* to oversee health and saftey and continuity of the meal, and 5-8 other people to do food prep and dish out the grub.

Please volunteer to help cook a meal at the daily meeting.

There will also be a kitchen prep roster (where you can volunteer to help cook) and allergy roster (where you can write up your allergies) near the kitchen door.

A self-wash system will be set-up. Queeruptors look after yourselves and wash own plates. After each meal, each deviant should wash their own dish and cutlery - there will be a self-wash system in place that will be easy to use. We will also need a crew of 3 or 4 people to wash up the pots and pans used to cook the yummy meal.

The dirty little piggies that we are - we will probably be generating a significant amount of rubbish and recycling. Please volunteer to help manage the organization and disposal of waste.

No volunteers, No Food -- so volunteer. This includes daily rubbish/recycling runs/dumpster runs, supermarket runs, kitchen prep and serving 3 times a day.

Washing up:

Design of washing-up station: hot soapy wash, rinse 1, rinse 2, dry
Recycling and rubbish on daily runs
People should bring a bowl, cup and utensils if possible


Dress-up

A gigantic dressing-up space graces queeruption, filled with clothes, make-up, accessories, materials and a sewing machine to create that ideal glamorous, trashie, drag outfit that you have always wanted to wear.

Come play with your identities!

At the end of queeruption the dressing-up space will turn into a free shop.

Please bring more make-up and material.


Art Space

The artspace will exist as a discrete creative zone. It is jam packed with all sorts of materials so that we can drop through and release our creative urges. This outpouring 0f creativity will culminate in an art opening replete with music, performers and the obligatory free cask wine!

Artshow: Tuesday 22 February (sometime in the evening)

Contact: art@queeruption.org


Healing, Wellbeing and Fist Aid

A crazy environment can lead to crazy things happening that may put a glitch in the cycle of crazyness for a while. On planet Q7 there will be an island with inhabitants to assist if you need first aid, or are feeling a bit strange in a not so good way.

At the health space you can explore spiritual and physical wellbeing. Massage table, first aid stuff, and healing circle provided.

If you have skills in alternative therapies, reiki, first aid, yoga, meditation, bodywork etc. and would like to share them please see the health crew.

Also planned are heart circles = facilitated discussions to address any issues and things people are concerned about which could detract from Q7's fabulousness.

health@queeruption.org

pls note (fist aid in the heading is deliberately mispelt)


Communal Accommodation

We will be squatting in a large building that will provide enough space for communal accommodation. We will hopefully have mattresses and cushions and comfort, but bring what you need with you - sleeping bag, sleeping mat, air cushion, doona, four-poster bed - whatever makes you feel at home!

If you want accommodation at queeruption, please email: accommodation@queeruption.org or call the queeruption mobile: 0402 564 008

If you can help billet 1 or more people, before or after the gathering, please email: accommodation@queeruption.org or call the queeruption mobile: 0402 564 008


Entertainment, Performance and Parties

Wednesday 16th February

*Welcome poem by Miss Eliza
*Victor and his chocolate wheel of mystery. (prizes and fun of some kind)
*we all build the stage together

Thursday 17th February

Performance night, including:
Thomas, Manky, Kel Watson, Liz, Kestrel, Norrie, Nurse Nancy, Sprinkle Magic, Gareth, Zookini, Trash Landing, The Theatrics, Marty J, moosick by dj Greenflesh and more to come

Friday 18th February

The Nancies (Bris), Kiosk, Pony Club Massacre, The Porn Queens, more to be announced, (maybe cherry 2000, coda, pure evil, the hurricane party- as soon as they can confirm).

The usual Suspects Collective playing after bands.

Music in between by DJ's spike and mukole.

Performance by biggi and maybe more...

Saturday 19th February

DJ's: victor, spike, mime, bunning, mukole, lanny k, lego, miss yeti, and more...

vjing by Fold and Michela

Performances by:

Theresa at 11pm
Lytex at 12
Mistress Aveline at 1
Sexcellent at 2am with 'The puppet master'

Separate space by Ferret and Guru, with heaps of bangin music and craziness in there.

Monday 21st February

sex(y) party with shows by Lizz k and manky, scarlet slut, sarahs, Mrs Julie, Sexcellent (at 11.30pm), Boomi and Law, Gumpy, nickipee and 6 other DJs playing sexy music.

