Migrant gay men face all kinds of barriers to a healthy sex life - not only those of a new language and culture but also the stigma that can be associated with their sexuality, whether in the area they are leaving, or where they arrive.
This campaign was aimed at men who have sex with men who have migrated to England and Wales to help reduce their vulnerability to HIV and poor sexual health.
Aim of the campaign
The campaign had resources for both men who have sex with men and professionals working with migrant gay men. Booklets and a website were developed as a “welcome” for migrant gay men giving them information about sex, the gay scene, HIV and sexual health, general health matters, visa and immigration and money matters. The pack for professionals gave information on why migrant gay men may present with different issues to British gay men specifically around language, HIV and providing more gay friendly services.
Message of the campaign
HIV infections occur higher within migrant gay men than UK born gay men, men can also be oversexualised and have language barriers to negotiating safer sex, they may also not have easy access to support services. This campaign gives men information and support on issues they may face.
Target audience
- Men who have sex with men who have migrated to England and Wales
- Organisations delivering HIV and sexual health services to MSM
- Organisations delivering specialist services to migrants
Materials supporting the campaign
For MSM
- Pocket sized concertina leaflets produced in six different languages (English, French, Italian, Polish, Portugese and Spanish
For Professionals
- “Scene but unseen” resource pack – an extensive reference and resource pack to assist staff working in HIV and sexual health and gay men’s health organisations who have migrant clients and service users
For MSM and Professionals
Gay Britain website
- Section for MSM expands on the information in the leaflets and also acts as a portal for external organisations and agencies that can provide the relevant assistance and services
- Section for organisations delivering specialist services to migrants explains why the needs of MSM can be different to those of heterosexual migrants
- Section for gay men’s health organisations focusing on raising awareness of the particular needs of migrant gay men.
Go to the microsite