Pacific Sexual Diversity Network

The Pacific Sexual Diversity Network has released a landmark report on the need to improve the Pacific response to HIV/AIDS for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people.

The report voices the experiences and challenges of MSM and transgender people within the context of the current and potential impact of the HIV epidemic.  There has been little attention to the needs of MSM and transgender people in the Pacific response to date.

Pacific MSM and transgender people face a range of legal, social and resource barriers.  These limitations undermine the health and wellbeing of MSM and transgender people and have hindered their capacity to organise at local and international levels to progress their interests.

Nine key goals are proposed to improve the health and wellbeing of MSM and transgender people in the Pacific: resourced and sustainable community organisations; increased political commitment to MSM, transgender people and HIV; reform of discriminatory laws and government policy; greater sensitivity by police; increased and more appropriate research activities; reduction of stigma and discrimination; positive engagement by religious institutions; more sensitive educational environments; and increased representation of MSM and transgender people at local, national and international levels.

To achieve these goals, specific recommendations are made to national governments, inter-governmental institutions, churches and religious leaders, police, non-government organisations, researchers and schools.

The PSDN formed in 2007 as a Pacific regional network for organisations and projects working with MSM and transgender people especially in relation to HIV/AIDS.  It coordinates regional communication, capacity development of MSM and transgender organisations, and advocacy and representation on behalf of Pacific MSM and transgender people.

The PSDN worked with ACON to produce the report through an exchange program to Sydney in October 2008.  Based in the Australian state of New South Wales, ACON formed in 1985 as a central part of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community’s response to HIV/AIDS.  It has since grown into a broad HIV/AIDS and GLBT health organisation.  In 2005 ACON started providing capacity building programs and building partnerships with similar organisations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The PSDN-ACON exchange was funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship.

Find out more

Download: HIV/AIDS, men who have sex with men and transgender people in the Pacific: Recommendations for an improved response

More info

Contact: ACON International Projects

Tel: (02) 9206 2062
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: sscott@acon.org.au

Download: HIV/AIDS, men who have sex with men and transgender people in the Pacific: Recommendations for an improved response