Tues 22nd February

The last supper, artshow, fashion show by Bone Daddy

Design at about 9, Watercreatures performance at 10pm.

Contact: performance@queeruption.org


Welcome to our sex party!

Like any other DIY event, it's what people who show up make of it. Here are some expectations that we find we have in common:

Transform ourselves
Be daring and delicious
Dress up
Learn
Take risks and enjoy them
Have fun
Be considerate, respectful and kind

You are responsible for yourself. Ask people around for information or help when you need it. Let's all help each other. Some of us will also take turns to wear a sash and make ourselves available to help solve any problems.

Just watching is OK. Leave space for people to enjoy themselves. Asking people not to watch is OK too.

One of the fun things about a sex party is asking and talking about what you feel like doing.

Pay attention to yourself. Pay attention to others. Paying attention means listening and communicating clearly.

No means No.

Excuse me, what are you doing means No. Please leave me alone means leave me alone and don't hover near me for the rest of the event.

Think smart about safe sex. Take care of any sexually transmitted diseases that you have and don't catch any at Queeruption.

Sex is about enjoying each other, not about competition.

Use alcohol and other drugs respectfully to your own body and the people around you. Think about ways of gaining courage and feeling good about yourself.

Clean up after yourself. Help keep the place clean. Ash in ashtrays. Condoms in bins. Needles in sharps bins.

People's gender identity is diverse; do not assume you'll find the genitals you expect.

You're welcome to leave at any time.

**Remember you are responsible for yourself. That includes diseases, emotional trauma, stress, new relationships, old relationships, children, boredom, sleeplessness, muscle cramps or other (possibly) unwanted consequences of attending or not attending this party! Take care of yourself!**


Safe Sex info

Safe sex is any sexual activity that does not allow semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person. HIV negative or HIV positive, safe sex is everyone's responsibility. There are some sexual activities that are safe and do not present a risk for HIV transmission.

Kissing - Kissing is safe because it does not involve semen, vaginal fluid or blood. Saliva does not transmit HIV.

Massage - All forms of sexual enjoyment with only skin contact, such as massage or body stroking, have no risk of HIV transmission.

Receiving oral sex - The chance of contracting HIV from someone else's mouth is remote.

Rimming - Rimming is safe for HIV but many other serious illnesses such as Hepatitis A and B as well as gut bugs are easily passed on this way. Mutual Masturbation - Touching and rubbing each other's penis or vagina is safe. However, there are some circumstances under which mutual masturbation can be unsafe: " Cuts or sores on the hands and on the penis or vagina; " Using someone else's pre-cum, cum or vaginal fluid as a lubricant; " Rubbing the penis underneath the foreskin of another persons penis when cuts are present or if pre-cum or cum are exchanged through the opening of the penis; and " Rubbing the vagina against another vagina where cuts are present or blood or vaginal fluids are exchanged.


UNSAFE SEX

Unsafe sex is any sexual activity that allows semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person.

Unsafe sexual practices include:

Intercourse without a condom

Anal or vaginal intercourse without a condom represents a real risk of HIV transmission. Whether you are the insertive or receptive partner, male or female, intercourse is the major way HIV is passed on. Infected blood, pre-cum or semen can enter the bloodstream through the lining of the rectum or the vaginal wall. From the lining of the rectum, the virus can pass through tiny cuts or through the opening of the penis. HIV can also be present in vaginal fluids or blood that enters the penis through tiny cuts or through the opening of the penis. Either partner can get HIV during intercourse. HIV is also found in pre-cum and withdrawing before ejaculation is not safe sex.

Giving oral sex

Oral sex without ejaculation carries a very small risk for transmitting HIV from the penis or the vagina to the mouth of the receptive partner. Taking blood, semen or vaginal fluids into your mouth will increase the risk. This is especially so if you have any cuts or bleeding caused by flossing and teeth brushing, gum disease, ulcers or other throat infections.

Safe sex equipment

Condoms and lube

If used properly, condoms will eliminate the risk of HIV transmission. Choose the right size, check the use by date and Australian Standard mark and take care not to tear the condom when opening the packet. Put the condom on before intercourse starts - make sure the penis is fully erect (if uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back), hold the condom by the teat and roll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. Always use a water-based lubricant as oil-based lubricants can destroy condoms. Hold the condom at the base when withdrawing and only use condoms once. Use a new condom if changing between anus and vagina or partners.

