Reseau Access Network pulls 'banana' ad promoting new clinic

The first health clinic for gay and bisexual men in northern Ontario has opened its doors in Sudbury — but a poster in its promotional advertising campaign has drawn rebuke from some.

The new clinic offers medical exams, prescription refills, STI testing and counseling by the non-profit group Reseau Access Network .

After a dozen complaints on Reseau Access Network's Facebook page, an ad showing a photo of a young, shirtless man licking a peeled banana, and holding another one by his head, was pulled from the page.

"The banana was basically to get a reaction and get the attention of that demographic," said Gaston Cotnoir, a member of Reseau Access Network's AIDS committee.

"We were looking for young, queer men to access our services."

Some people called the ad disgusting and pornographic, Cotnoir said.

He said he believes the complaints highlight how some people are still uncomfortable with homosexuality.

"Because if we have to live in a society where homophobia comes around like that — around just imaging — how do I feel welcome in a clinic environment as a gay man?"