In September 2007, Schorer organised an International Expert Meeting. The aim of the event was to generate more attention among policy makers, implementers, researchers and donors with respect to the need for specific prevention programmes for sexual minorities and to encourage collaboration between the various different disciplines. Over 80 people from all over the world took part in the Expert Meeting. Most of the presentations were given by participants from the global South, who included numerous concrete examples from their day-to-day practice.

RightsThe most important result of the expert meeting was that gay and lesbian rights are a condition for effective HIV/STI prevention. Stigma and discrimination are making it more difficult for WSW and MSM to take care of themselves, also when it comes to sexual contacts. That is why Schorer’s international programme is also working on lobbying governments, national AIDS programmes and healthcare institutions to improve the position of the target group. In that way, the partner organisations are working towards improving access to mainstream healthcare.

Women who have sex with womenWomen who have sex with women (WSW) run a risk of contracting HIV and STI because they also have sex with men: sometimes simply because they want to, but often also because they think it will lead to social approval, because they can earn money by doing it, or because they are forced to do it. Physical violence against lesbians is commonplace, sometimes even as a kind of punishment or way of ‘breaking the habit’. In southern Africa this phenomenon is known as ‘corrective rape’. But also in their sexual relationships with other women, women run a risk of contracting other STI, which in turn makes them more vulnerable for HIV. The Expert Meeting made it clear that more research is needed on the position of WSW.

You can find the report of the 2007 International Expert Meeting: ‘Taking the Lead’ at the right under attachments