FS Magazine, gay men's health, sex and life

FS is GMFA's bi-monthly magazine containing information on gay men's health and HIV related issues. It provides gay men with health and HIV information, advice, support and research in a clear and understandable format.

Designed to appeal to young gay men, FS is colourful, uses young gay men as models and is written in a style likely to attract this target group. Moreover, as the following quote demonstrates, FS is also used as a resource for professionals within the HIV sector.

"I read it every time it comes out just because I'm a gay man and I'm part of their target group, also I read it to see if there are things which would be of interest to my colleagues . . . I make sure they know about them, either by photocopying it or sending a copy around saying 'read section whatever'"

FS has been independently evaluated by the Cambridge Health Evaluation Consultancy. The main findings were:

FS was well received by all the groups. The panels agreed that the magazine took a holistic approach to health, well-being and sexual health in order to empower men to take control over their lives and have confidence in their minds and bodies. The value set guiding the resource seemed to fit and it provided information that was relevant and needed.
The balance between terms of interest was felt to be well managed and it seemed to reach out to a wide cross section of gay men both HIV+ and HIV negative.
Comment was made that FS was not just about sex and sexual health but covered a more diverse range of interests which was refreshing. This gave the magazine a broader sense of purpose, reason and direction.
The size and style of the magazine lent itself to portability and men stated that they would feel comfortable reading the resource in a range of settings.
Praise was given to the layout and format of the magazine which was likened to commercial resources available on the scene that men might choose to pay for.
FS was seen as having a wide reach and appeal due to its holistic approach to lifestyle issues including sexual health and HIV.

Currently each issue of has a print run of fifty thousand. Twenty-five thousand copies of each issue are distributed to GUM clinics, bars and clubs in London while the rest are distributed to organisations and individuals around England and Wales.

Click to see back issues of FS.