The invisible French men

In France, it is estimated that nearly 50,000 people are unaware they are infected with HIV positive therefore, unknowingly transmit the virus to their sexual partners.

Among this group of people those the French refer to as the invisibles, men who have illegal sex in public places, such as parks, woods, car parks, etc.

80% are married men who lead a double life. They have extra-marital affairs with other men and often without protection. They find partners on meeting sites or parcs where gay men frequent.

Their wives and children do not know that they are bisexuals. Some of them claim they still love their wives while others say they are in the marriage to hide who they really are.

Gay marriage has been legal in France since 18 May 2013. It is the 14th country worldwide to allow same-sex couples to marry. About 55-60% of French people support gay marriage, but only about 50% approve of gay adoption.

In France, as at 2011, about 1600 French people are living with HIV. 39% are homosexuals, 40% heterosexuals born outside of France, 18% heterosexuals born in France while 1% are drug users.