Horny for More: IWWIT Comes of Age

This Tuesday marks 18 years of IWWIT, the prevention campaign run by Deutsche Aidshilfe. What began as an initiative focused on gay and bisexual men has grown into a diverse prevention offering for gay, bi, trans, and other men who have sex with men, as well as non-binary people. “A time filled with pleasure, knowledge and change—and above all prevention that keeps reinventing itself,” Deutsche Aidshilfe said on the anniversary.

IWWIT stands for “I Know What I’m Doing,” describing the campaign’s then-new approach when it launched in 2008. Gay, bisexual and HIV-positive men speak for themselves, right where sexuality is lived, and—back in the day—not only on campus or in clinics but also clearly and vividly online. The aim was and remains to provide information and personal stories from the community for the community about HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and safer sex—using a language that’s easy to understand, engaging, and non-lecturing. The campaign also addressed discrimination within the community (TheColu.mn reported).

“We keep talking about sex, desire and health”

“Eighteen years of IWWIT also mean eighteen years of prevention that changes together with the community,” explained IWWIT director Jonathan Gregory. “We keep talking about sex, desire and health—openly, confidently and without taboos. At the same time, we know life worlds and sexuality are constantly changing, so IWWIT will continue to explore new paths. We want to be online and offline in more places, reach more identities and more generations.”
Celebrations from the community
For its 18th birthday, IWWIT is also receiving messages from the community: Several influencers such as Darkviktory, Kostas Kind, Nico Abrell, and 321maxx contribute birthday videos, congratulating the campaign on reaching adulthood in their own unique ways.

More Than Condoms
In 18 years, Safer Sex has undergone a radical transformation: In addition to condoms, there are now other ways to prevent HIV transmission—from PrEP to prevention through treatment. According to Deutsche Aidshilfe, prevention has become more diverse and leaves more room for individual choice.

Simultaneously, sexual health has always been more than just protecting against HIV or other infections within IWWIT. The campaign has consistently focused on knowing one’s own desires and boundaries, enjoying pleasure, communicating with partners, and making autonomous decisions. That’s why topics like dating, relationships, coming out, consent, mental well-being and dealing with substances remain central to IWWIT’s approach. The goal is to challenge stereotypes, stigma and discrimination—while encouraging people to speak openly about their sexuality, access medical services, or seek support when needed.

“With a growing climate of hostility toward our diverse communities, prevention from within the community for the community remains essential,” Gregory continued. Prevention must be close to the life worlds of people, address current questions, and take place where people are. “We at IWWIT don’t want less at 18; we want more: more visibility, more knowledge, more participation, and more prevention that reaches the diversity of communities.” Gregory added, “From 18 years of experience, our goal for the future is to be even bolder, more joyful, louder and more visible. In short: IWWIT is 18 and hungry for more!”