Abstract ID: 19019

Author: Kila William

Title: Stigma and Discrimination against MSM, Gaymen and Transgender

Subject Area/Topic: Stigma and Discrimination

Papua New Guinea has a closed culture to any discussions of sexual nature. These Cultures and Traditional practices are difficult to change overnight as our own Laws and Constitution does not recognize such lifestyle as men having sex with men (MSM), gaymen and transgender. Many of our leaders deny that there is a percentage of it's population that is HOMOSEXUAL and that there are MSM, GAYMEN, and TRANSGENDER living as members of our society. Some of these very leaders are MSM but do not wish it to be known openly.

As a transgender person, I have found through my work and the familiar circles, that it has been and is for many of my friends and I, difficult to be open and true to ourselves and to our loved ones, because acceptance of that one is unsure. Many of us hide and live two lives; one true to me and the other for the sake of the others and how we are perceived. Coming out of our shells is a dream for many of my friends and we live in the hope that this will one day be possible.

Violence is one major fear that prevents us from being open and truthful about who we really are. There is a lot of push to be open about one's status however that final decision must be made by the individual as part of an empowerment process. It is difficult enough for one to be GAY let alone adding to that burden of being infected with HIV & AIDS. It is very difficult to say, Stand up, be brave and be true to yourselves when the law of the country is not able to protect one from abuse and physical violence.

Living with Stigma and being Discriminated against is experienced daily by many making it very difficult for anyone to be open about their status. Many have had to isolate themselves from family and loved ones in an attempt to not only protect themselves but their family members too. Verbal abuse is rampant and many are taunted daily and live in fear of their lives.

After independence in 1975, the few gay men living in the coastal areas of PNG started to slowly and very cautiously come out, that also varied from region to region, sometimes villages. Much of our actions were and are governed by the settings and influences i.e. religion { but not in the highlands area of the country}. As time went on, the number started to grow and they started to be more open but stigma and discrimination is still going on................