New survey will
look at health needs of Welsh gays

A new survey to be conducted by the Welsh gay rights group Stonewall Cymru will look at the health needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in north and mid Wales. The survey, titled "Inside-Out," will be the first of its kind to explore such needs in Wales, reports The Liverpool Daily Post. "The 'Inside-Out' survey is a vital part of our ongoing campaign work to ensure all lesbian, gay, and bisexual people receive fair treatment," said Jenny Porter, community liaison officer for Stonewall Cymru. "We are still hearing of lesbians being refused smear tests simply because of their sexuality and gay men fearful to come out to their doctor in case they are sent for an HIV/AIDS test." Porter says the survey's results "will provide a clear indication of what the issues are for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in health care situations and will inform our future campaigning work." The findings of the survey will be submitted to the Welsh assembly government and the NHS Cymru Centre for Equality and Human Rights in the spring. (The Advocate)