Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

A10
When the Family Discovers
that their Son Is a
Man who Has Sex with Men
Example Responses:
Help link MSM with other MSM and suport groups for sharing and emotional
support.
What practical things can we do to support families who have MSM sons?
Tell them that they are not alone. Many other families have MSM sons so they
should learn to love, accept, trust and recognize their son as a family member.
Help them understand that:
a) MSM is not something new and have existed for a very long time.
b) MSM are not criminals or deviants, they are like anyone else. They just
want to be respected and looked after as part of the family.
c) Trying to force MSM to change, to become “real men,” does not work.
MSM are the way they are simply because of nature.
d) By scolding and isolating MSM, families are making him hide his sexual
activities and this may result in him not using
health services and not practicing safe sex
practices.
Encourage a positive attitude. Look for the good
inside him and encourage him to show what he can
do. Help MSM get jobs and take up responsibilities
in the community and with the family.
During community meetings include the
MSM topic in the agenda and invite
MSM and their families to share their
experience.
Bring those who discriminate against
MSM to attend MSM clubs in order to
see activities and to understand the
MSM.
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