Dams Dams are thin square pieces of latex which, if used properly, can prevent the transmission of HIV and other STI's through oral sex. Use the dam by completely covering the vagina or anus - adding water-based lubricant on the body side of the dam to increase sensitivity and take care with sharp fingernails. Use only one side of the dam and use a new dam for each person. Use a new dam if changing between anus and vagina.

Gloves


Latex gloves prevents HIV and other STI's entering cuts or sores in the hand when fingering and fisting. Always change gloves when changing partners and use plenty of water-based lubricant on the outside of the glove.

Sex toys-use condoms

If toys, such as vibrators, dildos or buttplugs are shared during sex then semen, vaginal fluid or blood may be passed from person to person. Keep you own toys, use new condoms on them or wash them carefully in hot soapy water after each person uses them.


Workshops

Workshops include discussions, skill-sharing, learning and creating. We have 50 confirmed workshops at the time of print. You can look them up towards the back of this zine.

There will be a huge workshop timetable near the information space. This will be the "authority" on what workshops are happening when and where. Workshops will also be announced at the morning meeting.

If you want to offer a workshop just write it up on the workshop timetable and find an empty space. If you need help, ask someone around or summon an information person. You can also announce your workshop at a morning meeting.

Contact: workshops@queeruption.org

Local Transportation and Tourist info

Sydney is mostly cheap and accessible to see and get around. Public transport wise, buses are generally more reliable then trains (which have a reputation of being consistently late or being cancelled).

We can recommend places to go and things to see, but the best adventures are the ones that happening accidentally and are self-directed. See what you're up for when you get here. Cinema's (cool ones), bookshops, sex on premises (?), pubs, clubs, local gig guides, places to avoid, markets…

(MAP)


Action/s

Are you interested in queer interventions in gay bars? Crashing the disco with a mobile PA? Banner Drops? Queer flash mobbing? Got any ideas?

There will be at least 3 workshops on actions during the week. They include:

Queer the World


Safe Drug Use Info
Safer Injecting - Avoiding Hep C, HIV, Abscesses and other nasties.

Mixing up and hitting up involves a number of bits and pieces of equipment and a number of steps in the process. As a result there are numerous stages where the taste can get infected or dirtied. You need to consider the whole process not just the obvious points such as the need to use your own clean needles and syringes. This info can help you make an informed choice about the way that you use and lets you know the things that are really important to remember, including information on:

Clean equipment, general hygiene ,swabs ,spoons ,water, tourniquets, getting a vein barbed needles, clotted fits, re-using your own fits, using in groups and Vein Care

Clean equipment

Wherever possible, use all new and sterile injecting equipment. This is the ideal for every time you inject. So when you go to the NSP (in NSW exchanges are now called NSPs -Needle and Syringe Programs) try and load up on as much equipment as you can. In NSW equipment is free from NSPs so at least it won't cost you money to do so. There are sometimes reasons you end up not having enough new equipment. The laws on possessing fits in NSW are a bit confusing We've included info on bleaching and flushing below but do try and get enough clean equipment to use freshies as often as possible.

General Hygiene

Some people find it worthwhile to lay out all the equipment in the order in which they use it to make the process smoother and quicker.

Get your hands as clean as you can - to remove as much bacteria, dried blood, viruses, and dirt as possible. If you don't have access to running warm water and soap, remember to get extra swabs and use one of these for each finger (and thumb!)

Try to get your prep surface as clean as possible. Even wipe it down with warm, soapy water if it can be; or brush away any dust or dirt. This'll lessen the chance of floaties ending up in your mix. (Or put down a clean book, magazine, CD case, newspaper or the brown bag the equipment comes in.)

Swabs

Alcohol swabs clean away dirt and bacteria but not viruses like hepatitis or HIV. Clean spoons or any equipment (like pocket knives or keys) that come in contact with the drugs to be injected. Use them on the injection site to clean away dirt or bits that can enter into the bloodstream with the needle as it punctures the skin and cause nasties like abscesses, septicemia and endocardi

Use the swab on the cleaned site by wiping across the area once with a new swab. Rubbing back and forth with them spreads dirt and germs around.

