Access to HIV Services for Mobile and Migrant Populations in Antigua

Demographic
8 participants
Sex: Male. One guy identified as Transgendered
Age: 18 – 38
Country of origin: 4 Jamaican, 2 Guyanese, 1 Dominican, 1 Vincentian
Language: All were English speaking
Marital Status: All were unmarried, some had no steady partner, some were in
relationships with one partner and some had multiple relationships.
Educational Level: This was not discussed
Work Status: Five of the participants were employed and three were unemployed. One
worked in law enforcement. Three of them had done outreach work with other MARPs.
Focus Group Responses
1. What are some of the general issues you face being an MSM in Antigua
All of the participants complained of discrimination more than any other issue.
Discrimination is felt because of their being non-Antiguan and also because
sometimes people recognize them as being gay (sic). It is felt when people shout
things out on the streets, when they are looked at with raised eyebrows and when they
feel like people are talking behind their back. The transgendered guy admitted to
being harassed almost daily with men in groups being the most verbally cruel. He
even admitted to being physically attacked on one occasion.
The guys stated that it is difficult to get a job because of their sexual orientation.
People feel like they will keep away male customers who do not want to be identified
with them. One of them already employed guys stated that often times there are
comments made at his workplace when he passes by and men have refused to deal
with him and to ask for another employee instead. He says “my supervisor didn’t
even stand up for me; he just allowed someone else to deal with the person instead
of saying I was the only one available”.
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