LGBT health and HIV interventions: Best practices in Haiti

SEROvie is a Haitian grassroots organization that has been providing HIV and AIDS prevention and support services to men who have sex with men (MSM) since 1999. The organization has a dual focus on health and rights, seeking to empower its clients to break a cycle of discrimination, poverty, and HIV infection. The work and services of SEROvie reach over 3,500 beneficiaries and ranges from condom and lubrication distribution and radio emission on reducing discrimination and HIV infection, to anti-discrimination pamphlets, peer education and outreach in the field. SEROvie has developed a vocational training program that gives MSM the skills and knowledge to support themselves and their families; and therefore decrease their risk of engaging in activities that would put them at higher risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. As one of the only organization working with the LGBT community in Haiti, SEROvie has significant expertise in community-based and peer-led initiatives that respond to their unique needs. In response to the 2010 earthquake, SEROvie conducted a community assessment to identify the most pressing post-disaster needs of LGBT individuals in Haiti. Assessments indicate that access to safe, confidential and specialized medical services for LGBT is a high priority need, yet social stigma associated with homosexuality create barriers that prevent LGBT individuals from accessing HIV/AIDS prevention and care services from the state. In response to that assessment, and with the generous funding of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, SEROvie has opened the first ever LGBT specific testing and support clinic at it's Port-au-Prince office.