Water

The ideal water to use for injection will depend on your situation. Usually the sterile water ampoules you can get in most NSPs are the safest option. This should be used for the one mix only and then discarded. Don't re-cap and put it in the fridge. This is because bacteria loves sterile water and grows very easily in it. This principle goes for all water.

When you can't get this water, use boiled water drawn up from near the surface, as heavy metals sink to the bottom and shouldn't be injected. Ideally you should try to wait until this has cooled to room temperature. This is for two reasons: Firstly; hot water going in stings and damages your veins and secondly; it can warp and expand the rubber plunger in the fit and make it stick: a real pain when you're in the middle of hitting up.

Other water such as bottled water and tap water vary from brand to brand and place to place so it is difficult to give general advice regarding this water. Some are unsafe to use due to the presence of micro-organisms, while others are okay.

Tourniquets

If you don't inject often or you rotate or vary the site of injection you may not need to use a tourniquet to get at a good vein. Whether to use a tourniquet or not is really a matter of preference. Some users, especially those with good veins, may not need to use them. Don't forget that it's easy to spread blood around using tourniquets and that you should always use only your own.

Using something soft and easy to release is handy as well, as releasing them before the shot goes in (although after the needle does) is very important.

Getting a vein

If you don't have a tourniquet there are various techniques that can be used to help veins close to the surface of the arm come up:

Clenching and re-clenching the fist

"Wind-milling" your arm

Bathing the arm in warm water or having a hot shower

Push-ups…!

Barbed / Blunt needles

If the needle on a syringe knocks against something or is used more than once, it can get barbed and hooked. This rips and tears at the sensitive veins and seriously harms them. On top of this there's a risk of ruining the hit. This is because if the needle's barbed enough the drugs may get blocked which might lead to messing around with transferring gear into a new fit during which blood might coagulate and make injecting that much more difficult.

Clotted fits

It happens. You dig around for ages until your pick is blunt and when you finally hit a vein, jack back and go for it and… it stings like fuck!! The pick's gone through or the vein's snaked away or fuck knows what but the shot's not going in…!! You try again and again and you're trying not to stress at all, but you know the fit's going to be full of clotted blood in a minute and the closer this gets the more wild the digging becomes until there's blood all over the place and you're breathing like you've run a marathon and finally it's clogged good and proper and won't squeeze through the needle!

It's a real pain but the thing to do here is to keep calm…easier said than done for sure! If you don't want to swallow the taste (no? didn't think so!) the thing to do is (after quickly cleaning up any blood running down your arm or wherever) to get the mix back in a spoon, add some water and re-filter it into a new fit.

Re-using your own fits

Try not to do it. If you do find that you are without cleans and don't have the option of obtaining any then at least clean them. Flush through with fresh water and bleach them. (For information on how to do this properly call NUAA or talk to your local NSP worker.) Make certain that the fits you re-use are definitely yours! Keep them into a container only you use. Remember that dirty tastes are far more likely when you use dirty fits. If you've ever had one, you won't want another one!

Using in groups

Blood borne viruses (BBV's) like hepatitis and HIV can be spread by traces of blood that cannot be seen by the naked eye and gets onto and into all sorts of places you might not expect. Try and be aware of this at all times, especially when using with other people.

Other routes of administration

There are risks involved no matter which way you choose to take a drug. However finding other ways to use apart from injecting can give your veins a break and make the transmission of blood borne viruses and other infections less likely.

Some of the risks associated with injecting are:

Transmission or contraction of HIV, and hepatitis B & C, vein damage, endocarditis, and septicaemia

To avoid or limit your exposure to these risks you could try snorting, swallowing, smoking or even shafting your drugs rather then injecting. How you take a drug does affect the time taken to feel the effects and whether or not you feel an immediate rush.

Snorting

Any powders can be snorted. The trick is to make sure the powder is as fine as you can get it. You can do this by chopping the powder with a razor blade or knife; make sure you refine any lumps or crystals. Powders are usually snorted through straws or rolled up dollar bills, however sharing of these implements could potentially pass on blood borne viruses. There may be small partials of blood on these objects that you can not see.

