Chris Boodram presented on the mental wellness of gay, bi, and two-spirit men and its impact on HIV vulnerability and resilience. The presentation outlined PHAC's population-specific HIV/AIDS status reports, including the scope and methodology used. It reviewed evidence that gay, bi, and two-spirit men experience poorer mental health outcomes and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide due to internalized and systemic homophobia. Studies also link experiences of harassment and discrimination with increased HIV risk behaviors among gay and bi youth. The literature recommends addressing systemic heterosexism to improve mental wellness and reduce HIV vulnerability across this population.

1. Presentation to BC Gay Men’s Health Summit Thursday November 25, 2010 Chris Boodram Senior Policy Analyst, HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division Mental Wellness of Gay/Bi/2-Spirit and other MSM as a Determinant of Vulnerability to and Resilience Against HIV and AIDS – a Preliminary Review of Canadian Evidence

7. Mental Wellness of Gay, Bisexual, Two-Spirit and other MSM (GB2MSM) as a Determinant of Vulnerability To/Resilience Against HIV and AIDS

12. Influence of Heterosexism/Homophobia on Key Health Determinants, Mental Wellness and HIV Vulnerability Homophobia exclusion, discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence Heterosexism Systemic Bias Invisibility of GB2MSM Key Determinants Social Support Networks, Social Environments, Culture,Healthy Child Development, Health Services, Personal Health Practices and Coping Skills Mental Wellness low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation HIV Vulnerability increased risk factors increased likelihood of risk behaviours