A TRANSGENDER prostitute accused of infecting a Perth man with HIV is seeking bail in order to get out of a male prison.

Clayton James Palmer, 38, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court via video link from maximum security Casuarina Prison charged with grievous bodily harm after a client was diagnosed with HIV last year.

Palmer was supported by family and friends, including People For Sex Worker Rights in WA spokeswoman Rebecca Davies, who said she should not be held in a male prison.

Palmer, who identifies as a woman and goes by the name Sienna Fox, will appear in court for a bail hearing on April 7.

At an earlier hearing, the court was told Palmer, who advertised her services under the name of Sienna Fox, had been told she was infected with HIV almost a year earlier but kept having sex with the man for money.

She also allegedly fled to Sydney after being confronted by the complainant and continued to advertise her services.

But Palmer’s lawyer Martin Muk said his client, who was originally from New Zealand and previously lived in Sydney before moving to Perth, was in a consensual relationship with the complainant.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNING

WA Health is urging anyone who has had unprotected sex with a recently charged sex worker to seek medical advice.

WA Health’s Director Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Dr Paul Armstrong said there was always a risk of transmission for anyone who had unprotected sex with an infected person – and these people should visit their GP or health service to request a sexual health test as soon as possible.

“The only way to find out if you have been infected with HIV is to have a blood test,” Dr Armstrong said.

“However, for a short period just after HIV enters the body, it can’t be picked up with a test. If your result is negative, you will need to have another test after three months.

“WA Health has also established a confidential special assistance phone line (1800 131 231) to provide advice and support for people who have ever been clients of Ms Fox.”

HIV can be transmitted through unsafe sex or by contact with blood or other body fluids.

Symptoms soon after HIV transmission could include, fever, headache, tiredness or a rash; however, some people may not have any initial symptoms at all.

Safe and highly effective treatments for HIV are readily available.

Anyone concerned that they might have been exposed to HIV or another sexually transmitted infection or blood-borne virus, can contact the following health services for testing:

· General Practitioners

· South Terrace Clinic (STC), 9431 2149

· Royal Perth Hospital Sexual Health Clinic, 9224 2178

· M Clinic (an STI/HIV screening and counselling service for men who have sex with men), 9227 0734