Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Naming
Stigma
toward
MSM
3. Then review the list of cards on the wall and ask:
If you were called these names, how would you feel?
What are the effects of these labels on MSM?
What can we learn from these labels and fears toward MSM?
Record their responses on the flipchart.
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.
How would you feel?
Sad. Hurt. Angry. Ashamed. Embarrassed. Unfairly treated. Rejected. Miserable.
These words are insulting. It would make me feel sad and ashamed. I wish I could
die.
It makes me feel unfairly treated. It’s no fault of mine that I am MSM.
I would hide my MSM identity from others so I would not be stigmatized.
I feel hopeless. All my confidence is gone. I don’t know how I will survive.
What would be the effect of stigma on MSM?
These words hurt and make MSM feel despised and rejected by family and
community. Stigma destroys their self-esteem. They feel ashamed and begin to
doubt themselves. This may lead to depression, alcohol abuse or unsafe sex.
They mastop accessing health services and have sex without condoms. If they get
infectedwith HIV, they may hide it and pass it to their partners.
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