Imagine a Condom that protected against violence. Hate related violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is increasing globally. Threat of violence creates barriers for people to access health services.
Imagine if we could Stop Hate Violence. Imagine if we could Help End HIV.
Laurindo Garcia unveiled the Anti-Violence Condom at AIDS2014 as part of a New Research Agenda with the aim of Stepping Up The Pace towards ending HIV.
People around the world experience violence and inequality, and even torture and execution based on who they love, how they look and who they are.
According to a Report released by the National U.S Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, the severity of hate violence perpetrated against LGBT people increased in 2013. Physical hate violence increased by 21% and affected transgender people and people of colour at disproportionate rates. Homophobic laws in Russia, Iran, Jamaica and Nigeria are leading to waves of violence targeted at LGBTI populations.
Though many breakthrough health interventions were unveiled during #AIDS2014, such as rapid HIV testing, PrEP and PEP, and Treatment as Prevention. Laurindo Garcia asks, ‘What good are these things when we live like there’s a gun to held to our heads’, where in many countries around the world the standard ‘health’ intervention for LGBTI populations is to throw people in jail, demean and devalue people or even to kill.
Living in an epidemic of hate is leading to persistence rates of infection amongst MSM and transgender populations. Medical breakthroughs in recent years have not made a dent on new HIV infections amongst MSM communities around the world. Why? We now have scientific evidence from MSM Global Forum that tells us that hate, violence, criminalization, stigma and discrimination are factors that create to the risk of HIV infection amongst MSM.
Organizations around the world are working on the ground to fight this epidemic of hate and to stem the wide against rising LGBTI violence. MSMGF gives voice through its Speaking Out Advocacy Activities, whilst ITPC supports policy advocacy against discriminatory laws in Pakistan. Community based organizations in Russia such as E.V.A advocate against LGBTI violence in Russia on the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia IDAHOT.
Laurindo Garcia says, ‘Wearing a violence condom would make seeking health services in these places so much easier. I admit it might be a little awkward and wobbly to walk in. But that’s much better than being beaten up’.
Until the day we do have a condom against violence, we can all act to do four things.
- Protect people from harm
- Provide Access to Treatment
- Make Spaces More Inclusive
- Empathize
#StopHateViolence #HelpEndHIV
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