Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

A1
Naming Stigma and Discrimination
toward Men who Have Sex with Men
through Pictures
Example Responses:
M2 Family trying to change MSM teenage boy
Family members use threats, insults, shaming, and bullying to try to force the MSM
son to change. The father is shouting at him, calling him a girl and telling him to
become a “real man.” This makes the boy feel embarrassed and unsure of what
to do.
M3 Police harass MSM in the park
A policeman is harassing an MSM in the park. He has forced him to take off his
pants to “prove he is a man.” This shows that the police victimize people who are
different and who have little power. He may also ask the MSM for a bribe to leave
him alone.
M4 Community members gossiping about two MSM
Community members are pointing fingers and gossiping about two MSM. They are
saying things like, “These men dress and act in strange ways in public, they are
ruining the community.” The two MSM men look sad and isolated.
M5 MSM patient getting STI examination at the clinic
MSM is being examined by a health
worker at the clinic. He is pointing
to his bum, so he may have an
STI. The health worker is afraid or
disgusted and does not want to
examine the MSM’s bum. The
health worker may lack the skills to
examine the MSM, and has fears
about doing this. The MSM feels
embarrassed and treated unfairly.
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