Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

A2
What the Community
Says, Fears, and Does to
Men who Have Sex with Men
Example Responses:
What can we learn from the labels and fears?
The stigma toward MSM is based on two things: their sexual
behavior (having sex with men) and their gender expression
(their appearance, body language, and voice).
Many fears are myths or misconceptions. It shows
that people know little about MSM. We often
stigmatize people on the basis of things we know
little about.
4. Summary: Bring the session to a close by summarizing the main points
which participants have made during the exercise. In giving your summary you
may use some of the following points, if they have not already been mentioned
by participants. The stigma toward MSM is based on their sexual behavior
(having sex with men) and their gender expression (their appearance, body
language, and voice).
People make assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation based on their
gender expression. They assume that if a man behaves in an effeminate
manner, that he must be MSM.
Stigma toward MSM is called “homophobia,” which can include hatred,
disapproval and violence toward MSM.
40