ABUSE N' THE GAY MALE

A new study indicates that SGL men are subjected to physical abuse from their partners at the same rate as women in heterosexual relationships. According to the Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of The New York Academy of Medicine, 32 percent of SGL men have been abused by their partners. The study not only looked at the rate of abuse, but also examined the affects that such abuse had on the victims. Victims of same sex partner abuse tended to report frequent use of substances before or during sex as well as having unprotected sex, leading to a higher risk of spreading or contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Victims were more likely to have serious health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, depression, and anxiety, according to the study. The report suggests that victims are less likely to report abuse because of the stigma associated with male-male relationships and violence. I am one of those people who do not believe that you have to hit rock bottom before you are delivered, or that you have to be victimized and go through rough times in order to appreciate life, so I do not embrace the idea that as a GAY MAN you will hurt by men. I feel that we need to stop allowing the mental AND physical abuse within OUR gender as a part of the course of being with men. This domestic violence stuff is serious. If you are in that type of relationship please does not be afraid to get help, there are resources out there to help. REFUSE TO BE ABUSED!