Reducing stigma to improve engagement in HIV care among men who have sex with men
2013
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are particularly vulnerable to HIV as well as to other physical and psychological health concerns. MSM experience multi-layered stigma and discrimination as a result of their perceived or real HIV status and their same-sex behavior. Because of social and cultural non-acceptance of their sexuality and fear of being ridiculed, MSM experience internalized stigma, which manifests as guilt, depression, lack of confidence and unwillingness to discuss their sexual lives. This not only influences their mental health but also, combined with enacted or perceived stigma by health care providers, can impede the utilization of health services by MSM. Through a process of research and joint discussion of findings, this project created a foundation for combating stigma at both the individual and institutional levels. It was part of a larger effort to adapt and pilot test a global stigma reduction framework to the Indian context.
To read the Summary Report, click here.
Other Case Studies in this Project
- Gaurav: Reducing HIV-related stigma among female sex workers
- Stigma Busters: Empowering and enabling local governance to work towards stigma-free Gram Panchyat
- Protecting the rights of people living with HIV in the workplace
- Integrating a youth-based stigma and discrimination reduction curriculum in higher education