Background:
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for multiple STDs. A resurgence in unsafe sexual practices among MSM has been documented and appears to be associated with increased rates of STDs.

Objective:
To inform the owners of gay businesses of resurgent STDs among MSM, to promote the availability of publicly funded STD diagnostic and treatment services, and to promote safer sex practices.

Method:
The owner of the only MSM gym in Washington, DC, supported our “Syphilis is Back! Get Tested!” campaign. He spent $40,000 running weekly ads in the Washington Blade and Metro Weekly newspapers, printed up hundreds of posters which were distributed to 14 of the area's highest risk MSM venues, provided thousands of business cards which were distributed with condoms during targeted outreach efforts, placed a banner ad on the Washington Blade and ManHunt websites, and allowed the Division of STD Control into his gym in order to do STD screening.

Result:
The number of Whites visiting the Southeast STD Clinic increased 74% (December 2003 - June 2004 compared to December 2002 - June 2003). The ManHunt banner ad alone was viewed by more than 261,511 MSM, more than 663 of which actually “hit” it in order to get more information about STD control in Washington, DC. And, hundreds of MSM at the highest risk of acquiring STDs were screened (identifying 18 individuals who needed Hepatitis B vaccination, 5 cases of syphilis, 5 cases of HIV, 3 cases of gonorrhea, 1 case of chronic hepatitis, and 1 case of Chlamydia).

Conclusion:
At the height of this campaign, there was a 5% decrease in the number of infectious syphilis cases reported among MSM in Washington, DC (January – June 2004 compared to January – June 2003).

Implications:
For resource poor STD Control Programs, support can come from unorthodox stakeholders.