Narratives of the Brazilian homosexual movement on the health of gays and lesbians.

Abstract

This study analyzes narratives of health produced by representatives of gay and lesbian groups. The analysis seeks to contribute to a shift from the pathologization of non-heteronormative sexuality towards ensuring comprehensive gay and lesbian health care that takes into account the specific needs of these groups beyond HIV/AIDS. We conducted a qualitative study using narrative inquiry and drawing on previous narrative studies analyzing social movements. The results highlight collective homosexual identities and the plurality of gay and lesbian health. It is concluded that the narratives shift between the association between AIDS and homosexuality and the demarcation of differences between gay and lesbian health, leading to new demands that make these groups protagonists or supporting actors in health promotion.