How to write an original essay on HIV and Homosexuality Case Study in Haiti

How to write an original essay on HIV and Homosexuality Case Study in Haiti

Despite the legality of homosexuality in Haiti, societal perception is generally negative. The pervasively negative attitude of Haitians towards homosexuality enhances the social and political antipathy towards homosexual people as they are on the receiving end of prejudice and discrimination in accessing social amenities. Moreover, the Senate in Haiti approved laws that ban same-sex marriages in 2017, mirroring Haiti’s homophobic attitudes (Outright Action International, 2022). These laws enable government authorities to deny homosexuals the Certificat de Bonne Vie et Moeurs which is a necessary document when seeking employment and accessing higher education institutions. This paper discusses Haiti’s views of homosexuality and answers Ronald’s case-study questions.

The discrimination of LGBTQIA+ people in Haiti goes beyond just social exclusion and restricted access to job opportunities. According to the Outright Action International Organization that advocates for the human right of LGBTQ+ people (2022), homosexual people in Haiti undergo violence, physical harassment, social stigmatization, and discrimination from private citizens and government authorities. Government authorities often invade LGBTQ+ events and shut them down, thus denying the social freedoms of sexual minorities. Moreover, authorities allow anti-LGBTQ+ protests without interference contributing to the harassment and discrimination of homosexual people. The hate has led to increased persecution of homosexual people in Haiti. Critically, religious entities like the Protestants and the Catholics significantly influence the cultural views of homosexuality as they are the basis of moral values and social norms concerning sexuality and gender. The disparage of sexual minorities by famous political figures fuels violence towards LGBTQI+ people as they are viewed as immoral. The rise of conservative religious groups after the 2010 earthquake limited the access to help for sexual minorities leading to further discrimination and thus the enhanced social stigma.

If Ronald’s parents were to learn of his positive HIV status, they might react negatively if they are religious and traditional. This is because the religious and traditional Haitians hold strong moral values against homosexuality. Moreover, religious people consider homosexuality immoral; thus, they discriminate and socially exclude homosexual people from society (Van Bergen et al., 2021). The parents could even reject Ronald as an expression of their disappointment in Ronald’s immorality. According to Dunbar et al. (2019), gay men infected with HIV are at high risk of discrimination and stigma from family and the community. Research shows that out of the 150 000 people living with HIV in Haiti, only 55% can access antiretroviral medications indicating under coverage of medical services. One of the main reasons for this medical under coverage is the extensive marginalization of sexual and gender minorities. Limited access to medical care negatively affects the affected persons’ emotional, physical, relational and social health. Religious and political authorities play a significant role in influencing citizens’ views on homosexuality.

However, there are culturally congruent strategies that a healthcare provider can implement to address HIV prevention practices in the Haitian community, such as cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity. This involves the healthcare provider effectively collaborating with diverse Haitian cultures to educate the public about HIV prevention strategies (Salinda et al., 2021). Moreover, the healthcare provider must be humble and open to accepting Haiti’s different cultural beliefs and values about sexuality and HIV. Cultural knowledge enables the healthcare provider to develop the right attitude to respond effectively to diverse situations that might arise in healthcare.

In conclusion, the laws and restrictions in Haiti indicate Haitians’ general antipathy towards the political and social rights of LGBTQI+ people despite homosexuality being legal, contributing to discrimination and stigmatization of nonheterosexual people. Critically, implementing culturally congruent strategies in healthcare like cultural sensitivity, knowledge, and awareness facilitates access to comprehensive medical care to prevent the spread of HIV in Haiti.

References

Dunbar, W., Alcide Jean-Pierre, M. C., Pétion, J. S., Labat, A., Maulet, N., & Coppieters, Y. (2021). A realist evaluation of the continuum of HIV services for men who have sex with men. AIDS Research and Therapy18(1), 1-12.

Van Bergen, D. D., Wilson, B. D., Russell, S. T., Gordon, A. G., & Rothblum, E. D. (2021). Parental responses to coming out by lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, or two‐spirited people across three age cohorts. Journal of Marriage and Family83(4), 1116-1133.

Salinda, M. T., Hipona, J. B., Ilarde, M., & Tuazon, A. (2021). A concept analysis on culturally congruent care. Journal Of Nursing Practice4(2), 167-176.

Haiti. OutRight Action International. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2, 2022, from https://outrightinternational.org/region/haiti

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