Higher rate of aids in the gay community than straight

Screened more frequently for the virus than our straight counterparts, if we do test positive we are put on the treatment pathway sooner. Many of the leaders of our movement died of AIDS. When discussing ageing with HIV in the UK, we are often considering the needs of older gay and bi men, who may have been diagnosed before the introduction of effective antiretroviral HIV treatments in Many older people living with HIV are not only dealing with co-morbidities, but have lost entire friendship circles to the virus.

It would be great to see a campaign similar to the Scottish initiative across all four nations, which highlights that HIV affects straight people, as well as gay and bi men. I really liked the national campaign from the Scottish Government, in collaboration with Terrence Higgins Trust, last year.

HIV rates in gay men are higher than in all other groups. This World Mental Health Day, Emily Jones reflects on transforming a period of uncertainty into a journey of self-discovery. Search for:. Learn why gay men, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men are more likely than average to contract HIV.

Find strategies for reducing the risk. Much of our effort now focuses on encouraging straight people to engage in the prevention methods which have contributed to a year-on-year decline in HIV diagnoses amongst gay and bi men since The initial pilot scheme, which began inled to over 4, people being diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B, including HIV diagnoses in just 18 months.

However, the virus produced its own movement for equality, uniting diverse groups in the battle for treatment and against stigma. We also need to learn from their wisdom and celebrate their achievements. Earlier experimental treatments had multiple side effects.

This is really important. Addressing these barriers and encouraging safe and supportive communities can help.

Why Is the Risk

This shift in the changing pattern of HIV diagnoses happened several years ago. In3, people were diagnosed, the majority within the straight community. Learn about the biological, sexual, social, and psychological causes of this disparity.

During the era of Section 28, introduced in the s, HIV was weaponised against gay and bi men as evidence of our moral depravity. Had it not been for that older generation of AIDS campaigners, gay and bi men would not be in the situation where many of us do not live in fear of the virus.

HIV affects many people of various sexual orientations and gender identities living under the LGBTQ+ umbrella—and the reasons behind the statistics explain a lot about why these groups are still. So when it comes to the treatment and care of people living with HIV, services tailored to gay and bi men, as well as trans and non-binary people, are as important as ever.

Today, when someone receives an HIV diagnosis it still has the potential to be devastating. However, whilst more straight people are being diagnosed with HIV, for many decades the greater proportion of diagnoses were among gay and bi men. I was diagnosed with HIV on 18 January14 years ago.

HIV and Gay and

Older people living with HIV bear both the physical and mental consequences of the virus. Gay, bisexual, and other men who reported male-to-male sexual contact are disproportionately affected by HIV. Social and structural issues—such as HIV stigma, homophobia, discrimination, poverty, and limited access to high-quality health care—influence health outcomes and continue to drive inequities.

However, individuals are promptly informed that they can expect a normal lifespan and may only have to take one pill a day, or they could be eligible for eight-weekly injectable treatments. For gay and bisexual youth who are just beginning to explore their sexuality, homophobia and other forms of anti-LGBTQ+ bias help explain why so many young people in our community are unaware of their HIV status.

I was one of 6, people diagnosed that year, the majority gay or bi men.