This webinar shared information from the formative research informing the Outside In intervention at Health Initiative for Men (HIM) regarding the health and well-being of less-out GBT2Q. Our literature review and consultations with community members showed that compared to their more-out counterparts, less-out community members access HIV/STBBI testing services less frequently, are less familiar with combination prevention methods, experience particular mental health and stigma-related stressors and have weaker support networks.
Informative interviews with dozens of less-out GBT2Q community members not only expanded on the barriers in a local context but also identified potential strategies to address those barriers. Major takeaways from the informative interviews include specific strategies healthcare providers can take such as discussing sexuality in behavioral terms and not in terms of identity, as well as the power of shifting perceptions of outness to ones that understand outness as fluid, context-dependent, and being on a spectrum.
A question and answer period followed.
Presenters:
Kiarmin Lari
Health Initiative for Men
Health Promotion Program Coordinator
Darren Ho
Community-Based Research Centre
BC Regional Manager
Suggested Audiences:
- Staff and volunteers from organizations dedicated to Gay Men’s Health
- HIV and hepatitis C organization staff and volunteers
- Mental Health service providers
- Social Justice advocates for accessibility, equity, Indigenous Health and Queer Health
- Community members and other allies
Resources:
OutsideIN General and Sexual Health Best Practices (July 2020)
OutsideIN Mental Health Best Practices (July 2020)
Health Initiative for Men (HIM)