GAY/BI MEN!

"You can trace homosexuality throughout history ("as you would expect, as its a normal part of life" of course); In1974, being 'gay' was classed as a mental disorder, and in (only) 1993 homosexuality was removed from international classification of Diseases. In 2005 BMA report 76% of doctors considered it important to be “out and proud” but only 39% of patients were actually ‘out’ from fear of homophobia. Gay/Bi men also face extra challenges when it comes to;

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Violence

- Intimate partner violence/Domestic violence (or DV) takes many forms but involves emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or financial means/harm by a significant adult (whether in an intimate relationship, or a family one). Typically, intimate partner violence begins with verbal threats and escalates to physical abuse, which is why it’s important to recognize it early and get help as soon as possible. Intimate partner violence often involves manipulation and control. For men who have sex with men, intimate partner violence includes threatening to “out” the victim to his family, friends and co-workers. In the present day, ‘DV’ affects at least 1 in 4 people in the gay community. A huge proportion of this is due to Homophobia against males, and especially those when ‘coming out’. Studies show that gay men are less likely to name DV (but experience DV abusive behaviour). Research suggests that men who have sex with men are just as likely to face intimate partner violence as heterosexual women, but men who have sex with men may be hesitant to seek help because they fear revealing sexual orientation will put them in danger.

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Substance misuse

 - Mostly due to stress, discrimination (and other issues described here), gay and bisexual men are more likely to use tobacco and alcohol than the general population. Among other dangerous health effects, tobacco use puts men at much higher risk for several cancers, and excessive alcohol use contributes to permanent liver damage and risky sexual behaviours. Certain drugs — especially crystal meth, also known as “Tina” — have also become widely used. In addition to being highly addictive, crystal meth greatly increases the risk of unsafe sex and HIV transmission.

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Body Dysmorphia

- Gay and bisexual men have higher rates of body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Many factors influence, including; low self-esteem, discrimination, pier pressure, depression and unrealistic body standards. Being underweight is linked to osteoporosis, a weakened immune system and a reduced life expectancy. Young gay and bisexual men tend to see themselves as overweight, despite being healthy or underweight, and are more likely to use weight-control strategies, such as fasting and using laxatives, to lose weight than heterosexual men.

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Mental health

- Although briefly mentioned a few times here; Many studies have found that gay and bisexual men are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, and that such is more prevalent in younger men who are at a higher risk than older gay men. Gay and bisexual men are more likely to drink more alcohol, self-medicate, use illicit drugs and smoke more heavily, often as a way of dealing with stress, rejection, other health issues, violence, financial hardship, and discrimination.

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HIV

– Gay men living with HIV are more prone to discrimination and ‘outdated’ stigma. Many lose relationships, social support networks and careers – and find themselves in financial crisis and struggling. Gay men with HIV are more prone to stress, depression, and other issues which has an effect on mental and physical health/strength.

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While most men who identify as gay/bisexual lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives (according to source), many encounter challenges (some of which you have just read above) that can trigger serious mental health issues. There is a greater risk in some health areas, be it mentally or physically. Further recent studies/census show that there’s still a fear of 'coming out; To GP’s, through fear of being judged, or encase their family members find out due to being a family doctor (This means they are also 'less' likely to take up screening, information, and preventative services for certain things). To parents or family members, through fear of violence, abandonment. To house mates, through fear of violence. Work colleagues and friends, through fear of discrimination and rejection. Last year over 60,000 victims at highest risk of murder or serious harm received co-ordinated support from interventions created by charities. A national survey was taken by the government in 2019 to gather information about the experiences of gay men/LGBT people in the UK. Over 108,000 people participated, making it the largest national survey of LGBT people in the world to date. Although respondents were generally positive about the UK’s record on gay rights, some of the findings made for difficult reading:

• Gay men respondents are less satisfied with their life than the general UK population.

• More than two thirds said they avoid holding hands with a partner for fear of negative reactions from others.

• At least two in five respondents had experienced an incident because they were gay, such as verbal harassment or physical violence, in the 12 months preceding the survey. However, more than nine in ten of the most serious incidents went unreported, often because respondents thought ‘it happens all the time’.

• 2% of respondents had undergone conversion or reparative therapy in an attempt to ‘cure’ them of being gay.

• 24% of respondents had accessed mental health services in the 12 months preceding. Due to unnecessary stresses and unforeseen situations, and strains, some gay men may find themselves in vulnerable situations - especially when finance's are concern, and in emergencies. And this is where 'Guardian here for you' can lend a hand for some to aid prevention and poverty!."