He’s An MP, He’s On OnlyFans, And He’s Talking About Free PrEP
Stephen Bates, the Federal Member for Brisbane, has just made a rather unexpected move. He’s launched an advertising campaign using OnlyFans. Yes, you read that correctly. The Greens MP is using the subscription platform to connect with Aussies, marking a first for Australian politics.
Now, before your imagination runs wild, Bates has confirmed his account will feature strictly safe-for-work content. He is setting it up as a free service, meaning anyone can subscribe and see his posts without paying.
So, Why OnlyFans Then?
It seems it is all about reaching people where they are. A statement from The Greens highlighted that OnlyFans attracts around 28 million visits each month in Australia alone. That presents a huge opportunity to engage a different crowd than the usual political channels might reach.
Bates himself put it plainly, stating “Ending HIV is too important to fly under the radar. I campaign on OnlyFans and Grindr because it gets attention. Sometimes you have to make a splash to make people pay attention to the things that matter.”
Getting Serious About PrEP And PEP
The first major push on his new platform tackles access to HIV prevention medication PrEP and PEP. While these medications are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Bates points out the remaining costs can be a barrier.
“While PrEP is on the PBS, the gap payment can add up to hundreds of dollars a year,” Bates explained. “In a cost of living crisis, that’s just too much. You shouldn’t have to pay a fortune to be sexually responsible.” Making these medications completely free for anyone with a script is the goal.
Remember Those Grindr Ads?
Using less conventional platforms isn’t exactly new territory for Stephen Bates. During the nail biting 2022 federal election, where he won the Brisbane seat from the LNP’s Trevor Evans (who was Queensland’s first openly gay MP), Bates famously used Grindr for advertising.
Catchphrases like “You always come first with the Greens”, “Spice up Canberra with a third”, and “Put Stephen Bates on top this election” certainly got noticed on the dating app. It seems that attention grabbing strategy is one he plans to continue.
About That Cheeky Campaign Video…
To kick off the OnlyFans campaign, Bates dropped a video on his Instagram that fully leans into the cheeky style he is known for.
“Whoever said sex and politics doesn’t mix hasn’t heard what I’ve got for you,” he begins. Standing up to bring his crotch close to the camera, he declares, “Because I’ve got a HUGE policy announcement for you… That will TOP Labor and the LNP.”
After detailing the PrEP and PEP access plans, the puns keep coming. He critiques opponents involved in damaging culture wars, suggesting, “The coalition and One Nation are in a race to the BOTTOM,” and warns about the “real potential for a HUNG parliament.”
The video also touches on other key Greens policies. These include making contraceptives free, boosting investment in mental healthcare, and appointing an LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Commissioner. Bates described this proposed role as needing to “be a watchdog for the LGBTQIA+ community who still face discrimination at work, in education, in healthcare and in public life.”
He wraps up the video with arguably the most direct line: “Put a 1 in my box.” It is certainly one way to campaign.
