Current status and challenges of encounters and HIV prevention education for Men who have Sex with Men and other sexual minority youths

Abstract

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reports that approximately 60% of HIV/AIDS cases in Japan are among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Many MSM are unable to tell their peers at school or work, or even their families that they are homosexual or bisexual, and they live their lives hiding who they are and pretending to be “heterosexual” This situation causes stress and has a significant impact on mental health, and previous studies have pointed out that it is associated with risky behavior for HIV infection.

School education has thus far offered limited positive representation of MSM and other sexual minorities. The risk of the same-sex transmission of HIV has not received much coverage in school AIDS prevention education. As a result, sexual minority youths enter young adulthood without the appropriate and prerequisite information that is necessary to protect themselves and others from HIV infection.

Since 2007, the authors have run a non-profit organization to serve MSM and other sexual minorities, with a special focus on their mental and physical health, and on providing a safe space where they can be themselves. The results of a questionnaire survey taken by the organization’s walk-in clients indicate that COVID-19 made visitors more vulnerable mentally, especially among those who live with their parents and have not come out, and among those who have not met others of the same sexuality due to pandemic restrictions.

The number of opportunities for LGBT issues to be addressed in textbooks and teacher training is gradually increasing. However, knowledge and information are still insufficient.

It is hoped that more venues will be created that sexual minority youth can access with peace of mind, and that awareness-raising activities and support systems will be expanded in the future.