Gay Asian Men Survey + GLAAAM+ Survey  

(Gay Latin American, Arab and Middle eastern, African and Asian Men) 

  • What is the GLAAAM+ survey 

 

The GLAAAM+ Survey, formerly known as the Gay Asian Men Survey, is a major behavioural surveillance study in Australia designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of HIV- and STI-related practices, prevention behaviours, and mental health needs among gay, bisexual+, queer men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) from multicultural backgrounds.  

 

Earlier survey rounds focused primarily on GBQMSM of Asian background. The survey has since grown to include respondents from Asian, African, Latin American, Arab and Middle eastern and other multicultural backgrounds, so that more of our communities are seen in the data that shapes their health care.  

 

The survey is a partnership between ACON, UNSW Sydney, U. The GLAAAM+ Survey 2025 was led by Professor Limin Mao (UNSW Sydney), with funding from NSW BRISE and support from the NSW CALD Sexual Health and HIV Action Group

GLAM+ Survey 25+ Years of Research  

  • 2023: NSW data collection round. Its report was published in October 2024.

  • 2021: The Gay Asian Men’s Survey 2021 collected responses from gay, bisexual and queer men (cis and trans) with an Asian background on HIV and sexual health, sexual practices, relationships and other behaviours.

  • 2018: Sydney Asian gay men’s survey brief report released. Recognising that English-only recruitment excludes large segments of the community, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Thai translations are introduced significantly broadening participation from non-English-speaking Asian communities.

  • 2015–2016: A third round ran between September 2015 and December 2016. The survey moves to a regular biennial cycle and shifts primarily to an online format for the first time. ACON's Asian Gay Men Project formally joins as a major community partner, embedding community voice into the research design and ensuring findings drive health promotion programs. Online recruitment was introduced alongside venue recruitment and later expanded to Melbourne. unsw 

  • 1999 and 2002: HIV and STI-focused behavioural surveillance among gay Asian men was first conducted in Sydney.

  • The impact  

  • This survey has given our communities a voice. Every response helps paint a clearer picture of who we are: where we come from, how we look after our sexual health, how we connect with each other, and the challenges we face along the way. These include racism on dating apps, feeling like an outsider in LGBTQ+ spaces, and finding our way through a new health system far from home. 

 

  • GLAAAM+ Survey, it tells services what’s working and where people are falling through the gaps. It helps make the case for health care that is culturally safe, information that people can actually use, and community programs that bring us together. Over the years, the survey has tracked how much has changed, from PrEP becoming part of everyday life to more of us testing regularly. It has also shown where we still need to push for better. 

 

  • This survey is designed with community, for community. It’s available in multiple languages, shaped by community voices, and promoted by peers who understand what it’s like to be us. When you take part, you’re not just answering questions. You’re helping build a future where every one of us is seen, heard and cared for.