The Invisible Citizens’ Revolution: HIV/AIDS and Citizenship in the LGBTI Community of Quito, Ecuador
In Ecuador, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS within the LGBTI community is high in comparison to the general population, while only a small percentage of this group has access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support services. I set out to document how LGBTI people living with HIV/AIDS experience and challenge the way they are treated and perceived by health care professionals, politicians, and larger society. Recent political developments in Ecuador made it especially meaningful to see how apparent sociopolitical openings have been utilized to claim rights and promote inclusion in- and outside the medical setting. My research formed part of operational research for the Bridging the Gaps alliance. Within this framework, the aim was to contribute to minimizing vulnerability to discrimination, exclusion and HIV infection by expanding insights regarding sociopolitical and medical experiences of LGBTI and the empowering abilities and limitations of the notion of citizenship. My fieldwork considered both experiences of individuals and the organizational work to cope with HIV/AIDS and related concerns. Research consisted mostly of participant observation and in-depth interviews with LGBTI people living with HIV/AIDS. I found that stigma, discrimination and exclusion continue to impede HIV responses by acting as a strong deterrent to LGBTI people identifying themselves to HIV services. The promise of full, inclusive citizenship for all of Ecuador’s citizens regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status has not been fulfilled yet, although there are some promising advances. These advances should be built upon by boosting state-civil society collaboration on adequately ensuring human rights. Sensitization training of health care professionals, policy makers, and educators is an important next step. Other recommendations include amplifying awareness and sex education campaigns amongst risk and general populations and bolstering prevention in new and appealing ways.
The Invisible Citizens’ Revolution: HIV/AIDS and Citizenship in the LGBTI Community of Quito, Ecuador
In Ecuador, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS within the LGBTI community is high in comparison to the general population, while only a small percentage of this group has access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support services. I set out to document how LGBTI people living with HIV/AIDS experience and challenge the way they are treated and perceived by health care professionals, politicians, and larger society. Recent political developments in Ecuador made it especially meaningful to see how apparent sociopolitical openings have been utilized to claim rights and promote inclusion in- and outside the medical setting. My research formed part of operational research for the Bridging the Gaps alliance. Within this framework, the aim was to contribute to minimizing vulnerability to discrimination, exclusion and HIV infection by expanding insights regarding sociopolitical and medical experiences of LGBTI and the empowering abilities and limitations of the notion of citizenship. My fieldwork considered both experiences of individuals and the organizational work to cope with HIV/AIDS and related concerns. Research consisted mostly of participant observation and in-depth interviews with LGBTI people living with HIV/AIDS. I found that stigma, discrimination and exclusion continue to impede HIV responses by acting as a strong deterrent to LGBTI people identifying themselves to HIV services. The promise of full, inclusive citizenship for all of Ecuador’s citizens regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status has not been fulfilled yet, although there are some promising advances. These advances should be built upon by boosting state-civil society collaboration on adequately ensuring human rights. Sensitization training of health care professionals, policy makers, and educators is an important next step. Other recommendations include amplifying awareness and sex education campaigns amongst risk and general populations and bolstering prevention in new and appealing ways.