‘I count myself as being in a different world’: African gay and bisexual men living with HIV in London. An exploratory study

Abstract

The experiences of men from African backgrounds living with HIV who are gay/bisexual have so far been overlooked in the research on HIV in the UK. Little is known about the ways that HIV impacts on this population. We report on an exploratory qualitative study with 8 gay/bisexual men from 7 different African countries living with HIV in London, based on in depth semi structured interviews and a thematic analysis. HIV testing and diagnosis, disclosure to others, social and sexual networks, sexual relationships and practices, use of health services and coping mechanisms emerged as key themes. Men with insecure residency status in the UK and those without work had additional challenges to meet. Men described the constant juggling required to balance the complex and sometimes contradictory realities of life as a gay/bisexual man, an African and an HIV positive person. Actual and perceived stigma was a key barrier to accessing appropriate practical and emotional support from families, social network or religious organisations.

Keywords:

• HIV
• African gay men
• sexual orientation

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all the men who were prepared to give their time to take part and discuss complex and sensitive subjects with us. Thanks to all the staff at The Department of Sexual Health, Homerton University Hospital; to the clinicians in specialist clinics across London and workers in voluntary sector settings for help with recruitment; to the African HIV Policy Network, the RAIN Trust, The Organization of Positive African Men, Terrence Higgins Trust, UK Coalition, The Metropolitan Community Church and the Ethnic Minorities Unit of the Greater London Assembly for their advice and support. Funding, without which this work would have been impossible, was provided by the trustees of The Derek Butler Charitable Trust.