Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Why
a Toolkit
Stigma toward MSM is rooted in a lack of knowledge about MSM and societal
perceptions of gender roles as well as cultural and religious norms. Sex between men
is the subject of strong disapproval and social taboos. In fact, according to one study,
many Cambodians do not even believe that people of the same gender can have sex 4 .
The stigma toward MSM is based not just on their sexual behavior (having sex with men),
but also on their gender expression (their appearance, body language and voice). Many
misconceptions or stereotypes about MSM, such as the belief that MSM are mentally ill,
further feed into stigma toward MSM.
In the past, MSM were not part of the national response to HIV and their sexual health
was neglected. The situation, however, is changing. Government and civil society are
now working together to address this problem. The National AIDS Authority and National
MSM Technical Working Group have developed a National Strategic Framework and
Operational Plan to empower MSM and include them in the national response to HIV
and STIs. They have made MSM the top priority for a response in this plan. Traditionally,
stigma and discrimination have been obstacles to reaching MSM with HIV campaigns.
Now, however, NGOs and CBOs are helping to develop better HIV-related services and
provide more information to MSM.
The toolkit is aimed at supporting these efforts by:
Raising the understanding of service providers and the community on MSM,
gender issues underlying MSM, and how stigma and lack of human rights fuels
HIV transmission.
Building public awareness and support to stop stigma and discrimination toward
MSM.
Fostering support for health workers and other service providers to develop new
codes of practice for how they counsel, test and treat MSM patients.
4
Sovannara, Kha and Chris Ward. 2004. Men Who Have Sex with Men in Cambodia: HIV/
AIDS, Vulnerability, Stigma and Discrimination. Policy Project, January.
3