Current health policy and practices do not take into account the requirements of the gay community, new local research suggests. “Internationally, gay men's health issues beyond HIV/AIDS are increasingly being considered by gay community and mainstream agencies, but there seems to be much less interest in New Zealand,” says PhD student Jeff Adams of Auckland University's Department of Psychology. Adams and Dr Virginia Braun from Auckland Uni, along with Dr Tim McCreanor and Te Ropu Whariki of Massey University, have published research which has identified a vacuum in current decisions reflecting a negative positioning of gay populations with policy makers. “In our research we interviewed people involved in policy, health promotion and clinical practice. Whilst they recognised gay men's health was a legitimate area of concern, they could not identify much policy development except in very niche areas such as HIV/AIDS,” continues Adams. “This is in considerable contrast to other identified ‘disadvantaged' populations such as Maori, Pacific, younger and older people, who are all targeted within New Zealand health policy.” The research found that there is limited discussion and concern among the gay community in New Zealand with health issues, which is quite unlike other places such as Australia where health issues for gay men, and women, are vigorously addressed. “However, the gay community have an important role to play, and can't leave setting the health agenda to the experts. Without the voices of gay men being heard, policy will continue to ignore their needs,” Adams concludes. The research paper by Adams, Braun and McCreanor is available to view on the link below. Ref: The University of Auckland (m)