Shortly after moving to San Francisco as a young adult, Justin Shieh found himself up at night worried after having unprotected sex. He was able to access PEP at City Clinic, which temporarily put his mind at ease, but soon realized he’d need to be more proactive about caring for his sexual health. A new friend, also a gay man, told Shieh to visit Magnet. 

Now, more than seven years later, Shieh’s a happy transplant in San Francisco, a regular Magnet client, and even an active member of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s community advisory board for Magnet. He’s grateful for the free services, information, and healthcare he’s received over the years. 

“I’m very comfortable in my sexual health these days,” he said. “I’ve been able to access the prevention tools and resources, like Doxy PEP, that allow me to take care of myself in ways that match my level of risk and my sex life.” 

With information from Magnet clinicians, Shieh was an early adopter of both PrEP 211 (which involves taking oral PrEP around the times of sex instead of daily), and Doxy PEP (an STI prevention method). SFAF’s Magnet clinic has been at the forefront of bringing these new prevention methods to clients. 

“I found out about PrEP 211 from Magnet,” said Shieh. “That sort of unlocked something for my sexual health. That method of taking PrEP just fit really well with what was happening with my sex life, and I felt reassured I was taking PrEP when I needed to take it–and not when I didn’t need it.” 

Shieh said that even when he had detailed, nuanced questions about when and how to take PrEP 211 and Doxy PEP, his healthcare providers at Magnet always had ready answers to his questions–and never rushed him through his appointments. 

“That’s another aspect of my care that’s really helped in mitigating any sort of fears or scares around sexual health,” he said. “Healthcare providers here are able to have real conversations about all aspects of sexuality. I can ask questions about oral sex, about other things, and get real answers.” 

Shieh said the free and LGBTQ+ focused care he’s received at Magnet has made such a difference in his life, that he’s determined to give back so that other Queer communities continue to receive quality sexual health services. 

“I feel very strongly about healthcare access–particularly for LGBTQ communities, people of color, young people, and people experiencing homelessness. Especially now, when healthcare costs in this country are rising, and funding is at risk for clinics. Having free access to sexual health care and HIV services, and culturally aware LGBTQ services, is so important,” he said. 

Shieh joined Magnet’s community advisory board, devoting his limited after-work hours to planning and advising on clinic activities and outreach. 

“I’ve been coming to Magnet for more than seven years. Volunteering for Magnet’s advisory board feeds my soul, and allows me to be more connected to my community.”