Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Naming
Stigma
toward
MSM
Example Responses:
The examples below are not the required answers, and you are not expected to read them
out loud. They are included to illustrate the type of responses expected and can help you
identify issues you may want to raise, if they are not raised by participants. However, you
should let each group come up with their own ideas. Remember: there are no right and
wrong answers.
Stigma and barriers in the clinic:
MSM patient is kept waiting a long
time. Other patients are served first.
Bureaucratic and unfriendly treatment
and insulting language.
Clinic staff gossip about the MSM
patient and show their disapproval/
judging through body language.
Breach of confidentiality when one
nurse tells the other nurses and patients about the MSM.
Blaming and shaming: “You deserve to get this, because of your disgusting
behavior.”
Poorly done, rushed examination. Doctor inspects MSM’s bum from a long
distance.
Doctor is more concerned about the patient’s sexual orientation than
dealing with the illness.
No information is provided on safe sex for MSM.
Some short hair MSM are reluctant to access health services because they do
not want to reveal their sexuality, for fear they will be discriminated against.
Some long hair MSM fear being stigmatized at the clinic because they have a
man’s name but a woman’s appearance.
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