Your way of living deserves respect.
For gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Do people make assumptions about you because of who you have relationships with?
MSM describes a practice, not an identity. Not all men who have sex with men identify as gay or bisexual. You decide how to talk about yourself.
Sexual orientation is not a diagnosis
Being gay or bisexual, or having sex with men, does not mean you have HIV or another infection. Care should start with your needs.
[4, 8]
Questions must have a purpose
You can ask why intimate information is needed. The conversation about sexual health should be respectful and useful for your care.
[3, 8]
Your privacy matters
Ask to speak privately and ask who will see your data. You don't have to tell your orientation to other people to deserve respect.
[1, 3]
Prevention should fit your situation
Ask about tests, vaccines, condoms or HIV prevention if you need them. Discussing options should not become a judgment about your life.
[8]
There are also prejudices within the community
Rejection for having HIV, being bisexual, or gender expression can also hurt. No label justifies humiliation.
[1, 4]
Choose your support network
An LGBTIQ+ organisation, a trusted person or a professional can help. You do not have to disclose your sexual orientation publicly to seek advice.
[8]
You can ask for care that listens.
Dignified care does not depend on your sexual orientation, how many partners you have or the result of a test.
You can say, "I'd rather you not make assumptions about me."
Sources and further information
- [4] UNAIDS / UNAIDS · Terminology (2024) (opens another tab) ↗
Avoid labels, assumptions and stigmatizing language.
- [8] WHO / WHO · Key populations (2022) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered care and barrier reduction. Key populations does not equate to all stigma.info audiences.
- [3] SEISIDA · HIV-friendly words (2023) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered language, treatment preferences and consultation environment. Biomedical data are compared with WHO.
- [1] Ministry of Health · Social Pact (2018) (opens another tab) ↗
Equality, dignity, privacy and response to stigma associated with HIV. Commitment framework, not a law.
Editorial adaptation of principles of dignity, communication and person-centered care. The phrases and questions are practical proposals, not literal quotes or a guarantee of specific services or rights. Results from the Spanish study on HIV are not generalized to this population.
Professional, community and language review pending.
Edition: 18/10/2026
Contact: Antonio Martín · MOBHOPE · antonio.martin@iisgm.com
Do not send diagnoses or personal documents to this address.
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