Community stigma, victimization, and coping strategies among gays, bisexuals, and other cis-gender men who have sex with men in slum communities in Ghana. BSGH-003

Abstract

Background Gays, bisexuals, and cis-gender men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face severe consequences, especially within stigmatized environments. However, very little is known about the experiences of GBMSM living in slums in SSA and Ghana. This study investigates the experiences of stigma, victimization, and coping strategies and proposes some interventional approaches for combating stigma facing GBMSM in slum communities. Methods We engaged GBMSM living in slums in two major Ghanaian cities. We used a time-location sampling and collected data through in-depth individual interviews. Two major themes emerged from the study: 1) insecurities and criminalization of GBMSM activity, and 2) GBMSM coping strategies. Results Findings show GBMSM experienced negative attitudes from the community due to their sexual behavior/orientation. GBMSM also developed coping strategies to avert negative experiences, such as hiding their identities/behavior, avoiding gender non-conforming men, and having relationships with persons outside their communities. Conclusion We propose interventions such as HIV Education, Empathy, and Empowerment and Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy as possible measures to improve the experiences of GBMSM living in Ghanaian slum communities.

A qualitative description of HIV testing and healthcare experiences among trans women in Ghanaian urban slums BSGH-011

“…Research speci cally focused on trans women, especially those living in slum communities, in Ghana is limited, with most studies focusing on gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men, and female sex workers 8,39,58,62 . This paper seeks to address this knowledge gap by offering a qualitative exploration of HIV testing and care experiences within the context of trans women living in Ghanaian urban slums, which can have signi cant implications for public health interventions and policy development.…”

“…Healthcare-related stigma not only leads to avoidance of healthcare services but also adds discomfort and stress, adversely affecting health outcomes [55][56][57] . For instance, in Ghana, intersectional stigma and discrimination experienced by key populations not only deters them from seeking healthcare services, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment of physical health conditions, but also contributes to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, as well as social exclusion and isolation 7,8,34,39,58 . Furthermore, stigma and discrimination experienced by transgender individuals in…”