Gay men's health workers
Gay and bisexual men migrate to Britain for complex reasons. Economic and sexuality factors are often central motivators.
The experiences they face can be very varied and they may be looking for support in many areas of their lives.
If you work in gay men's health promotion, this section of the website is designed to help you enhance the services you provide to migrant men.
Being gay or bisexual in Britain
For many gay and bisexual men from other countries, Britain offers the chance of a more liberated life. It's a place where men can be out about their sexuality, without the fear of homophobic abuse, imprisonment or even death.
But migration can also put men at risk of picking up or passing on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. For example, newfound liberation can lead to an outburst of sexual encounters and an increase in sexual risk taking.
At the same time poor English language skills can hamper men's ability to negotiate safer sex and hinder their ability to find work or even socialise. This can leave them impoverished and marginalised. Men can find themselves relying on sexual partners for somewhere to live, or relying on sex work to make ends meet. This can result in unequal power balances and make it harder for them to negotiate safer sex.
Help and support
The gay scene is not a good source of support. Instead, some migrant men say it is over-sexualised and not a place to make friends.
Men in need of help and support often don't know what's available. They also may not know what they are entitled to when it comes to healthcare, social security benefits and so on. This differs wildly depending on what kind of visa someone has and which country they're from.
Men may well also be facing uncertainties surrounding their immigration status and be trying to find their way through Britain's complex immigration system.
How we can support you
In the 'Health matters' section you will find information specifically about the health needs of migrants.
In the 'Providing support' section you will find the details of a resource pack that includes information to help you offer practical advice to migrant service users. It will also help you to direct them to appropriate specialist services.
