AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #341 - "Zone NoKapote" Bareback Sexual Health Workshops: can positive health deal with all kind of sexualities?
Authors: Presenting Author: Mrs Daniela Rojas Castro - AIDES
Additional Authors: Mr. Vincent Coquelin, Mr. Olivier Jablonski, Mr. Jean-Marie Le Gall,
Method / Issue: Issue: Barebacking has been a very controversial issue en France, preventing the identification of needs and development of adequate programs for self-identified barebackers. Volunteers from AIDES, the largest French community-based organisation, started talking about this issue in 2005. Moreover, www.seronet.info, a web-site for PLWHA was launched in 2008, allowing concerned people to discuss the need to create a workshop for this community.
Results / Comments: In December 2008 a peer monthly sexual health workshop was launched by a group of people who identified themselves as barebackers (n aprox.= 15) which took place in AIDES. The main objective was to create a safe place for exchanging about desire, pleasure, and health concerns. For participants, creating a network of peers would ensure an adequate mutual support. Since most of the participants, who were mainly HIV+, referred to being discriminated against in health care settings and in the gay community because of prevention policies, the group talked about these experiences and developed strategies for improving communication with health care providers. Lessons learned: This experience was really challenging for group members, for the facilitator and for the organization. After one year of existence, the main result was that participants referred to “existing” in another way than on the net or in sex venues. Particularly interesting was the positive exchange with the “traditional” prevention actors who were invited to participate. The existence of these workshops has allowed the HIV people in contact with AIDES to talk in a non judgmental way about their sexual behaviour.
Discussion: Next steps: A more political dimension related to the visibility of a particular group with specific needs has emerged in these workshops. Consequently, the group members have decided to continue their activity outside a HIV organisation. Lessons concerning the role of HIV organisations and this population must be considered.
Go Back