Discussing: Health of Gay and Bi cis men

 

 

From a health perspective there are some specific issues and possible risks for gay and bi cis men. In the following some of these aspects are explained and discussed.

Of course, when the topic health of gay or bi men is mentiond, the first big health problem which people associate with it is HIV / AIDS. The risk of a HIV infection for gay or bi men are higher than for heterosexual men. However, safer sex is proven to be an effective prevention for this health risk.

When someone is HIV positive, it is very important to have a good health provider and an open communication with the provider and any sexual partners .

One issue with this is that people with HIV are often stigmatized. In many settings affected individuals have to deal with discrimination and insecurity because of the attitude of many parts of society. The stigma can appear in different forms like labelling, isolation, stereotyping, status loss or homophobia.

 

In general gay / bi men may experience feelings of shame and fear, which is often a result of experienced stigma. In consequence, some gay / bi cis men might not use healthcare and have a higher probability of experiencing mental health issues.

 

Especially during adolescene people are more polarized in their gender roles compared to other life phases. Cis boys experience intense peer pressure to be “tough”, cis girls are supposed to be more passive and restrained according to the peer dynamics in this phase. Rejection of minority groups like gay / bi men is often common.

 

Another problem for young gay / bi men might be conflicts with their family members because of their sexual orientation. This environment can also cause mental health problems.

 

To deal effectively with these situations has to be a central task for the community and institutions. For example government providers should increase their support  of minority groups in the health care system.

 

In some countries same-sex practices are a criminal offense. However, that is not the case in Germany, where the constitution grants you the right "to free development of his personality insofar as he does not violate the rights of others or offend against the constitutional order or the moral law. [...] Every person shall have the right to life and physical integrity. Freedom of the person shall be inviolable."

 

 

Overall there should be more awareness and support in all parts of society. As well the sciencific research has to include more topics of the health of gay / bi cis men.  The different ways of systemic adjustment in all kinds of parts of our living together, rejection has to confined in general terms, so that everybody can feel safe and free in our society.