ADDRESSING HOMOPHOBIA IN RELATION TO HIV/AIDS IN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

Albert McLeod
Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN)

Objectives: To produce an anti-homophobia policy development model for Aboriginal service organizations.
Method: CAAN is implementing a two-year community-based research project to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment for Two Spirit (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) people living with HIV/AIDS. A recent survey on Two Spirit men reported that the most important sociological factors negatively affecting their lives are unemployment, poor housing, racism, poverty, homophobia, physical abuse, and gay bashing. An environmental scan of existing policies and programs addressing homophobia will be conducted in the Aboriginal community. A national survey of Two Spirit people and Aboriginal organizations will guide the development of an anti-homophobia policy development model. This model will be pilot tested and then disseminated to the Aboriginal community.
Results: The first year of the project is underway. A literature review of international and national policies addressing homophobia will guide the development of the research tools (surveys). Two Spirit people will be surveyed with the assistance of Aboriginal ASOs across various regions of Canada. Aboriginal organizations and non-Aboriginal service providers will be surveyed by mail.
Conclusions: Preliminary results from the literature review reveal that there has been little or no advocacy done to protect the rights of Two Spirit people at-risk of HIV infection and living with HIV/AIDS, despite the fact that this population has experienced the brunt of the HIV epidemic in the Aboriginal population. Issues and rights related to gender and sexual orientation must be addressed by Aboriginal governments and communities as they increasingly take control of their health services and negotiate self-government agreements with Canada.

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