Role model Wolfgang is in the chat today at "just-4u". The new pilot project for young gay men starts online today. It is about health in the broadest sense, with offers ranging from chats and workshops on stress and coming out to cookery courses
Scientific studies prove it: Young gay and bisexual men are more affected by illnesses than heterosexual men of the same age. And: for fear of rejection, they go to the doctor less often than they should. This is where "just-4u" comes in - a new health project for young men who have sex with men.
Sexual orientation should no longer play a role in today's world, but it does. "Gay" is still the most popular swear word in German school playgrounds, parents still find it difficult to accept their child's homosexuality and even doctors often ignore or even reject gay, lesbian and bisexual patients.
Such negative experiences can have far-reaching consequences: As a study published in the German Medical Journal shows, homosexual and bisexual people often avoid necessary visits to the doctor out of fear or shame! As a result, they often lose valuable time and the illnesses are recognised and treated later than possible - sometimes with serious health consequences.
"It is particularly important for gay and bisexual people to talk openly with their doctors about their lifestyle, sexuality, fears and also about the discrimination they have experienced," says Bernd Geller, psychologist at AIDS-Hilfe Trier and head of "just-4u". "Young gay and bisexual men are statistically more frequently affected by certain chronic illnesses, psychosomatic disorders and experiences of violence than the general population."
Today, "just-4u" - a pilot project - officially launches its website with various themed chats on coming out, health, dealing with discrimination and much more. The programme is not only aimed at gay men, but also at parents, teachers, doctors and other interested parties. In addition, workshops on stress and relaxation, cookery courses and events on coming out will be held over the next few weeks.
IWWIT role model Wolfgang is in the chat twice today: from 2 to 2.30 p.m. he will be providing information about I KNOW WHAT I DO, and from 6 to 6.30 p.m. it's all about getting older.
We wish you lots of fun!
(pasch)
