Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Naming
Stigma
toward
MSM
The main causes of stigma are:
Moral judgments – Because MSM are viewed as practicing sex (male to
male sex, oral sex, anal sex) which breaks social norms and which is seen as
immoral.
Fear and ignorance – people have little understanding about the lives and
sexuality of MSM so out of ignorance they judge MSM unfairly. They are
prejudiced toward people who behave differently.
Appearance – MSM who are effeminate in their behavior (e.g., MSM long
hair) are judged harshly because their appearance differs from what is
considered normal or appropriate for men.
Long hair MSM are visible to the public so they are stigmatized largely for their
gender expression (dress and body language). Short hair MSM, on the other
hand, are less visible, are often married to women, so they can hide the fact
that they are MSM and are sometimes less stigmatized. MSM short hair, for
example, can often use clinics without being hassled, except where they have
to reveal their sexual orientation.
Stigma toward MSM makes them feel despised and rejected, like outcasts. As a
result MSM often avoid using health services and may take less care about
their sexual health, e.g., not using condoms regularly and consistently with all
sexual partners.This may put MSM at higher risk of contracting HIV and as a
result MSM may pass HIV to their male and female partners, as MSM often
have sex with both men and women, and are often married. In this way stigma
toward MSM helps to fuel the general HIV epidemic.
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