HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Our health is not just about the absence of illness or infection, but also about the presence of well-being, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes gay and bisexual men’s health can be reduced to HIV, safe sex and risk, but there is more to our health than this. Sometimes as well it is assumed that all lesbian, gay and bisexual people have lots of ‘pink pounds’ and can afford to buy good health and well-being. But there are all types of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, on all sorts of incomes, getting access to a wide variety of standards of health care.

One key organisation in South East London responding to the health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people is the Metro Centre in Greenwich (www.metrocentreonline.org).The Metro Centre believes that there are a whole range of determinants that affect our health and well-being, and works to support lesbian, gay and bisexual people in a holistic way.

Drinking & Sex:

• It may lower your inhibitions but does it also lower your performance?
• It may help you get the confidence to say ‘hello’ to Mr or Mrs Right, but will you be able to communicate that you want to use a condom later on in the night?

We advise that you remember that alcohol is a depressant and sometimes the tables turn very quickly between having a good time and having your head in a toilet. Equally, with your senses slightly numb you may not know your limits and not notice some internal injuries that can ultimately become routes for HIV infections. Know your limits!

Drugs & Sex:

• It could give your night a real kick, or leave you wondering what you actually did last night?
• You may be really popular with your mates, but not so popular with your lovers.

Combining sex and drugs can often lead to ‘black outs’ which means you actually have no idea what you’ve been doing. A person who would normally opt for safe sex might find themselves not really bothering or leaving those decisions up to the other person or persons. As with alcohol: you also may not know your limits and not notice some internal injuries that can ultimately become routes for HIV infections. Be aware that not everyone has your best interests at heart and only you should be making the decisions!

Cruising:

• The excitement of a good cruise can be very enticing, but being set upon by someone can be deathly!
• The scenery may be exotic but you may not have to hand everything you need like lube & condoms.

Cruising comes with its own set of dangers to watch out for. It is always advisable to tell a good friend where you are going and what you think you’ll be back so they know to raise the alarm if you do not return in time.

STI Summary:

• The night may have gone brilliantly but 7 days down the track you’re leaking like a loose faucet!
• They may look healthy, you may feel healthy, but STI’s don’t always come with their own set of symptoms. Some sneak into our systems – quiet as a mouse!

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) do not discriminate, and can affect all lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Luckily, you can protect yourself against most STIs by using condoms. You can find comprehensive information about STIs on a number of websites, including those of GMFA and THT and the Health Protection Agency.

Remember too that the Metro Centre in Greenwich offers a ‘free condoms in the post’ scheme to gay & bisexual men that live in Greenwich and Bexley, and you can register to receive condoms by going to http://www.metrocentreonline.org/hiv_condoms.htm and filling in the online form.

HIV:

• 20% of young people believe a cure for HIV has been found, They’re wrong! So far there has not been any cure for HIV, only advances in medication that can keep people healthier for longer.

There are a range of websites where you can access up-to-date information on safe sex and HIV. These include the websites of GMFA, THT and the Health Protection Agency.
Remember that the Metro Centre in Greenwich offers a range of clinical services including rapid HIV testing (results in 20 minutes) and STI testing at the following times:

Pitstop+ Clinic: Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:30pm – for gay and bisexual men
Pitstop+ Clinic - Saturday brunch 11am – 1pm – for gay and bisexual men
Penelope’s Pitstop Clinic – Tuesday evenings 6 - 8pm – for lesbian and bisexual women
Pitstop Youth Clinic – Saturday afternoons – for LGBQ young people
AHEADstart Clinic – Tuesday evenings - for African people – at AHEAD in Woolwich

Please ring 020 8305 5000 or email to pitstop@metrocentreonline.org for further details.

Mental Health:

Feeling good about ourselves, being free of anxiety and stress and being in a good frame of mind are all important aspects of health for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Remember that the Metro Centre offers a range of services to support your mental and emotional well-being, including:

• Crisis counselling
• Short term counselling
• Long term counselling
• Mentoring
• Drop-in
• Advice and advocacy support

Please ring 02083055000 or email to info@metrocentreonline.org for further details.

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