They call us goor-jigeen: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of Senegalese Muslim men who have sex with men living with HIV.

Men who have sex with men living with HIV in majority Muslim communities face discrimination based on multiple forms of stigma at socio-cultural and legislative levels. This study aimed to explore qualitatively the experiences of men who have sex with men living with HIV in Dakar, Senegal. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 30 Senegalese men aged 18 to 55 years, who self-reported as same-sex practising, Muslim, and receiving HIV treatment at health centres in Dakar. Interview data were analysed using an ethnographic phenomenological approach to explore their life experiences. Primary themes included: the self-discovery process; the social, religious and health ramifications of being same-sex practising; and stigma. Within the theme of stigma issues described included shame, blame (of self and others), and violence resulting from being a man who has sex with other men and/or being HIV seropositive. Those with undetectable viral load reported how HIV related stigma and burden diminished as their health improved. Disclosure of being men who have sex with men and/or HIV status, whether voluntary or not, affected experiences of violence and/or isolation. Addressing stigma at healthcare institutions and improving access to HIV treatment can help mitigate the burden of stigma affecting such men. Interventions to address their physical and psychosocial wellbeing require the engagement of multiple stakeholders, including religious and political leaders.

Childhood Exposure to Religions With High Prevalence of Members Who Discourage Homosexuality Is Associated With Adult HIV Risk Behaviors and HIV Infection in Black Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Exposure to childhood religious affiliations where the majority of members discourage homosexuality may have negative psychological impacts for Black men who have sex with men. This study tested the hypothesis that exposures to these environments during childhood were associated with adulthood human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) behavioral risk and HIV infection, because these exposures influenced HIV/STI risk by undermining race/sexual identity congruence and increasing internalized homophobia and interpersonal anxiety. Structural equation modeling as well as logistic and Poisson regressions were performed using baseline data from HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 ( N = 1,553). Childhood religion affiliations that were more discouraging of homosexuality were associated with increased likelihood of HIV infection; however, the association was no longer significant after adjusting for age, income, and education. Having a childhood religion affiliation with high prevalence of beliefs discouraging homosexuality was associated with increased numbers of sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio = 4.31; 95% confidence interval [3.76, 4.94], p < .01). The hypothesized path model was largely supported and accounted for 37% of the variance in HIV infection; however, interpersonal anxiety was not associated with HIV/STI risk behaviors. Structural interventions are needed that focus on developing affirming theologies in religious institutions with Black men who have sex with men congregants.