This issue of aging among SMM and generational gaps within SMM communities has not been well studied in sub-Saharan Africa, thus far, but is a topic that merits further investigation. Comfort said nothing, her mouth full of kelewele, blowing out air – ‘hot, hot, hot’ – as she chewed.

Several participants described anecdotes of being teased or bullied at school by other students or teachers because of their nonconformity to masculinity. The sound she made reminded you of cloth sloshing in buckets, as rhythmic and functional, almost mindless, and wet.As seminal work on stigma [ 49], including Sexual Minority Stress Theory, [ 50, 51], have described, stigma includes both external acts of discrimination enacted upon individuals who engage in same-sex sexuality (i. Some men described friendships with younger SMM, although most men stated perceived differences between themselves and younger SMM. Rendi, a man in his 30’s who identifies as gay, said he felt more “confident” about using condoms, which he believed led to him having stronger connections in his sexual relationships.

When asked about where they experienced discrimination, many men shared discriminatory experiences in non-LGBTQ+ focused healthcare settings.

Some of our friends saw it and they also said they see we mean something, like a relationship, and we ended up together.

The trick had been to show up after Sinclair made his rounds, shouting complaints then disappearing until dinner. On the night Uncle found her she was circling the lounge like the liquor fairy, topping up vodka and Scotch.Because I’m not even sure if I’m gay, and being at the clinic, I don’t want to give any indication that I’m gay. This may be reflective of a perceived generational gap within SMM communities, or reflective of differences in how men perceived themselves now compared to when they were younger.

We had a clash … to think that my family told me I’m going to burn in hell, I know my God still loves me. Kofi drags the lawn chairs into an oval by the pool, carrying out an armchair from the living room for Uncle. I like OUT because it is based in town and with someone like me who is very secretive, it works well. After Rendi disclosed his sexual orientation to his doctor, he described how the doctor responded by saying: “ We need to pray for you, and I will refer you to this other pastor in town.

The women speak openly and invariably for the first time about their experiences of sex and relationships as they seek to claim individual agency, however that expresses itself. Several participants were in monogamous relationships described as positive, equal, happy, committed, and fulfilling.