“… if you are `a home-based care worker, what are you going do with it’ if you ask for a glove, they (nurses) are going to ask you? In the event that you inform them regarding the intimate orientation, particularly in hospitals, it will make it a little more difficult. ” Alletta, 35yrs old, Durban

The 2 individuals above make reference to the ways that responses from some wellness providers will make people feel exposed and on occasion even `deviant’. Such behaviours or attitudes can drive lesbians away and hinder usage of solutions, therefore placing ladies at further danger.

In general many medical care professionals had been perceived as very supportive pertaining to look after people coping with HIV. This excluded dealing with a person’s intimate orientation and history that is sexual. Conversations about individual sexual history were restricted to gay and lesbian organisations where many individuals gotten information, care and help. Within these areas, individuals may possibly also easily discuss their intimate behavior and intimate identification. Outside such organisations, individuals had been uncomfortable to reveal their intimate orientation as a result of anxiety about prejudice and stigma:

“I have not mentioned that (i am a lesbian) due to the stigma related to disclosing your sex. A number of the (HIV) organisations i will be a part of as an example — is a Christian organisation. Speaking about my sex in their mind will be so difficult. ” Tambu, 40 yrs old, Zimbabwe

Individuals’ failure to communicate about their sexuality (as a result of anxiety about stigma and prejudice) also hindered their use of safer intercourse information and protective means. More often than not, preventative measures had been unavailable, as well as in places where they existed, they’re not easily available.

“When it comes down to sex, well for all of us (lesbians) – we do not have security designed for free, which means you cannot take part in intercourse should you not have money (to buy security). ” Zanele, 31 yrs old, Durban

“Even we don’t have access to it if we(lesbians) want to use protection. There are many condoms, which are free. I have to see for myself – pop out money from my own pocket and go to a pharmacy to look for something that smells nice – like gloves – not that we can afford things like that when it comes to my life, my side of protection. It generates our life more susceptible. ” Lesego, 29 yrs. Old, Pretoria

Individuals claimed that despite the fact that they may like to protect their lovers from being HIV infected, this is difficult as safer intercourse means are not easy to get at. For folks who have usage of LGBT organisations, dental dams, hand condoms as well as other kinds of security had been easily available. But, lots of HIV lesbians that are positive far from places where such organisations existed. Their primary wellness facilities had been general public clinics and hospitals, which supplied male and often female condoms. Individuals argued that although male condoms may exist, these try not to appeal to all lesbian intimate techniques.

Conversation

In line with the provided data that are qualitative our research shows that lesbians aren’t a `no danger’ team. Different facets, some just like other danger facets all women face, can place lesbians prone to HIV illness. Some ladies in this research reported relationships that are sexual males. Numerous reported finding away about their HIV positive status during these relationships. Rape along with other kinds of intimate physical physical violence had been additionally reported as placing lesbians prone to HIV illness. That is an issue that is major impacts numerous lesbians’ life in Southern Africa and should not be over looked in terms of HIV danger (Polders and Wells 2004; Reddy, Sandfort and Rispel 2009).

The ladies’s Institute (2009) has noted that the US Centers for infection Control and Prevention in 2006 identified that “the HIV virus is sent through bloodstream and menstrual bloodstream, breast milk and genital secretions”. Predicated on these understood techniques of transmission, it may not any longer be thought that lesbians and ladies who have intercourse with ladies and whoever play that is sexual these processes of transmission have reached little if any danger. Furthermore, intimate orientation shouldn’t be the sexier cornerstone upon which danger for STDs is assumed (Workowski and Berman 2010).