Project aims to help gays be healthier

A two-year initiative to improve the health of gay men and women has been launched by the Scottish Executive.

Health experts say gays suffer more from mental health problems and alcohol and drug abuse than heterosexuals as a result of homophobia and social exclusion in society. But they are less likely to visit a doctor for fear of being outed.

A special health worker will be based with Stonewall Scotland, a campaign group for gay rights. Alastair Pringle, who normally works for NHS Greater Glasgow, has been seconded to lead the project.

"Evidence may suggest that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people are more susceptible to specific health problems, which include issues such as HIV, mental health problems and increased likelihood of alcohol or drug-related problems," he said. "However, the majority of health issues are a direct result of homophobia, heterosexism and social exclusion in society.

"Cigarette smoking and alcohol and drug use are of particular concern. Using drugs and alcohol can be linked to low self-esteem and stress."

He added: "With these considerable inequalities, you would think that gay people used health services considerably more than straight people. Yet we constantly see examples of people unable to consult their GP for fear of being outed, unwilling to seek help for depression for fear that their sexuality will be used against them, or suffering from homophobic abuse."

Over the next two years the project will work with gay people across Scotland to improve access to NHS and voluntary health and social services. At the end of the two-year project recommendations will be made to the NHS on how to ensure good practice is adopted across Scotland.

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