Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Naming
Stigma
toward
MSM
Stigma is the belief or attitude which leads to discrimination. The action
resulting from stigma is discrimination, or unfair treatment such as MSM not
hired, kicked out of house, or refused treatment at clinic. When we stigmatize
MSM, we judge them, saying they have broken social norms and should be
shamed or condemned, or we isolate them, saying they are a danger or threat
to us (because we think we might be negatively affected by their behavior).
Stigma is not good. Stigma hurts people. When we stigmatize, it makes people
feel lonely, ashamed, sad and rejected. They feel unwanted and lose
confidence and as a result, they may take less care in protecting their health
(e.g., stop using clinics and condoms).
MSM are often stigmatized by their families and the community. They are
forced to change their behavior to be accepted, for example by getting
married. They are forced to lead a hidden, underground existence and as a
result they find it difficult to get work and housing, and access health services
that could save their lives and the lives of their partners, often both male and
female.
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