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Heteronormative services

Heteronormative services refer to systems, organisations, or institutions designed, delivered, or structured in a way that assumes heterosexuality as the ‘norm’. These services can exclude and/ or marginalise LGBT+ people by not recognising or accommodating their specific needs or experiences. Examples include:

• Delivering services with heteronormative expertise only
• Assuming clients or patients are heterosexual unless explicitly stated otherwise
• A lack of professional curiosity
• Failing to consider boyfriends, same-sex partners or diverse family structures
• Services using forms with ‘male’ or ‘female’ only options
• Cultural or religious beliefs that implicitly or explicitly reject LGBT+ identities

Why it matters

• LGBT+ individuals can feel alienated or invalidated, discouraging them from accessing vital services
• A lack of tailored support can lead to unmet health needs including worsening disparities in mental health, sexual health or drugs and alcohol services, for example
• Assumptions and biases can lead to microaggressions or, in some cases, discriminatory practices

Mainstream and LGBT+ services
While some gay men are comfortable accessing mainstream services, we believe LGBT+ specific or gay-friendly services (with relevant knowledge and expertise) have a better understanding of the culture, context and issues affecting our lives. This can be critical when accessing a chemsex support service that ‘knows you’ and meets your needs.

Change and inclusivity
While services are trying to be more inclusive, we still hear numerous anecdotal stories from gay men who say they have to explain who they are, talk about deeply personal issues, describe gay sex, hook-up culture, and chemsex in a heteronormative setting. This can result in the three Ds: discouraging and degrading and demoralising.

Check things out
If you’re looking to register or join a service, check to see if the words ‘chems’, ‘LGBT’ ‘gay’ or ‘gay and bisexual men and who have sex with men‘ (GBMSM) are included on the website. You could call anonymously to check if the ‘vibe’ feels right and if they are ‘gay-friendly’. Gauge their response to questions like

• “What can you tell me about how your service supports gay men or wider LGBT+ community?”
• “Have your staff had training on chems, gay men’s health, and LGBT+ issues?”
• “How do existing clients respond to LGBT+ people?”
• “Would you say your service is LGBT+ accessible?”

This may seem a little direct but it’s kind-of the point. Listen to what they have to say. You will likely speak to a receptionist, but if you would like someone more senior, you can ask to speak to a manager. You will probably get a standard “all staff are professional” response but go with your gut feeling and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Even in the 21st century, responses from services vary. You may wish to consider telling them about your sexuality once you feel you can trust them, though, in the meantime, this may affect the treatment you receive.

LGBT+ helplines, HIV and LGBT+ organisations
If you don’t know where to start, phone Switchboard or contacting a local HIV or LGBT+ organisation can be a good place to start. They may not be able to help you directly but usually know what’s going on locally and can signpost accordingly.