Health Matters
Although gay and bisexual men share the same health needs as heterosexual men, being gay or bisexual makes some of their health needs different. And migrants have different health needs too.
This means that migrant gay and bisexual men may need specific support and advice from you.
How are their needs different?
Research suggests that there are particular health issues that may affect gay and bisexual men more than they affect heterosexual men. This includes higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and gonorrhoea.
Some gay or bisexual men use alcohol and other drugs at higher levels than the heterosexual community. Most use them for recreational purposes. But some men use them to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by homophobia and lifelong discrimination.
Being gay or bisexual does not make someone mentally or physically ill. But a lifetime of feeling 'different' or being treated differently can affect someone's mental wellbeing. It may also have an impact on their physical health, as they may have an increased risk of stress-related conditions.
Migrant men may come from countries far more homophobic than Britain. In their native country being gay may have been illegal or even punishable by death. For these men, all these issues may be magnified.
They may also experience additional stresses and anxieties caused by building a life in a new country.
How you can help
You can help to reduce the risks of migrant gay and bisexual men getting HIV and STIs by helping them to access HIV and STI testing and treatment services. You can also put them in touch with organisations that specialise in gay men's health.
HIV and STI testing is free and confidential for everyone, no matter what their immigration status is. Men don't need to worry that the testing clinic will report them to the Home Office.
Not knowing that treatment is free may well deter men from getting tested. Yet STI treatment is free for everyone and HIV treatment is free for everyone, except migrants who are in the UK illegally.
Useful contacts
Gay, bisexual and transgender specialist organisations
You can find organisations that offer confidential, free support, advice and information on HIV, sexual health and sexuality-related issues here.
HIV and sexual health tests
Genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics
GUM clinics are usually
located in hospitals. To find your nearest one contact NHS Direct.
Telephone: 0845 4647
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Rapid test clinics
Rapid (one hour) test clinics are held by some
sexual health organisations. To find your nearest one contact You choose
or THT Direct.
You choose
www.youchoose.org.uk
(Choose 'Testing centres')
THT Direct
Telephone: 0845 12 21 200
www.tht.org.uk/fastest
