Should we care about MSMs?

The Red Ribbon

BY PATRICIA WATSON

Monday, April 12, 2010

WITH an HIV prevalence of 31.8 per cent, the rate of infection among men who have sex with men (MSMs) is more than 17 times that of Jamaica's national average of 1.8 per cent and represents the population group with the highest prevalence rate in the country.

As a result, the island ranks second in the developing world and first in the Caribbean with the highest HIV prevalence rate among MSMs. Only Kenya, with a 43 per cent rate, is higher than Jamaica.

Ivan Cruickshank, programme manager at the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC), explained that with all of the interventions that have taken place among the MSM community -- testing, safer sex campaigns and treatment for MSMs living with HIV -- the rate of infection remains high, not because MSMs are uneducated or irresponsible, but because of factors that make it difficult to benefit from the 'interventions'.

"The threats of criminal indictment and socio-religious discrimination against man-to-man sexual relationships have contributed to the increased vulnerability of MSMs to HIV," said Cruickshank. "Consequent to such discrimination, many MSMs are afraid of going to a pharmacy to purchase condoms and personal lubricant which are sometimes so precariously placed close to the cashier, in full view of other customers. Hence, negotiation of safe sex becomes seriously compromised."

The CVC is a regional non-governmental organisation that advocates and provides services for vulnerable populations in the Caribbean such as sex workers, MSMs, women and youth.

Cruickshank pointed to other serious social issues that make it difficult for MSMs to access services.

"With all of the safer sex promotion, we have done little to address the social issues that MSMs confront that make them vulnerable in the first place," he explained. "Issues of homelessness and poverty are high among those. MSMs are constantly being evicted from their homes and denied employment, leaving many to resort to transactional sex to 'get by'."

Maurice Tomlinson, representative of the international non-governmental organisation, AIDS Free World, while agreeing with Cruickshank noted that: "A major cause of this huge disparity is Jamaica's homophobia, spurred by the country's anti-buggery law, intolerant religious fundamentalism and dancehall music. Homophobia drives MSMs underground, away from effective HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment and care interventions.

According to Tomlinson, countries such as Cuba, Suriname, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, that are without anti-buggery legislation, have prevalence rates ranging from a low of one per cent to eight per cent.

Tomlinson conceded that over the years he has seen more professional actions by the police to protect MSMs, but private acts of violence against MSMs still continue, as seen by two mob invasions of homes of men suspected to be gay in February 2010.

"There have been no prosecutions for such acts of mob violence, despite the adoption by Jamaica in 2008 and 2009 of OAS Resolutions 2435 and 2504 on 'Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity'. These resolutions commit the Government to protecting persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity from human rights abuses," he noted.

Last week, civil society organisations, including those that support MSMs in Jamaica, took part in what was dubbed a march of tolerance. The march came at a time when the economic situation in the country has resulted in cuts in funding for HIV and AIDS programmes, a significant portion of which is carried out by civil society organisations.

"The Government has cut the funding for HIV and AIDS programmes by 23 per cent due to financial constraints and we could therefore see a resurgence of the disease, which had stabilised," said Ian McKnight, executive director of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition. "Now more than ever, it is imperative that tolerance towards marginalised and vulnerable groups be adopted as an effective way to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS."

McKnight explained that one of the key outcomes expected from the march was to start a national dialogue on the need for tolerance of all marginalised groups as an effective way to reduce HIV and AIDS transmission.

He pointed to the fact that in 2009, Jamaica's Parliament passed the Sexual Offences Act, which retains the ban on private consensual adult sex work and male intimacy. This, he said, served to reinforce the discrimination against MSMs and sex workers.

"The Parliament is considering the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which will amend the Jamaican constitution but does not include 'sexual orientation or gender identity', 'sex' or HIV and AIDS status as grounds for non-discrimination," said McKnight. "Both legislative actions will further entrench Jamaica's homophobia and discrimination against sex workers.

"In February, the Star newspaper reported two separate cases of mob invasions of homes of persons suspected to be gay. One set of men was taken into custody for their own safety, according the police, and spent some days in lock-up. Such acts of intolerance further drive MSMs underground," McKnight explained.

He said there will be more public campaigns to encourage tolerance of marginalised groups as an effective way to reduce the spread HIV and AIDS. There are also plans to lobby Parliament to include 'sexual orientation, gender identity, sex and HIV and AIDS status', as grounds for non-discrimination in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Additionally, dialogue with churches will be sought to adopt more tolerant messages towards marginalised groups and the police encouraged to prosecute persons who attack MSMs, as required under OAS resolutions 2435 and 2504.

