ABSTRACT
Approximately 6 % of the population identify themselves as lesbian, gay, or bisexual according to the UK government, 1 this figure is comparable with the 7.9 % of the UK population in the 2001 census who identified with a non-white ethnic minority group. In many countries, including the UK, gay men receive equal protection, in terms of employment and the provision of goods, services and facilities, against discrimination based on their sexual orientation and identity as do those from ethnic mino rities and those living with disabilities. This protection includes the provision of healthcare and health services. Therefore it is important that healthcare professionals both understand concepts of sexual orientation, heterosexism, and homophobic discrimination, and develop knowledge of the physical and mental health issues that disproportionately affect gay men.
