An alarming number of young gay men appear to be highly anxious and depressed, expressing high levels of self-hatred and low self-esteem, according to new research funded by the ESRC. And whilst they are aware of health warnings, the majority have had unprotected sex and few know their current HIV/AIDS status, says the study led by Dr Debra Bekerian of the University of East London’s School of Psychology. Based on preliminary analyses, the report also suggests that young gays who claim to have been traumatised in the past, perhaps through loss of a friend, abuse or violence, are less likely to engage in unsafe sexual practices once they know their current HIV status.