Gay men have highest HIV risk

Dear Eve

with Rosie Stone

Monday, April 12, 2010

Dear Eve,

I am a gay man and I have been told that I am more at risk for HIV than any other person. Is this really the case? If so, what can I do to ensure that I remain HIV-negative.

Dear GM,

Indeed you are, according to the statistics put out by the National HIV/STI Programme (NHP) in Jamaica. In their report, January 14, 2010, they state that the epidemic is generalised, but they have found that the prevalence rate is higher in some key population groups.

The population groups named are sex workers at nine per cent, prison Inmates at 3.5 per cent, STI clinic attendees at 3.6 per cent, and men who have sex with men (MSMs) at 31.8 per cent. As you can see from the figures, the infection rate in the MSM community is the highest of all the groups mentioned.

There are various reasons for this. HIV risk status is triggered by a number of issues, some of which are access to information, access to health-care with specific focus on STIs, access to VCT services, access to one-on-one counselling, access to services that offer psychosocial support, and access to behaviour change programmes to manage high-risk behaviours. Men who have sex with men experience enormous challenges to access all these, as a result of stigma and discrimination.

I think you know that the virus is transmitted mainly through unprotected sex with an infected person, who may or may not know that they are infected. You also know that it is sometimes impossible to recognise a person who is infected on the basis of appearance alone, even if you know the person well.

So having safer sex is a requirement for everyone who is sexually active. You should do everything to avoid an infection that is preventable. Proper condom use is very important and you should use a condom every time. As a gay man, the use of a water-based lubricant is recommended. If you have a partner it is wise to be faithful to that partner. If not, limiting the number of your sex partners is always a good idea. Having an HIV test done now, and one yearly is also a good way to ease your mind of the anxieties associated with HIV infection.

Abstinence is always an option for any person until you are able to practice a healthy sexual relationship.

Knowledge is power, and applying knowledge to your sexual life is being smart. Being smart and avoiding traps make you a survivor.

Unhappy with HIV stigma

Dear Eve,

I am a gay man who has used protection with my sex partners since I started having sex when I was about 21. Some persons know that I am gay and are treating me as if the fact that I am gay means that I must get HIV, even though I keep telling them that I am always protective of myself and my partner.

Always Safe.

Dear Always Safe,

Unfortunately, history has not been very kind to the gay community as regards its links to HIV. In fact, in the early years HIV was rumoured to have been spread by the four Hs: Homosexuals, Haitians, Haemophiliacs and Heroin Users. We now know this is not true and that in fact more heterosexuals are infected.

In Jamaica, the fact that you are gay puts you at a higher risk of getting infected than the rest of the population. This does not mean that you must contract the virus. I take your word to be true that you have always protected yourself and your partner. Take all the precautions that you can to lower the likelihood of infection. It is obvious that everyone in the gay community is not as careful as you are in their sexual practices.

One of the factors driving the epidemic in Jamaica is stigma and discrimination. The fear of stigma and discrimination keeps many Jamaicans from even taking the HIV test. They prefer not to know than to be associated with an infection that may make them feel like outcasts in their own country. This fear is particularly high among the male population. Some are fearful of being perceived to be homosexuals.

I won't pretend that I can begin to understand what it feels like to be gay in Jamaica. The fact that you are gay makes you more likely to be stigmatised and discriminated against, even if you are not infected. Do all you can to remain free from infections like HIV.

Send your questions or comments relating to HIV or related issues to info@eveforlife.org or write to Eve for Life, C/O Jamaica Observer.

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COMMENTS (8)

Colline Banks
4/12/2010

It's unfortunate that we still have to ask what we are doing wrong or right in preventing ourselves from contracting HIV when there is so much information now. I remember when I was in high school in the late 80's early 90's - there wasn't that much information about it - we were told it exsists and some what it seemed like a fairytale but today, the information is there and it not only informs but also has dismissed the mthys. It is a major part of the high school curriculum, its on tv, radio and papers, pamphlets etc. Are we still treating it as a fairytale?
I have a couple of gay friends and they were alarmed at the latest findings 31.8% - it seemed unreal to them, but the thing is they were mostly scared because they are promiscuous and not very responsible. Sleeping with someone new or sharring partners is normal to them. I hope this will make them see the dangers of their lifestyle.
We have already seen those we know among us die but I think it only shocks them for the moment and then they are back to their usual self. As for testing, they say they get their test done but I keep telling them that testing isn't complete until your partner has also been tested - I am not sure they are listening.
When it comes to who is contracting the virus - everyone is. Based on the culture of our country -anything goes - heterosexsuals, gays, lesbians everybody is sleeping together and husbands have their boyfriends and take home gifts to their wives. The groups aren't really sterile anymore - there alot of undercover brothers and sisters out there as well as a lot of freaks.
So, the best we can do is to use protection, get tested, keep one stable partner (more than a night) and most importantly drink responsibly because alcohol is the devil - it takes away all logic and leaves you funtioning on just the limbic nerve - pure, raw emotions - get the picture.
Peace out and stay protected.

