Homophobia, Stigma and HIV in Jamaican Prisons

From Culture, Health and Sexuality, by Andrinopoulos, Figueroa, Derrigan and Ellen

From the Abstract:

Success in addressing HIV and AIDS among men who have sex with men, a key population in the global epidemic, is impeded by homophobia. Homophobia as a barrier to HIV prevention and AIDS treatment is a particularly acute problem in the prison setting. In this qualitative study, we explore HIV and AIDS, stigma and homosexuality in the largest all male prison in Jamaica by conducting iterative in-depth interviews with 25 inmates. Participant narratives unveil a purposeful manipulation of beliefs related to homosexuality that impedes an effective response to HIV and AIDS both in prison and wider society. Findings indicate that homophobia is both a social construction and a tangible tool used to leverage power and a sense of solidarity in a larger political and economic landscape. This use of homophobia may not be unique to Jamaica and is an important issue to address in other low- and middle-income post-colonialist societies.

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Prisoners To Get Condoms in Zimbabwe?

From NewsDay, by Owen Gagare

Inmates in Zimbabwe's filthy prisons could soon be receiving condoms while in incarceration to prevent the spread of HIV, NewsDay has established. According to proposals by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and World Health Organisation (WHO), prisoners could soon benefit from initiatives to curb the spread of the deadly scourge.

The director of the Aids and TB programme, Owen Mugurungi, told journalists attending a workshop whose theme was "Understanding multiple concurrent partnerships and male circumcision" in Kadoma that his ministry was working with the Justice ministry to address health challenges in the country's prisons. He said there had been realisation that there was rampant homosexuality in the penitentaries and upon release the likelihood to affect spouses and girlfriends was high.

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