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 (12)

Sheree Simpson
4/13/2010

Jerome if you had the courage to let the world knows that you are a gay man then I find it a little difficult understanding your argument that out of fear you never went to a pharmacy and purchased condoms. I see MSMs as a strong and courageous set of people who will fight for what they believe in; so if they want to get condoms to protect themselves nothing can stop them. I believe whatever the life style you chose to live it is your individual responsibility to practice safe sex whether you are gay or heterosexual. I agree 100% that Jamaica is a homophobic society but on the flip side there are A LOT of gay men in Jamaica and this number is increasing daily. Personally I dont believe homosexuality is right but I would never want a man dead because he is homosexual; that is his choice. What I would have a problem with is if he is going to sexually abuse innocent children.

Paul Lewis
4/12/2010

@Ksurrina C, yes careless behaviour is the leading cause of the transmittion of the H I V / A I DS virus. Like I said it is up to you to protect yourself, if there is no trust in your relationship, then you should double your protection. If you have ever read any of my postings regarding the issue of being Gay, you will see that I have never attacked anyone for being Gay. However personal responsibility is a whole different matter, every one is suppose to be accountable for their behaviour.

Lislet Bernard
4/12/2010

I'm one of those Jamaican who is really tired of seen us been blamed for homosexuals been high risk candidates. whether in HIV cases or otherwise. If we were to be honest with ourselves as a norm in Jamaica males dont necessarily practise safe sex it is a marcho think. I concurred we should not be biased against them however no one should be trying to force any one to accept their lifestyle as normal.
This think about them been unable to to purchase condoms and other protection that is rubbish, no one is going to know you are homosexual just because you purchase that. Look each individual needs to take responisibilty for their one life, and value and take care of it. Then and only then will hiv be minimal or even diminish. We also need to be balance about the level of violence to persons just because they are gays. Look this is jamaica Im certain that it doesnt makes up 1percent of volence should they be analysed.

Jerome Grant
4/12/2010

I have read a few of the inconsiderate but rationale comments on this discussion and on others. I am gay, I am HIV+, I am Jamaican and I am responsible. I CAN STATE THAT I HAVE NEVER WALKED INTO A pharmacy or any other facility and purchase CONDOMS and I never did this becaus eof my own fears. Some of these fears came about as a resultof my own personal experiences and the experiences of many other gaymen with whom I have been associated with over the years. Canyou imagine walking up to the counter with a pack of condoms, being your natural effeminate way and the cashier with all eyes on you from the other shoppers---can you imagine the fear, humiliation, etc that you are likely to feel. I have seen even adults (heterosexual adults) afraid to purchase condoms and other safer sex materials because of "that look", and can you imagine that look coupled with the "risk of being beaten becasue of how your voice sounds, or how you walk or how you articulate yourself in the basic manner of being a great communicator", come on people let us be realistic. If I had the courage and the faith to walk up to a pharmacists or in an establishment knowing that i woudl not be looked upon in a threathening manner I would today not be HIV positive. The scars that I encountered in Jamaica being gay was not left on the plane when I decided to migrate...even today I can say that even though I live in a country where hate crimes law exists and in a state (Massachusetts) where gay marriage is legal I still have not mustered the energies to purchase condoms or safer sex materails. I continue to to use the free condoms that I get from NGOs. I have been scared for life and yes I am workignon it but it is hard to change those expections that have been embedded in you since you are a child.

Ksurrina C
4/12/2010

Paul Lewis is it careless behaviour that allows one to caught HIV? I can attest that most of us who are infected with HIV wasn't living a careless life but one which was trustful but still was infected with it by our partner.
I have no problem with MSM what I have problem with is those persons whether they are MSM are not who are afraid to go and do their HIV test so that they can know their status so that there are no new infections. What I also have problem with is those who know that they are infected and going around infecting others with it. Members of the MSM community should also let their female partners know what their preferences are and stop living a double life because they are afraid of how the Jamaican society perceived them.
Our society should stop looking at persons sexual preferences and start seeing persons as an individual. Jesus Christ was among the homosexuals and murders did you see Him casting stones. He said that those without sin should cast the first stone. He also said that there are two roads before us. This simple means He gave us a choice. Who are we to judge others because they are not doing what we think is right.
Jamaica is a Christian Society when they feels fit to use it. Let us work hand in hand to fight HIV/AIDS and stop looking on persons sexual preferences that will not fight the virus which later go to the disease stage.
A POSITIVE mind is what build a POSITIVE society.

Magar Boy
4/12/2010

OK I am a MSW and I do feel ashamed to buy condom when they are stragetically placed before the cashier "for security reasons I assume". Anyway when since the name changed to MSM LOL this world is getting crazy and crazy everyday. I am getting lost with all the new names your suppose to address people as. What next will MSM's want to be called stay tuned to a TV or Radio or a Newspaper near you.

Tia Clarke
4/12/2010

I agree with Mel Lisa and Paul Lewis. It does not matter what your sexual preference is, you should take responsibility for your action(s). Using lame excuses about being discriminated and abused (and to be saying "many MSMs are afraid of going to a pharmacy to purchase condoms and personal lubricant which are sometimes so precariously placed close to the cashier, in full view of other customers")
won't cut it in the Life of HIV/AIDS. HIV cares not whether persons have sex with the same gender or not, it takes all prisoners.

