We know how feelings of loneliness, wanting to be loved, belonging, sexual performance and body image can cause a lot of pressure, fear and anxiety. Especially when you arrive in a new country where being lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) is safe and welcome. Adapting to this new freedom, the pressure and loneliness of not knowing many people can have negative effects, leading many to seek help in drugs and alcohol. 

As a result, many men end up at chemsex parties, often advertised through dating apps. Often ketamine, ecstasy, GHB and crystal meth are used here. The drugs and alcohol may initially seem to help with anxiety, fear, sexual performance, and so on, but it can also quickly become problematic and change who you are and what you do, putting you at risk for SoA and HIV infections and the possibility of addiction. When under the influence of GHB and/or other drugs, you run the risk of being raped, sexually abused or overdosed.

If you find that you feel the need to stay with people you meet on a dating app because of the fear of staying in the AZC, or you find that you go to too many parties, come and talk to us. We may not be able to change your living situation right away, but we can provide psychological counselling and help you to change your current situation. At Choices we can also get you started with PrEP and arrange an appointment for an STI or HIV test.

The GGD helps asylum seekers/newcomers to start PrEP. If you have had unprotected - condomless - sex, we can also arrange an STD and HIV test for you at the GGD. If you want an HIV test today, Choices offers our cleints free HIV self-tests to do at home and with a video support session while taking the test.