Health concerns and health care for gay men and women is affected by a number of issues specific to the gay community. Stigma and prejudice still persist in many societies, and research indicates that only 18% to 49% of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual people disclose their sexual orientation to their physician.
There is a tremendous amount of information on the internet regarding sexuality and health - both good and bad. We aim to present relevant local information through these pages.
Unfortunately all Sexual Health clinics in the BC interior have now been closed. The ORC is actively working to have this decision reversed and these important services restored.
In the meantime, you are encouraged to go to your family physican or drop-in clinic for testing.
Anonymous testing is also available in Kelowna at the Outreach Urban Health Centre at 455 Leon Avenue.
If you are able to travel to Vancouver, we also highly recommend the services of the Health Initiative for Men - a community-based organization dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of gay men. They have execeptional, non-judgemental staff and offer all testing including Rapid and Early HIV testing.
Also based in Kelowna is the Living Positive Resource Center - which offers support and information about HIV/AIDS.
The BC Centre for Disease Control also has an informative and helfpul website with more clinic locations and information on STIs.
Find out more about health issues at this great site from About.com