Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ikekhwa Albert Ikhile, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of South Africa
Published on 2024-03-26 16:03:55
Same-sex relationships are protected by the constitution and legal in South Africa, with unfair discrimination based on sexual orientation being against the law. However, many cultures do not view this as a right, such as traditional Zulu culture which considers same-sex relationships taboo and unAfrican due to beliefs about masculinity and sexuality.
These cultural norms have detrimental effects on Zulu men who have sex with men, often leading to depression, suicide, and drug abuse. As a public health specialist, I conducted research on how Zulu culture discourages these men from accessing healthcare. Stigma rooted in cultural beliefs prevents many from seeking healthcare.
In South Africa, men who have sex with men are classified as a key population due to their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections. Our study focused on men living in Umlazi, an urban area with a large number of Zulu inhabitants. We interviewed 25 participants who shared their emotional experiences of concealing their sexual orientation to avoid discrimination.
Participants discussed the challenges they faced due to cultural stigma, such as being alienated during traditional rites of passage or feeling rejected by their communities. Many expressed fear of discrimination and a lack of understanding from healthcare providers, leading them to avoid seeking medical care.
Efforts to address these issues should involve collaboration with cultural influencers and community leaders to protect the rights of men who have sex with men while respecting Zulu traditions. Healthcare providers should receive training to support this community and create discrimination-free healthcare environments.
By promoting inclusivity and improving access to healthcare for all, we can work towards creating a more accepting and supportive environment for marginalized communities.
