HIV-fighting groups in Victoria say their new pocket-sized guide to casual ‘beat’ sex doesn’t condone it, but aims to provide accurate health information and advice for those who do it.

Beating Around The Bush is out now, and features essential details about personal safety, legal issues, sexual health and STI testing for men who have sex in parks, public toilets and other areas away from home.

“In some rural areas, beats can be a main point of contact for many men who have sex with men,” says the guide.

“Beats however, can pose risks for those who use them. The following information provides some things to consider if visiting a beat to increase your safety.”

The guide recommends getting regular sexual health checks, which are available anonymously and free from check-up centres around Australia’s main cities.

A pdf version of the Beating Around The Bush guide can be downloaded from here.

Photo: A helpful sign points out where the gay beat is at a Rotterdam park in The Netherlands.