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Abstract
HIV/AIDS - A silent dimension: Women talking about their relationships with bisexually active men
S J Lubowitz, M Pallotta-Chiarolli
Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Background:Women in relationships with bisexually active men have been ignored, underepresented and misrepresented in relation to HIV/AIDS education and support services. This research is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind which investigates the thoughts and feelings of these women and the implications of HIV/AIDS on their lives.
Methods:In-depth semi-sructured interviews in Australia were conduted with 60 women from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, ages and sexualties, HIV positive or negative. All of the women interviewed had been or were in relationships with gay or bisexual men, HIV positive or negative.
Results:The emotional health of women directly affects their options and the ability to make informed choices in relation to their sexual health. Isolation and access to relevant information and support is highly significant. The way in which women learn about the bisexuality of a male partner, the age of the women, their religous and cultural background all impact. This reflects broader social and cultural constructions of gender and sexuality that do not acknowledge or affirm but stigmatise and stereotype these relationships. These women feel ignored, disempowered and isolated by the HIV/AIDS, gay men and women's health education and preventative programs currently in place.
Conclusions: The issue by its nature, is global in its implications. Urgent action is required internationally at all levels:funding,policy,planning and implmentation. There is a need for these kinds of relationships to be acknowledged, represented and discussed in the broader community and more specifically in HIV/AIDS services. This research will be put into action 1.the production of a book that will be avaliable to the general public in bookshops, this will provide an opportunity for isolated women to learn from other womens experiences. 2. through health campaigns with women's health and HIV/AIDS services and 3. through the mass media.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
ThPeE7808
Suggested Citation
" S J Lubowitz, et al.
HIV/AIDS - A silent dimension: Women talking about their relationships with bisexually active men
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
ThPeE7808"
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