In a bold and unconventional move, Australian Greens MP Stephen Bates has launched a new political advertising campaign on OnlyFans to raise awareness around sexual health, particularly access to PrEP and PEP in Australia.
Bates, who represents the electorate of Brisbane, becomes the first Australian politician to use the subscription-based platform for campaigning. While OnlyFans is widely known for its adult content, it also allows general content — and Bates has clarified he won’t be posting anything NSFW.
“This is about reaching people where they are,” said Bates, who’s no stranger to headline-grabbing strategies.
Sexual Health Front and Centre
The campaign’s key focus is on removing out-of-pocket costs for people accessing PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), both of which are critical tools in the prevention of HIV.
“While PrEP is on the PBS, the gap payment can add up to hundreds of dollars a year,” Bates said. “In a cost of living crisis, that’s just too much. You shouldn’t have to pay a fortune to be sexually responsible.”
“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.”
According to The Greens, OnlyFans has over 28 million monthly users in Australia, making it a unique avenue for outreach. Bates’ account is free to follow and will provide access to his content at no cost.
From Grindr to Parliament
Bates previously made headlines during the 2022 federal election for using the dating app Grindr as part of his successful campaign to win the Brisbane seat from former LNP MP Trevor Evans, Queensland’s first openly gay MP.
With tongue-in-cheek slogans like “You always come first with the Greens,” “Spice up Canberra with a third,” and “Put Stephen Bates on top this election,” his Grindr campaign drew both laughter and serious attention. It’s a strategy he’s doubling down on for the upcoming 3 May federal election.
“Put a 1 in My Box”
Bates has already released his first video as part of the OnlyFans campaign, sharing it via Instagram. The video, cheeky as ever, features sexual innuendo paired with detailed policy announcements.
“Whoever said sex and politics doesn’t mix hasn’t heard what I’ve got for you,” Bates begins. “Because I’ve got a HUGE policy announcement for you… That will TOP Labor and the LNP.”
He outlines The Greens’ commitment to free contraceptives, investing in mental health, and establishing an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner.
“The coalition and One Nation are in a race to the BOTTOM,” he quips, warning of the risks of another hung parliament.
The video ends with a line that’s sure to be remembered: “Put a 1 in my box.”
