ABSTRACT
This paper reports on sexuality-based oppression experienced by lesbians and gays in Jamaica. These data were collected as part of an exploratory study that examined the relationship of sexuality-based discrimination and HIV/ AIDS stigma in Jamaica. Research methodology, which included key informant interviews and focus group protocols, were adapted from those used by UNAIDS (Burgess 2002; Bharat 2001) and the PANOS Institute (2002), and in their studies of HIV/AIDS-related stigma. The study sought to answer the following research questions:
How is stigma and discrimination – institutional and social – perpetrated against sexual minorities in Jamaica? What are the public health and social welfare implications of this stigma and discrimination, particularly as it relates to access and utilization of health and human services by sexual minorities? What, if any, are the “color”, class and gender differences in the stigma/ discrimination processes and its social welfare and public health implications for this population?