Yard Vibz
4/12/2010

Richie, it’s a pity that you are not brave enough to say exactly what you really want to say. I suspect that your reference to the late US Equal Opportunity fighter means that certain Jamaicans are currently exposed to similar problems that blacks in the US had experienced during the dreadful lynching days. In you quest to locate justification for the preferred lifestyles of a certain group, it is important to remember that while Dr. King had devoted his abbreviated life to the derailment of the train, which was notorious for the mobility of injustice and inequality, he had not once preached a sermon that could have offer any kind of comfort to those who had indulged in immorality. Peace out!

Paul Lewis
4/12/2010

The fact that men are having sex with men doesn't bother me, but the spreading of an incureable disease is unconscionable. Laws being passed, societal acceptance or placement of condoms, are not the reasons for the increase in the spread of H I V / Aids, the lack of personal responsibility is. It is encumbent on everyone, yes everyone to practice personal safety when engaging in any sexual encounter. Blaming others and circumstances for your failure to take even the most basic precautions is childish. I dont care what you are doing in your private lives, but when it affects others, then you must expect a backlash. Gays are not the only ones guilty of this, blame everyone / everything but ourselves attitude, since women have been doing this from creation. There are some truths we have to accept, one of them is, if you engage in careless behaviour, then the consequences should only be yours to bear. We are growing tired of having to subsidise the cost of wanton carelessness, when there is adequate protection available. Ladies, it is in your interest to insist the man wears a condom, since the baby is most likely going to be only your responsibilty. Knowing that the virus is running rampant in the Gay population and having unprotected sex is suicidal, unfortunately we are the ones bearing a lot of the burden, this leads to resentment. I dont care what you use but take some precaution, even a Kisko bag is better than nothing.

Richie L
4/12/2010

When will my country join the civilized world and repeal this nonsense anti-buggery law?
.
Right now, there are several bills on the table in Parliament that deal with crimes that are gripping the nation and this government, with a majority, can not muster the will to get them passed. Several of these bills would go a long way in arresting the crime monster that haunts the country, yet they can't be passed. But "in 2009, Jamaica's Parliament passed the Sexual Offences Act, which retains the ban on private consensual adult sex work and male intimacy."
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If this is not the heights of folly then I don't know what is.
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I have been advocating for the Observer to post a full time reporter at the Parliament, because I don't think it is covered enough. I want to know what is going on there. Why in a parliamentary system where the ruling party has the majority isn't there a more robust legislative process? Why does it take so long to enact laws that protect Jamaicans while silly laws like the Sexual Offences Act get first priority?
.
Where is the Jamaican Martin Luther King Jr.?
.
Richie

Anthony II
4/12/2010

The statistics regarding MSMs are alarming and indicate the need for efforts to enable these men to have access to proper medical care, which should include referrals to doctors in whom they can confide. I am sure that it cannot be hard for concerned groups to develop such a list. Being unable to openly discuss your health status and sexual practices with the person who is providing you medical care is not good.
.
Sexual abstinence can be promoted but is probably not going to be a big prevention strategy in Jamaica. Jamaicans, be faithful; stop being promiscuous; know the people with whom you are sexually involved; and, if (since?) you must, use a condom. And get tested; you need to know, so that you can protect those with whom you are involved.
.
Another issue in Jamaica is that a number of men are bisexual because of the environment; they have their wives and girlfriends and they also have sex with men. In the black community in the US (where the stigma regarding being gay is just as strong), this has been dubbed "being on the down low" (Google it and read up on it). This phenomenon is going to be prevalent in places such as Jamaica. This calls for education on these issues, especially education of our women, who need to take their health care seriously. Add to this the level of promiscuity, because of notions that "man muss have nuff gal", and we are staring down the proverbial barrel of a gun.
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Finally, HIV/AIDS in Jamaica is EVERYONE's business, because, in absolute numbers, you have more heterosexuals infected than gay men. The rates of infection among heterosexual men and women will be lower, but in absolute numbers, the number of infected heterosexuals will be greater than the number of infected gay men. So, it is a national concern; it is everybody's business. These issues need dialogue, not condemnation and stigmatization.

Mel Lisa
4/12/2010

"... many MSMs are afraid of going to a pharmacy to purchase condoms and personal lubricant which are sometimes so precariously placed close to the cashier, in full view of other customers".
I don't really understand how discrimination against men who have sex with men and the “precarious” placement of condoms and lubricants can prevent these men from buying these things to protect themselves, unless, of course, the cashiers know them as MSMs. Anyone can walk into a pharmacy and purchase condoms without fear of being judged, I would imagine. Why would anyone assume that you are going to have sex with another man just because you buy condoms or lubricant? That claim just doesn’t make sense. These people need to stop making excuses and do the right thing. Dammit! Stop infecting each other with diseases and then perhaps even passing it on to innocent people in the community- such as your wives and girlfriends.

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Should we care about MSMs?