As a young man, finding out what you need to know about sexual health doesn't always feel as easy as it could be. Getting help and support from a service that understands what it’s really like as a young gay or bisexual man can be even more of a challenge. The staff at Steve Retson Project understand this and are here to help.

  • How do you feel about identifying as a young gay or bisexual man?
  • Have you managed the coming out process OK, or have there been challenges along the way?
  • Have you planned for your sexual experiences, so you know what you want and don’t want?
  • Have you felt pressured to get your first anal sex experience "over and done with"?
  • Do you feel confident that you know the ins and outs of sex?
  • Do you know how to minimise risks and maximise the pleasure you can have?

What do I need to know?

If you are relatively new to it all, it might be a bit daunting to think about having sex for the first time. There’s no rush and whenever it happens, it should be safe, consensual and fun.

There’s no set way to being a young gay or bisexual man. Instead, think about what you’re comfortable with and talk to your sexual partners, telling them what you’re looking for. You should never feel pressured into having sex and you should both feel ready for sex before anything happens. And remember, you’re allowed to change your mind! Finding out what you need to know isn’t always easy; the staff at Steve Retson Project are here to help and offer support.

How can the Steve Retson Project help?

If you want to know more about relationships, what is safer sex and what isn’t, the signs and symptoms of STIs (including HIV), as well as common mental wellbeing issues that can affect your sex life, the Information for Men section covers the basics to enjoy a pleasurable and healthy sex life.

Got a specific question that you would like an answer to? Contact the SRP team and we’ll do our best to answer it, or find out for you.

How do I get a check-up?

Your sexual health is important to us, so if you think you might have been at risk, or are showing signs of a possible infection, call us for an appointment as soon as possible. Our service is free, confidential, anonymous and discreet.

For more information have a look at our SRP Clinic section.

Where can I get further information?

Click the links below for further information and support about sex and relationships:

LGBT Youth Scotland        

Healthy Respect

Being Gay is OK!

Good Sex Is

These are a selection of links to websites and publications covering sexual health and relationship issues for young LGBT people. Most are independent organisations that are not part of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. NHS GGC is not responsible for the content or information contained on these websites.