What's the motivation?

• Gay men are at high risk from sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis, herpes and HIV.
• In the UK's biggest cities including Manchester, it is estimated that 1 in 10 gay men are living with HIV.
• Despite the high prevalence of HIV within the gay community, it is reported that up to 50% of gay and bisexual men have never tested for HIV.
• Many lesbian and bisexual women are not aware they are at risk of sexually transmitted infections with bacterial vaginosis occurring more commonly among lesbians than straight women.
• Lesbians are less likely to be told they are at risk for cervical cancer than heterosexual women; some lesbians have even reported being refused smear tests.
• It was also reported that lesbian and bisexual women were less likely to practise breast awareness on a regular basis and were less likely to re-attend for breast screening.
• Up to 25% of health service staff have expressed negative or homophobic attitudes.

Information collected from ‘Reducing health inequalities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people' (2007).