Health Matters
Being gay or bisexual as well as an immigrant can result in health needs that are different to those of gay and straight Britons.
Why migrant gay men need support
Mental and sexual health
The particular health issues that can affect gay and bisexual men in general, such as mental health issues and higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), may be even more pronounced in men who have moved to Britain. This is especially so for those coming from countries far more homophobic than Britain, or those fleeing violence and persecution.
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, with an increased risk of stress-related conditions.
This is true for gay men in general in Britain. But if you're from a country where people think that if you are gay then you're mentally ill or deeply sinful, the impact could be even greater.
And this comes on top of the higher burden of mental illness among migrant communities, especially refugees and asylum seekers.
Other issues
Migrant gay men also experience:
- language problems
- uncertainties surrounding the British healthcare system
- immigration problems
- cultural differences
This makes it more difficult for migrant gay men to proactively take care of their health.
For example, someone new to Britain may not know that HIV and STI tests are free and confidential. They may not know if they can get their healthcare for free. They may expect abuse from a health worker if they reveal their sexuality, and they may not know how to find a doctor.
Helping migrant service users to use the healthcare system is therefore a crucial step in reducing their chances of getting infected with HIV and suffering poor sexual health.
