Almost everyone knows our role models. But there are many more dedicated people behind ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU. In February, the entire campaign team will finally step into the limelight. Motto: "We're on board - with lust and fun!"
Anyone who takes part in ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU gets around the country. Last year, Wolfgang Schmolinksi took part in six events, including the CSDs in Leipzig, Erfurt and Dortmund, the "Pink Day" at Heidepark Soltau and the "Alsterlauf", a mass sports event in Hamburg.
"I see the small CSDs in particular, which are short of staff, as our task," says the 62-year-old. "I want to contribute manpower there." In "large villages like Hamburg", the educational projects can rely on numerous active members. This is usually not the case in small and medium-sized towns.
Prevention has become more complex in recent years. Campaign manager Matthias Kuske explains: "In the past, the teams had to spread the classic prevention messages, above all 'Fuck only with a condom': 'Only fuck with a condom'. Now people know the most important messages. The questions they ask have become more specialised."
The focus is increasingly on the Dealing with other sexually transmitted infections. As we all know, these can have unpleasant consequences and - if recognised too late - can sometimes be really dangerous. They also increase the likelihood of HIV transmission. "Our volunteers have to be able to answer a lot of different questions," says Matthias Kuske. "This goes far beyond distributing condoms!"
With sunflower seeds against chlamydia
Imagination is required: at a gay open-air party in Hamburg last summer, Wolfgang brought completely different bags to the people. They contained sunflower seeds. "People snatched them out of our hands," recalls Wolfgang.
The event was organised by Hein & Fiete, the gay information shop in Hamburg and cooperation partner of ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU. Inside the seed bag, the curious visitors found an information sheet on chlamydia alongside the sunflower seeds and growing tips. "These are bacteria that are sown unnoticed during sex, then grow slowly but steadily and can later lead to serious illnesses," says Wolfgang, explaining the idea behind the campaign. In his experience, a souvenir like this attracts more attention than a free condom.
Whether it's seeds or condoms - both are "above all a bridge to start a conversation". With Wolfgang, this usually happens very quickly. Many people want to know why he does this: chatting to complete strangers about sexually transmitted diseases. He then tells them that he has been HIV-positive himself - since 1987. "I can always say: don't do what I did!"
When he retired five years ago, Wolfgang wanted to do something meaningful - and decided to take to the streets: "I enjoy talking to people, explaining things to them: That's why it's important to know what you're doing."
"Sometimes I'm not nimble enough yet!"
Of course, he doesn't convince everyone - he has no illusions about that. "You gays all have Aids!" a visitor to the Alsterlauf in Hamburg threw at him and Wolfgang was left dumbfounded. "An old hand would immediately catch someone like that with the right words," says Wolfgang. "I'm not quick enough yet to catch someone like that."
Nevertheless, he enjoys working in the ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU campaign team. "My efforts are already worthwhile when I have a good conversation with one person - and when I encourage two others to take a look at iwwit.de."
