At first glance, the LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations that mark each June appear to be about vanity. While the rainbow flags and feather boas fly, the essence of pride lies a little deeper below the surface. Pride is about dignity. People of gender and sexual minorities need to continue amplifying their voices to obtain the same recognition and rights that others in our country have had for centuries. There has been noteworthy progress in LGBTQIA+ rights and representation, but you need look no further than today’s headlines to see that the fight continues. While there is a fair amount of flaunting our uniqueness at pride festivals and parades, that exterior presentation is a way of honoring the more fundamental dignity of our identities and relationships.
At Maze, we understand gay and bisexual men because in addition to being experienced medical professionals and clinicians, many of us are gay men ourselves. Instead of walking into a medical office and wondering if the provider will judge you for having sex with other men, you can walk into our office and know that we see you, your relationship, and the sex you are having as valid and worth fighting for. With that in mind, we now offer specialized sexual health services for gay and bisexual men. Simply put, your sexual health needs are different than those of straight men. Maybe your erectile dysfunction means something different because you and your primary partner are in an open relationship. Perhaps you are interested in improving your confidence and skill as a bottom during anal sex. It could be that you’ve been putting off a conversation about PrEP because you don’t quite think your primary care provider will “get it.” You certainly were not taught about these things in sex ed, and you won’t need to teach us about them in order to get the compassionate care you deserve.
Our therapist and sex educator can talk you through the complexities of navigating your erectile dysfunction in the context of your open relationship. Our pelvic floor physical therapist can guide you through anal dilation exercises to practice at home so that you can safely bottom with confidence. And while you’re here, why not talk to our nurse practitioner about STI testing and PrEP so you don’t need to make another appointment with your primary care provider. Our medical director will also meet with you to bring together all of these pieces of your treatment into one comprehensive plan. This team approach is a hallmark of the integrative, interdisciplinary treatment you’ll find at Maze and nowhere else. While you are enjoying the celebrations this June, take a little time to make an appointment with us or schedule a free phone consult. Let us help you celebrate your dignity and improve your sexual health. Happy Pride!
