Citation

Hassan NR, Swartz L, Kagee A, De Wet A, Lesch A, Kafaar Z, Newman PA. Health Place 2018; 49: 93-100.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.11.010

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Males who have sex with males (MSM) are prioritised in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, as a key affected population to receive HIV prevention, treatment, and HIV-related care and support (WHO, 2016). There is, however, limited empirical research conducted on how to engage communities of South African MSM in clinical HIV prevention research programs. The development of LGBTIQ safe spaces may potentially be a viable option to promote community-based engagement by bridging the divides between HIV-prevention researchers, marginalised queer populations, and other HIV-prevention stakeholders located in heteronormative spaces (Molyneux et al., 2016). We conducted ten in-depth, qualitative interviews with MSM safe space members who have been involved in HIV prevention research programs. Data were analysed using a thematic analytic strategy (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Our results indicate that the "safe spaces" currently operational in Cape Town are not stable spaces nor are they always safe, but they form part of a broader and much more long-term political and geographical strategy of inclusion and emancipation.

Language: en

Keywords

HIV prevention; Males who have sex with males; Safe space; Stakeholder engagement; Stigma and discrimination