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Abstract
Homophobic violence and sexual behaviour:
Challenges in sexual behaviour change for gay and other MSM in Jamaica
I McKnight, R Carr
Jamaica AIDS Support, Kingston, Jamaica
Issues: Jamaica is well known for its violent homophobia, promoted through its popular music. This has a strong impact on Jamaican MSM's comfort with their sexuality and on their sexual behaviour leading to low self esteem, conflictive relationships, spontaneous and high risk public sex, low prioritisation of condom use and resistance to accessing services. Safer sex practices are a low priority to such MSM presenting on-going challenges to organisations working in HIV prevention with this group.
Description: Jamaica AIDS Support, a Jamaican NGO specialising in outreach to marginalised groups, has developed a programme of activities and support to address the psychosocial, strategic and practical needs of the MSM community. This includes bi-monthly meetings in safe spaces, providing daily drop-in facilities for one on one counselling, MSM-supportive VCT, conflict resolution, institutional and national rights advocacy, emergency support and provision of condoms and lubricant free of cost at point of demand. The sexual realities of MSM, impacted by the constant threat of violence because of sexual orientation, play an integral part in the response. Discussions, interventions and counselling with MSM provide a platform for programme planning, service delivery and outcomes while building honest and trusting relationships between project staff and clients.
Lessons Learned: Outreach programs to violently marginalised groups must remain sensitive to the range of issues that impact on the groups' ability to make choices that effect permanent behaviour change. Programs must include members of the target group and ensure that safe spaces free of stigma, discrimination and violence ensure healthy lifestyles can become part of a holistic examination of self preservation and healthy sexual choices.
Recommendations: Outreach to MSM in pervasive, violent and homophobic societies must encompass and address a wide range of issues to enable sexual behaviour change to take place.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
D12149
Suggested Citation
" I McKnight, et al.
Homophobic violence and sexual behaviour:
Challenges in sexual behaviour change for gay and other MSM in Jamaica.
CD Only:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
D12149"
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