Social exclusion, stigma, and discrimination among men who have sex with men in Asia

Past research highlighted the negative impact of social exclusion, stigma, and discrimination towards men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. The bias and sexual prejudice are also enshrined in the penal code, social and employment policies. In Asia, same-sex sexual activities are still criminalized in many countries but there is a shift in legislation to advance the rights of LGBT people. Globally, HIV treatment and prevention services for MSM remain critically under-resourced. Sexual stigma and criminalization of same-sex behaviors further hinder health-seeking behaviors, such as accessing HIV/STI and mental health services. LGBT employees in Asian countries generally have not received the same level of protection as compared to their Western counterparts but there are subtle changes to advance the LGBT worker rights in the region. There is also evidence that victimization in schools leads to psychological distress and trauma among adolescent and young MSM. Stigma reduction interventions must address structural-level barriers so that MSM can access health services without fear and discrimination. This chapter discusses how prejudice targeted towards MSM in Asia contributed to undesirable physical, psychological, and social consequences.