Our Village Is Watching: Sociocultural and Attitudinal Factors Related to HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors among Black South African Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the attitudes, cultural norms, and social factors among South African black men who have sex with men ( msm ) residing in the Eastern Cape in the context of hiv sexual risk behavior. Data were collected from demographic questionnaires and six focus group discussions with 41 men residing in the cities of East London and Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Participants were in agreement that many black South Africans in their locality view homosexuality as something that Western whites do, and that South African black msm are generally not open about their sexual identity. Participants expressed, “our village is watching,” as a concern among some South African black msm for not being open about being gay and their same sex sexual orientation. The findings provide additional insights into the nature of hiv risk behavior of South African black msm , and offer considerations for future research and intervention efforts.