Background to the Research

• This research was undertaken to assess the needs of the gay and bisexual men frequenting the commercial gay scene in Northern Ireland. It was an action based project, based in the commercial gay scene, in relation to sexual health and only reflects the views of this particular population.

Research Approach

• Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed in pubs and clubs frequented by gay people in Belfast and Londonderry. A useable response rate of 92% was achieved.

Main Findings

• The results show that an overwhelming majority of the target population would like to see safer sex outreach continues on a regular basis in the pubs and clubs that are frequented by gay people.
• The vast majority of the respondents, (74%), were aged 30 years, or less. Forty-five per cent of the returns belonged to NRS group 'D', or below, and were therefore in a low paid position of employment, if employed.
• Homosexuality was not legalised in Northern Ireland until 1982, and the Province is still quite a conservative region of Europe, in terms of accepting differing lifestyles from that of heterosexual family units. It is perhaps for this reason that only 39% of the respondents were open about their sexuality in work. Further, only 67% were open to their families about being 'gay'. Over a quarter of the respondents also indicated feeling bad, or worse about their sexuality, thereby indicating low self-esteem.
• Only 41% of the respondents totally behaviourly homosexual. Over 15% had sexual contact mainly with women, or equally with women and men.
• The best formats, (of limited use or better), for carrying the safer sex message, as felt by respondents, were: leaflets (88%), gay press (82%), friends (78%) and posters (72%).
• The best avenues for getting information (of limited use or better), other than the commercial gay scene, as felt by respondents, were: tv/radio 977%), National Aids Helpline(55%), HIV positive people (47%), GUM Clinic (37%), friends (35%) and GP (35%).
• Twenty-two percent of respondents indicated that they had found it difficult or very difficult to get their concerns addressed.
• Other services around safer sex that the respondents would like to see operating were: safer sex workshops, counselling services and more services for those suffering from an HIV-related illness.
• Over a third of respondents thought that the gay community had responded badly to the threats of HIV and Aids.