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Structural violence against Kothi-identified men who have sex with men in Chennai, India: a qualitative investigation.

Authors :
Chakrapani V
Newman PA
Shunmugam M
McLuckie A
Melwin F
Source :
AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education [AIDS Educ Prev] 2007 Aug; Vol. 19 (4), pp. 346-64.
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

This qualitative investigation explored the experiences and contexts of stigma and discrimination among HIV-positive and high-risk kothi-identified men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chennai, India, and ramifications for HIV prevention. MSM were recruited through community agencies (n = 10) and public sex environments (n = 8), along with three key informants. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Narrative thematic analysis and a constant comparative method were used to identify themes. Findings revealed multiple intersecting social and institutional contexts and experiences of stigmatization, discrimination, and violence across police, community, family, and health care systems, as well as illuminating consequences for MSM. Multisystemic structural violence places kothis at extreme vulnerability for HIV infection and AIDS. Public mass media antidiscrimination campaigns, education and training of health care providers and police, funding of indigenous MSM community organizations, and decriminalization of consensual sex between same-sex adults may help to combat stigma, discrimination, and violence against MSM, which is fundamental to effective HIV prevention.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0899-9546
Volume :
19
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
17685847
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1521/aeap.2007.19.4.346