An exclusive clinic has opened in Rosebank to meet the needs of gay men and assist them with issues that are linked to their sexuality.
According to the facility’s manager, the clinic was established in response to the ongoing stigma associated with males having sex with other men in public healthcare facilities.
Luiz De Barros, strategic communications manager for Out LGBT Well-Being, told Sunday World that there have been cases of gay men being harassed due to their sexual orientation at healthcare facilities.
Higher risk of diseases
“Historically, men, gay or not, are a hard-to-reach population when it comes to health issues. But this makes their lives difficult because they are at a much higher risk of getting HIV,” said De Barros.
He said the organisation started by doing outreach programmes in 2019 and they chose Rosebank as a central location.
De Barros stated that the institution is to fill a gap. This is done with an environment that does not discriminate against men who are in the LGBTQI community.
“Sexual health means sexuality. So in order for a health official to be able to help that person, they must be free to own their sexuality without feeling discrimination first.
“Men in the LGBTQI community are scared to seek healthcare because they have a different sexual orientation. And they get judged for it,” De Barros added.
He further revealed that the institution is an LGBTQI-led organisation.
“People who work for the organisation are all individuals from the LGBTQI community. They understand the struggles of the people they are going to be helping because they are within the [same] community. And no one will be treated differently because of their sexuality.”
Gauteng health MEC to attend launch
Gauteng department of health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said told Sunday World that the clinic would be officially launched on Friday. MEC for health and wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is scheduled to attend the official opening.
“As part of commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will on Friday, 17 May 2024, join OUT-LGBT Well-being to officially launch the Engage Men’s Health MSM clinic and community space in Rosebank, Johannesburg,” said Modiba in a media statement.
“The clinic will offer a suite of free specialised services tailored to the requirements of gay. Also for bisexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM). [This will] ensure that they have equitable, stigma-free, and safe access to healthcare.
“The IDAHOBIT Day is celebrated annually. This year’s theme is: “No one left behind: equality, freedom, and justice for all — a call for the world to unite against injustice,” said Modiba.
About 35 years too late.