ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how male-to-females (MTFs) experience stigma and discrimination and how those experiences increase their need to feel wanted, loved and accepted by male partners, which may in turn place them at increased risk of HIV. Higher rates of HIV-seropositivity for MTFs compared to other groups of sex workers has been documented in a number of studies. Researchers have yet to understand the relationship between stigma and discrimination and gender roles for MTFs. Gender roles refer to the culturally prescribed norms, ways of being and acting particular to men and women. Although gender roles are important and do play a role in HIV risk, it is important to place gender roles and their relation to HIV risk within the larger context of the stigma and discrimination experienced by MTFs. The clinic does not cater to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals but, rather, sets out to serve the low-income community where it is located.
