People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) are present in all communities. They are varied, coming from all walks of life. They include people of different colors and ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic positions, and geographical locations. Gay and bisexual people’s opinions and needs should be consistently considered in public health efforts to promote general health and eradicate health disparities.
This article provides an overview of gay and bisexual health and wellness.
Gay and Bisexual Health Concerns
According to studies, the following are some of the most common bisexual health issues that homosexual and bisexual men experience. Not all of these apply to every man. But they are important issues for men and healthcare professionals to be aware of.
1. Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence can take various forms. But it always involves physical or mental harm caused by a significant person, who is generally a boyfriend, girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend, or date. Intimate partner violence usually starts with threats of violence and develops into actual assault. This is why it is important to detect it early and get help as soon as possible. Manipulation and control are often used in intimate relationship violence.
According to research, over half of the homosexual males and over seventy percent of lesbian women said they had been victims of psychological IPV. Still, men who have sex with men may be unwilling to seek treatment. This is because they fear disclosing their sexual orientation to others would put them at more risk.
2. Substance Abuse
Gay and bisexual males are more likely than the overall population to abuse cigarettes and alcohol. This is due to stress and discrimination. Tobacco use, among other things, puts men at a much greater risk for several cancers. And heavy alcohol consumption contributes to permanent liver damage and dangerous sexual behaviors.
Certain narcotics, particularly crystal meth (also known as “Tina”), have become more popular among homosexual men. Crystal meth, in addition to being highly addictive, increased the risk of unsafe sex and HIV transmission.
3. Body Dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia and eating disorders are more common in gay and bisexual males. Low self-esteem, prejudice, depression, and unrealistic physical standards are the contributing factors.
4. Reproduction and Fertility
There are a few alternatives for gay and bisexual men who want to have children. These include including surrogacy, in which sperm is used to fertilize a donated egg. A surrogate mother then carries the baby to term.
They must find a provider or facility that understands their unique requirements and provides services in a loving and compassionate environment for their family.
5. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Gay and bisexual people are more likely to get certain sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Aside from abstinence, the most effective way to prevent STIs is to wear a condom every time you have sex.
These Are Some of the Diseases:
HIV: HIV is a virus that can lead to AIDS if untreated. HIV reduces the capacity of the immune system to fight infections and some cancers. It is transmitted by direct contact with virus-infected bodily fluids, most commonly through needle sharing and anal, vaginal, and (very rarely) oral intercourse. Knowing your HIV status is essential for protecting yourself and others.
To prevent HIV, the World Health Organization recommends that all men who have intercourse with other men consider taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a medication that can help to reduce HIV transmission. Consult your doctor to see whether PrEP is suitable for you.
Syphilis: Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can harm the heart and neurological system. Syphilis is spread by oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse.
Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis A and B are both viral diseases that cause liver damage. Hepatitis A is mostly spread by contaminated food. But it can also be transmitted through anal and oral sex.
Hepatitis B is spread through sharing needles as well as anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse. Hepatitis A infections usually resolve independently. But, hepatitis B can cause permanent or chronic liver damage, leading to liver cancer.
Both hepatitis A and B vaccines are available. You should address them with your doctor if you haven’t already taken them or if you need a booster.
Societal Issues with Gay and Bisexual People
- In the United States, 4.5 percent of adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
- Gay and bisexual people’s identification decreases with age. 8.2% of Millennials (born between 1980 and 1999) identify as LGBT, compared to 3.5 percent of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979)
- According to research, gay and bisexual people experience health inequalities due to social stigma, discrimination, and rejection of their civil and human rights.
- Discrimination against gay and bisexual people has been linked to a higher incidence of mental illnesses, drug addiction, and suicide.
- Personal, familial, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity impacts gay and bisexual people’s mental health and personal safety.
What Factors Impact Mental Health?
Socioeconomic variables (or determinants) have an important role in everyone’s mental health. But they are more important for marginalized groups. Social inclusion, freedom from discrimination and violence, and access to economic resources are three important factors of healthy mental health and well-being.
All These Facts Influence Gay and Bisexual People and Communities:
- Bisexual and transgender men are overrepresented among the poor.
- According to Ontario-based research, half of the trans individuals live on less than $15,000 per year. Gay and bisexual people face stigma and discrimination throughout their lives. Also, they are targets of sexual and physical abuse, harassment, and hate crimes.
- From 2007 to 2008, hate crimes driven by sexual orientation more than doubled in America.
- According to an Ontario-based survey of trans people, 20% have experienced physical or sexual assault as a result of their identification. And 34% have faced verbal threats or harassment.
- Trans individuals in both Canada and the United States report experiencing high levels of harassment, humiliation, and discrimination when seeking secure housing, work, health, or social services.
Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Following Are Important Factors for Gay and Bisexual People’s Mental Health and Well-Being:
- Family and friend support, especially for young people
- Friendly workplaces and neighborhood
- Low internalized homophobia (homophobia accepted by the LGBT person) can be encouraged and maintained via identification or community building with other Gay and bisexual people.
- Receiving positive reactions to coming out
- Addressing health’s socioeconomic determinants
The Bottom Line
Gay and bisexual men belong to a diverse community. They have both common and unique experiences and situations that impact their physical and mental health.
Understanding gay and bisexual health requires first understanding the oppression and discrimination that these groups have faced.
To successfully address gay and bisexual health issues, we must collect SOGI data in national surveys and health records securely and uniformly. Researchers and policymakers will be able to correctly define gay and bisexual health and inequalities due to this.