Don Jam
4/12/2010

It's obvious from the comments about this article suggest this: Many jamaicans are troublingly IGNORANT about which groups have a higher incidnece of contracting the HIV virus; P.S. Everyone is at risk.

angel pin
4/12/2010

God will soon be here. Blessed be his holy name.
And all sinful acts that mocks GOD'S creation will be wiped away
ADAM AND EVE. NOT ADAM AND STEVE.

Elli Deedo
4/12/2010

@ K Surrina C
Please understand that I'am fully aware of how this virus spread's. And how one can become's Contaminated. Studies have revealed that Homosexuals are most vulnerable to this Virus. I know it's transmitted to Women. have no time in getting into a Medical discussion there. I must also inform you that I'am not opposed to any one who might have contracted this virus....I had a friend who was hiding his sex life, untill he finally Confessed. But this was when he was diagnozed as HIV Positive. He refused to admit that he got the Virus from his Weard Sex life; and blamed it on Dirty needles while he was in UNIVERSITY taking a Shot every now and then. Unfortunately he died 4 Yrs ago.. Very Sad. He was a very Nice Guy; but he kept hiding his thing. Anything you are doing and have to be hiding it, make's no sence. I hate Homosexuality. I' am in symphaty with people who are living with this Virus, and my Heart goe's out to them. So please do not get me wrong. I also convey my deapest symphaty to you:
Please keep the Faith. Respect:

Jerome Grant
4/12/2010

Oh God people come on. We all know that HIV is not a gay disease. We all know that being a responsible sexual being is what will help you to remain negative. Responsibility comes both ways (me and you). I have to be responsible to use protection--yes I agree, you have to be responsible enough to allow for me free acess to condoms---right (I hope you are following me here). If I feel threathened while trying to exercise my responsibility do you think that I will be sucessful in being responsible---I doubt I will be. Until I (gays) are afforded the space to responsible act in our (my) own interest the rate of infection will continue to go up. Also do not forget bisexual men who engage in risky sexual practices as a result of the same fears I spoke about above---The str8 woman at home feels that it is all hungy dorry and have sex without condoms with her supposedly str8 man---hey you get the picture*I hope. This disease is a responsiblity of all of us as a society.

Ksurrina C
4/12/2010

@ Elli Deedo lmao lmao
Being a homosexual doesn't mean that you are more at risk at catching HIV. You are only at risk when you do unprotected sex and that guy says he always wears a condom. This is the motion that a lot of us have and so because we are heterosexual we believe that HIV cannot harm us. In a society like ours how many homosexual is only sticking to this lifestyle. Most MSM members also goes home to a woman who is their girlfriend/wife. Yes your advice is foolish indeed very foolish.
Every one is at risk at catching and spreading this virus once they are doing unprotected sex and they don't know their status. My ex boyfriend came into the relationship with the virus. I never take HIV seriously because hey I was no homosexual but yet am now living with it.
lmao It is best you stop and brake up. Know that HIV is respectful of no one whether you are homosexual or heterosexual, rich or poor. Have a nice day.
http://ksurrina.com

Michael Benz
4/12/2010

According to these so -called statistics put out by the National HIV/STI Programme (NHP) in Jamaica, was this study scientific or non scientific - what were the correlations and margin of error? Because, in all honesty, findings against homosexual with regards to HIV and other STI's are extremely flawed especially in Jamaica. If you are having unprotected sex, regardless of what the gender is, you are at a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmittied disease. Research has also shown that more heterosexual are infected with STI's than their homosexual counterparts. It baffles me, everytime that people try to stigmatize a particular group , making them seem more prone to a particular sexual disease. FYI - if you did not know - any one can catch HIV! - straight, gay and every thing inbetween. Stop labeling it as the gay disease, Ya'll disgust me!
Moreover, who has the right to judge another human being about the kind of life they live. let's be real here, if you believe in God, God's judgement is all that matters, and God has never said anything negative about homosexuals and all the evil written about men and women or such nature in the bible were written by MEN! we should be more concerned about finding a cure for HIV, other than labeling a particular group.

Elli Deedo
4/12/2010

Are you really saying you never knew that being a Homosexual you are More at Risk?. Please take my foolish advise. Go and see a Psychiatrist. Get yourself out of that very low standard of sexual habit, in so doing you are uplifting your Moral standard, and is doing both yourself and Society one of the best favour you can ever think of. You will be regarded more in Society, and also by your Family members. At the Moment,If you are not ashamed and is hiding it, some day you are going to become a big Embarrassment to your Families. My Advise to you is for you to get out of it, too many Women is on this planet: Right?!!)

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