Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Sexual Health
The campaigning organisation Stonewall estimates that between five and seven per cent of the UK population is either gay or bisexual. Like many other minorities in our society, gay men, lesbians and bisexual people face discrimination, in schools, workplaces and within the wider community. If you decide to come out as a lesbian or a gay man you might want some sympathetic advice before you take the big decision. Check out the Channel 4 Coming Out website which is a comprehensive beginner's guide.
> Defining sexuality
> Contraception
> Sexually transmitted infections - HIV/AIDS
> LBGT services
Defining sexuality
People are defined as lesbian or gay men if they are attracted to people of the same gender.
- Someone is defined as bisexual if they are attracted to both men and women.
- Those individuals who are attracted to members of the other gender are defined as heterosexual (more info).
Since the pioneering Kinsey reports into human sexuality in the late 1940s, many now accept the idea that sexual identity is fluid and exists along a continuum. Some are heterosexual or, at the other end of the continuum, homosexual, but most of us are to a greater or lesser extent bisexual. If sexuality is ‘fluid’ in this way, it could be argued that individuals should not ‘fix’ their identities by declaring themselves gay, lesbian or heterosexual. The problem with this position, as Crouan points out, is that it can be used to deny gay persons the power to define themselves and establish an identity.
It can be psychologically important to establish an identity, especially if you belong to a minority group. Below is information on services available to LBGT people in Birmingham.
Contraception
Your GP can offer a wealth of information; condoms are available free of charge at all SHIP Trained practices. Ask for an appointment with the practice nurse or whoever gives out the condoms so that you can ensure you have adequate supplies of suitable condoms. SHP practices off a range of condoms. Condoms and other contraception services are also available through the family planning clinics.
Sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS
The term sexually transmitted diseases refers to any disease which may be spread by sexual contact, but is more usually taken to mean those diseases which are predominantly spread by sexual contact e.g. chlamydia, syphilis etc.. Many sexually transmitted diseases have long term implications for health e.g. HIV, genital wart infection and cancer of the cervix.
Prevalence There is a high prevalence of STD in the UK and this is increasing. In the latter half of the 1990s reports of gonorrhoea increased by 58% and genital Chlamydia by 76%.1 Surveys amongst sexually active women suggest that as many as 1 in 10 will become infected with Chlamydia at some stage. The number of new HIV infections in the year 2000 was the highest since reporting began and for the second year running, the number of infections acquired through heterosexual relationships outnumbered those for homosexual relationships.2 The number of visits to the genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic has doubled over the last decade, and now stands at over a million for England and Wales alone.
Risk Factors There are clear associations between sexual health disorders and poverty and social exclusion. The impact of HIV infection has been greatest amongst the male gay community and some ethnic minority groups. Large numbers of sexual partners, unprotected intercourse and intercourse with partners from countries with a large infection problem e.g. some African countries and HIV infection, are all recognised risk factors for becoming infected with STDs.
HIV/AIDS Testing for this infection, like having any test for a sexually transmitted disease (not always the case of course for HIV) can be a pretty traumatic experience. You need to seek confidential advice from somebody who understands your situation. In Birmingham such services are offered by a variety of agencies. Testing early and picking up whether or not you have the disease is really sensible - the earlier you know, then the faster you obtain treatment. HIV treatment has come a long way over the last 10 years and although a cure is not yet available, we are well on the road to managing HIV as a chronic condition in a similar way as we treat some forms of heart and lung disease.
Where to get tested
Terence Higgins Trust
Terence Higgins Trust offer excellent services, including 1 hour testing. Full details of their services can be found here.
Your GP Surgery Many GPs now offer routine HIV and STI testing. Remember that the fact that you have had a test is NOT recorded in any applications that you might make for medical insurance or mortgage applications. It is only if the test is positive that this becomes an issue. Some GP's offer Enhance Sexual Health Services and they have particular experience with sexually transmitted infections and HIV; information on GP services is available here.
GUM Clinics GUM Clinics also offer HIV testing services.
LBGT Services
Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH) 0117 974 3795 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
If you're a young person affected by homophobia or an adult concerned about a young person, EACH offers support for young people including the children of a gay or lesbian parent. For support, call their helpline, e-mail them at help@eachaction.org.uk or visit their website.
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) 01454 852 418
Offering confidential support, information and a sympathetic ear for parents, families, straight partners and friends of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. You can phone them, or write to FFLAG at PO Box 84, Exeter EX4 4AN. You can also e-mail than at info@fflag.org.uk, or visit their website.
Health Gay Life (HGL) 0121 440 6161 (Weekdays 9am-5pm)
HGL provides counselling (including HIV/AIDS advice for gay men as well, as sexual violence advice), free condoms and lubricant, a helpline and a drop-in service (146 Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham) - see the website for more details. This is a male-only service with limited disabled access, which can arrange interpreters.
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Society
Aston University's Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Society is not just for students! It offers meetings in very informal groups as well as social activities and free condoms.
Lesbian & Gay Switchboard 0121 622 6589 (7pm-10pm)
Offering help and advice for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. The help line lists lists information on gay events and clubs. The same service provides information on the Lesbian and Gay mental health group and Lesbian, Gay and Bi Youth Groups.
London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard 0207 837 7324
Providing a 24 hour phone service to anyone in the UK, LLGS offer information, support and referrals to lesbians, bisexuals, gay men, transsexuals and straight people wanting information on gay issues.
The Straight Spouse Network
The only organisation specifically supporting those who find themselves married to a gay or lesbian partner is the international Straight Spouse Network. For support view their website or contact the UK section by e-mail at ssnetwork@softhome.net .
