“In Zimbabwe there is nothing for us”: sex work and vulnerability of HIV infection among male sex workers in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

Male sex workers (MSWs) in Zimbabwe are a vulnerable sub-group at risk of violence, abuse, and HIV infection. This qualitative study examines the practices of male sex workers and vulnerabilities to HIV infection based on interviews among 15 MSWs in Bulawayo. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the guidance of grounded theory. The transcripts were translated by the interviewer into English using NVivo 11.0 software for coding and analysis. The MSWs interviewed reported diverse backgrounds in sexual orientation and life situations, plus a variety of work settings, income levels and access to clients. Due to the illegal nature of sex work and the stigma of homosexuality, practices in the sex trade are often hidden and subtle to avoid exposure to the police. Some develop romantic relationships with regular clients, but more typically they suffer abuse, violence, and the threat of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Most Zimbabwean MSWs are ill-informed and underestimate their vulnerability of HIV. The stigmatization and criminalization of homosexuality in Zimbabwe creates an environment where it is difficult for MSWs to protect themselves through consistent condom use and access to basic HIV prevention and care services.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV infection
• male sex workers
• HIV risks
• stigmatization
• Zimbabwe

Acknowledgement

The article's content is solely the responsibility of the authors. The authors thank The Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GLAZ) to offer help in the recruitment of eligible male sex workers. The article won't be finished without the voices from the 15 participants in Zimbabwe. We are grateful to the 15 participants’ time, tacit supports, and sharing. We would also thank the assistance from Morgan Deal, Slone Taylor, and Joanne Zwemer in the manuscript preparation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.