Overview
Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, the linking of HIV with same-sex intimacy, and the stigma and homophobia associated with2SLGBTQ+ communities, has meant fewer resources have been devoted to prevention and education initiatives. The criminalization and marginalization of gay men and other sexual minorities in many countries handicap national HIV responses.
Examples of the impact of homophobia on responses to HIV prevention, and on the care, support, and treatment of people living with HIV include the following:
- Governments have been, and continue to be, less committed to fighting the disease because HIV has primarily affected gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), along with other marginalized populations.
- Some people may not seek (or may not seek early enough) testing, support and treatment for HIV-related illnesses because of pervasive homophobia among healthcare providers and a fear of being identified as gay, especially in countries where same-sex intimacy is a crime.
- Healthcare providers are discouraged from delivering care to gay men and other MSM, as they too may fear for their safety or may themselves stigmatize and discriminate against MSM.
- MSM are more vulnerable to contracting HIV because school systems and other educators remain reluctant to provide positive education about sexuality or HIV prevention.
Our work includes intervening in courts, before legislators and other policymakers, UN human rights bodies, and other stakeholders on the impacts of criminalization and discrimination on the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people, focusing on their right to health and access to critical HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.
Learn more:
Raising the Bar – 2023/2024 Annual Report
The creation of our annual report always gives us a unique opportunity to look back at a year’s worth of important work with hindsight, clarity, and pride. As you will see in Raising the Bar — our 2023/24 annual report — our successes and challenges don’t begin and end with the flip of a calendar … Read more
Connection, Care, Community
Drug policy affects the health of queer people and communities. The health of queer people who use drugs must not be overlooked in our fight for sensible drug policy. And 2SLGBTQ+ rights organizations must not ignore the rights and health of queer people who use drugs. Our new resources aim to raise awareness and build … Read more
Backgrounder: The HIV Legal Network and the Caribbean
As a region, the Caribbean has the second-highest HIV prevalence rate in the world, after sub-Saharan Africa. UNAIDS and regional and national agencies have long identified homophobia as a factor contributing to this startling statistic. The legal and social environment varies significantly across the region, as does community organizing to defend and advance the human … Read more
Additional Observations on the Merits by Petitioners Alexa Hoffmann, S.A. & D.H.: Submitted pursuant to art. 37 of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Rules of Procedure
In December 2023, three petitioners challenging Barbados’ anti-LGBT laws before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights made further submissions in relation to their initial 2018 petition, documenting several legal developments in LGBT rights since that time.
Jamaican court blocks LGBTQ+ rights challenge from moving forward
The Jamaican Supreme Court determined last Friday that the so-called “saving laws clause” in the Jamaican constitution prevents it from inquiring into the constitutionality of the three sections of the Offences Against the Person Act that criminalize same-sex intimacy. This misguided decision denies Jamaicans the means to protect their constitutional and human rights, and further … Read more
Update on the Constitutional Challenge to Homophobic Colonial-Era Laws in Jamaica
For more than eight years, Maurice Tomlinson and the HIV Legal Network have been in court fighting for rights that are denied to LGBTQ+ people living in Jamaica due to colonial-era laws that criminalize same-sex intimacy. Through this slow process, Maurice’s case has nonetheless been gaining momentum, and in recent years we have seen similar … Read more
MEDIA STATEMENT: DOMINICA TO HEAR CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE ON LGBT RIGHTS
STATEMENT: DOMINICA TO HEAR CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE ON LGBT RIGHTS For immediate release – The following can be attributed to Minority Rights Dominica (MiRiDom) and the HIV Legal Network. September 28, 2022 — Today, in a critical step forward for human rights, the High Court of Justice in Dominica will hear a constitutional challenge from a … Read more
MEDIA ADVISORY: Intimate Conviction 2 Volume Launches in Dominica
LGBTQ RIGHTS AND THE CHURCH: Intimate Conviction 2 Volume Launches in Dominica Laws Criminalizing Consensual Same-Sex Intimacy Still Exist in More Than 60 Countries Worldwide For immediate release March 28, 2022 — Roseau, Dominica — On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, the launch of the Intimate Conviction 2: Continuing the Decriminalization Dialogue volume will be held in … Read more
MEDIA STATEMENT: WORLD AIDS DAY 2021: FORTY YEARS OF HIV, FORTY YEARS OF PROGRESS
WORLD AIDS DAY 2021: FORTY YEARS OF HIV, FORTY YEARS OF PROGRESS The following can be attributed to the HIV Legal Network. November 30, 2021 – Toronto – Tomorrow is World AIDS Day — a day to reflect on the current state of HIV and AIDS in the world, where we started, and how … Read more