TAKE ACTION: SEXUAL HEALTH
LGBT people often do not have access to the information and resources to keep themselves sexually healthy. Many healthcare providers are not familiar with safe sex methods for LGBT people and may be uncomfortable discussing sexual practices in general. Unfortunately, there is little government infrastructure to address this situation. There are basic changes that must be made in order to protect the health and wellbeing of LGBT people.
- Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs discriminate against LGBT people and their families. These programs define the only healthy relationship as marriage between a man and a woman, make no mention of how to properly use condoms and other safe sex methods and routinely ignore the needs of LGBT youth. Yet, this is the federal governmentÕs only source of funding for classroom-based information on sex and sexuality. Moreover, well-designed evaluations of abstinence-only programs show they are less effective than comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education programs.
- HIV/AIDS programs are routinely underfunded.
- Egregious disparities exist in HIV and STDs; yet few resources are directed at reducing those disparities. For example, even though Black gay men make up approximately one percent of the population, 25 percent of all HIV/AIDS infections are in Black gay men; most new cases are in young men.
- Instead of taking action, conservative policymakers routinely thwart attempts to fund programs that address the reality of LGBT health and wellbeing and instead blame popular myths like Òmen on the down lowÓ or simply blame people living with HIV/AIDS for having Òimmoral sexual behavior.Ó
- Family planning programs do not address the needs of LGBT people. There are too few government funds to help LGBT people plan their families and properly protect themselves from STIs.
The good news is that HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are preventable and many are curable. Here are some ways to protect your health:
- Play Safe! Use a condom, dental dam or latex barrier. When used consistently and correctly, they are extremely effective in preventing many STIs and HIV.
- Find an LGBT-friendly provider. Ask your friends, call your local LGBT community center to inquire about referrals or log onto services such as http://www.gayhealth.com/ to research in greater detail. Even if you do not have health insurance, LGBT-friendly providers can often be found at free and low-cost clinics.
- Talk to your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about testing, protection and screening based on your gender, age and health.
- Test regularly for STIs. If you're sexually active and not in a committed, mutually-monogamous relationship, you should be tested every six months for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
- Know your status. It's your responsibility to protect yourself and your partners by knowing your (and their) HIV status. Free, rapid testing is available from many health departments and clinics.
- Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. It's one of the most effective things that you can do to protect your health.
- Men and anyone participating in anal sex should consider an anal Pap smear. You can contract many STIs through anal sex. A Pap smear is simple and painless. If you have HIV, you may be at even greater risk for other STIs. Talk to your healthcare provider.
- Women and tranmsen with an intact cervix should consider screening for cervical cancer. Consult with your healthcare provider about screening for cervical cancer.
- People under age 24 should consider getting an HPV vaccination.
TAKE ACTION! Sexual health is for life!
For more information, please see:
The Sexuality Information
and Education Council of the U.S. (www.siecus.org)
American Social Health Association
(http://www.ashastd.org/)