This month we take a welcome break form talking about infections and how best avoid them or treat them. Many of you have inquired into what factual evidence is there that Black gay men have sexual health needs that differ from the mainstream gay population. 

Well in 1999 BigUp a Black gay men’s sexual health organization based in South London did some research into what the needs of Black gay men are. I was actually one of the lucky guys who got to meet many of you who completed the questions in venues such as Off the Hook and Queer Nation to name just a couple. Just under 300 Black gay or bisexual men took part in the research, which for the first time gave health professionals something to work with in terms of knowledge. So what does this all this mean, after all it want change things will it I hear you say?

Wrong. This research is the only evidence in the UK (at present) that can support the need for future work targeting Black gay men. Over the past few years I have heard men come up to me when out at venues saying that we need this and we need that. As there are few spaces where we can freely socialize and be ourselves much health promotion has been targeted at places where visible Black gay men frequent. Thanks to further support we are able in return for their cooperation and joint working able to promote and sponsor events for Black gay men, such as Mr. Black Gay UK 2000 that was free to all attendees. 

So what are the needs of Black gay men? Here is a summery of some of the things you want to see happen.

• You want services that offer you the opportunity to talk freely about issues that affect your everyday lives, such as coming out and homophobia in the Black community.
• You want more black organizations that can address the different types of black gay men and that offer social activities.
• You want discussion groups and more social spaces such as clubs and bars.
• You want increased publicity of black gay men in the different shapes size and colours that we are.

As you can see good health isn’t just about the absence of illness. Others and myself in the field are addressing all of the social issues that you have highlighted. These can be achieved with your support. Gay men’s liberation didn’t happen over night. Some would argue that we don’t need to change a single thing and that everything is hunky dory? I disagree. What I see out there in society saddens me. Homophobia in the black community and racism in the gay community must not be tolerated, it must be challenged if we are to truly feel good about ourselves all of which impacts on our overall well-being. 

You can get copies of the Updated version of Chatblack are now available from gay venues or by calling 020 7530 3992.

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3.20 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."