Swallowing

All drugs can be swallowed, but some like methamphetamine have been known to upset some people's stomachs. If you find that this happens try wrapping the drug in cigarette papers before swallowing or try shafting. Swallowing heroin would be a waste of your money as you would have to swallow a hell of a lot to feel anything.

Swallowing will take quite a bit more time for the drug to affect you.

Shafting

Shafting is where you place the drug in your arse. This can be bone by wrapping the drug in cigarette papers before shafting it. It always helps to use a bit of lubricant. Pills such as ecstasy can be easily shafted without wrapping in cigarette paper. Some people have noted that this can cause a laxative effect.

This method allows the effects of the drug to be felt quicker then via the stomach (swallowing).

Smoking

You can smoke heroin, cocaine and crystal-methamphetamines.

All heroin can be smoked but brown alkaline dope is the most suitable to smoke.

Chasing the dragon is complicated especially if not using alkaline smack but some Australian users who don't want to inject "spot" - which is a method of placing bits of the drug on a piece of foil and heating from beneath with a cigarette lighter or another form of wick. The smoke is then inhaled via a straw or rolled up dollar note. It is a lot harder to chase the dragon with methamphetamines, for when heat is applied to meth it turns to a liquid then vapour rather then smoke. Meth in it's liquid form moves away from the heat source and would be harder to manage on a foil square with out some spillage.

The effects of Smoking Crystal-meth come on just as quick or even a little bit quicker then injecting.

A glass pipe that has a bowl on the end is much more suitable to smoke meth through. As the bowl will contain the liquid form until it turns into vapour which you inhale.

Sharing of pipes, straws or rolled up nots is not advisable as there is a chance of contracting blood borne viruses. There may be small partials of blood on these objects which may cause transference of blood borne viruses.

Remember you can still overdose when using these methods

Heroin Overdose

Non fatal overdoses are common amongst heroin users. It is where someone loses consciousness and breathing slows or stops. They are lucky enough to have a friend who brings them around or who calls an ambulance in time.

Believe it or not most fatal OD's happen to people who have been using for ages and the majority occur 2 hours after the shot. Also most ODs, both fatal and non fatal occur when the person has other drugs and/or alcohol on board. So even if you're an experienced user take time to check out these tips for OD prevention.

10 tips for Heroin overdose prevention

1. If using gear from an unknown source or of unknown purity have a smaller shot at first

2. Be aware that being on treatment such as naltrexone, or periods of abstinence or reduced using can seriously affect your tolerance

3. Never mix opiates with CNS depressants like benzos and alcohol

4. Remember that mixing any drugs is not a good idea! If mixing drugs be aware of the order in which you take them and how long they last in your system.

5. Never use alone

6. Let someone else know where you are and what you are doing

7. Make sure that the drugs you intend to take are in fact what they are supposed to be

8. Be aware of how different drugs affect you and how long they last

9. Remember that most ODs don't happen straight after a shot

10. Look after your mates - learn first aid

Remember…

If the person has been sitting, lying or slumped in the same position for a while get them to change positions. This will make sure that they aren't cutting of circulation to any part of they body.

Check in on your mates every now and then if they are on the nod. Overdosing can happen hours after the shot.

Nodding or overdosing? Signs of a heroin overdose

It is sometimes hard to tell if someone is just on the nod or if they are overdosing. Below are a few signs of when you should call 000.

Not able to respond when you call their name or gently shake them. Try calling out Narcan, which usually gets a quick response.

Their breathing has slowed or stopped. Breathing around 4 times or less per minute is highly dangerous, call OOO!

Or in other words…

Try counting "1 cat & dog, 2 cat & dog…"till you reach "15 cat & dog" if they have not taken a breath in this time. Prod, poke and call to them to get a response if there is no response call 000.

If they are snoring or gurgling they're having trouble breathing. Get them to talk to you or change the position that they're sitting or lying in to open their air way. If possible get them to lie down in the recovery position.

Call 000, if there is no or very little response from the person.

If their lips, fingers and toes are pale or blue:

This means that there isn't enough oxygen getting into their body. Check for breathing, put them in a position that makes breathing easier, such as the recovery position.

An overdose is not only when a person has stopped breathing. It is always best to get help before they stop breathing.

If in doubt call 000 for an ambulance. It is better to be safe then lose a friend. You can always cancel an ambulance if you need to.


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