11.13.07 - Tweaker.org launches Spanish-language web site

San Francisco (November 13, 2007) -- Tweaker.org, the popular website for gay and bisexual men who use methamphetamine, has created Tweaker.org Español, a similar resource for Spanish-speaking men. The groundbreaking website will be accessible through the Tweaker.org portal November 16th.

"Gay and bisexual men who use meth are at high risk of contracting HIV and other STDs," explained Michael Siever, Director of the Stonewall Project. "Latino gay and bisexual men often face language and culture barriers in addition to greater stigma associated with both being gay and doing drugs. Tweaker.org Español will finally give them a home where they'll find accurate information. There's nothing else like it anywhere." 

The Stonewall Project, a program of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, provides gay and bisexual men harm-reduction counseling, education and information services. 

With funding from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Stonewall launched Tweaker.org in 2002 as its educational and informational outreach arm. Unique because of its hip, frank discussion of meth, HIV, STDs and sex, as well as a no-holds-barred forum and personal stories, Tweaker.org attracts an average of more than 2,000 visitors a day.

"Tweaker" is a slang term for someone who does methamphetamine, also known as "meth," "speed" and "crystal."

"We wanted Tweaker.org Español to be more than just a translation of Tweaker.org," said Pedro Arista, a Stonewall health educator instrumental in developing the project. "By working closely with leaders in the San Francisco Latino community, we created an innovative resource that is sensitive to the needs and interests of Latino men."

Tweaker.org Español will feature various topics including Crystal 101, Crystal and Your Body, Crystal and Your life, Crystal and Sex. "We hope this site as well as other prevention efforts by Teaker.org Español increase the dialogue about crystal meth and HIV in our Latino communities," explained Arista. "There was a great need for Tweaker.org Español," said Siever. "Gay and bisexual Spanish-speaking meth users were out there alone. By providing accurate education in a nonjudgmental way, we hope that Latino gay and bi men will be able to make informed decisions to reduce the harm caused by crystal meth, and so lead healthier, happier lives." 

Publishable Tweaker Español graphics are available for print and broadcast media.