Filipino MSM: Situationer


Men having sex with men (MSM) is described as one of the sexual behaviors linked to the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV/AIDS. While not exclusive among identities related to homosexuality and bisexuality, it is common behavior among sexually active gay and bisexual males. In the country, MSM could be the behavior of around 400,000 to 2,000,000 males of reproductive age. In the HIV/AIDS Registry (2005), around 30% has been attributed to risky male-to-male sexual behavior. Based on UNAIDS estimates, this could mean around 500 to 3,000 are already infected with HIV.

Heterosexism and homosexual stigma are underlying problems that challenge appropriate programming and access to sexual health services. Actual and perceived discrimination among government instrumentalities and social institutions have hampered participation of MSM for their sexual and reproductive health and rights, and have kept them "in the shadow." Persistence of this situation could mean failing to address MSM STI/HIV risk behavior, which in turn could propel the hidden and growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the country. In 2006, according to findings of Family Health International’s formative assessment conducted in Pasay, Manila, Baguio and Quezon cities:

  • One in every three respondents had at least one STI, mostly rectal than urethral
  • More than a third of MSM have sex with both men and women
  • MSM have multiple sexual partnerships and diverse sexual networks including cruising in public and private venue cruising, through peer groups and its networks, through anonymous communication channels, and in residential community settings
  • Low condom use in penetrative sexual activities with regular and non-regular sexual partners
  • Use of inappropriate additional lubrication, with and without the use of condoms, in anal sexual intercourse
  • Sexual networking and activities have increased partners’ vulnerabilities due to alcohol use, injecting drug use and STI symptoms
  • MSM self medicate when experiencing symptoms related to STI
  • Low knowledge of STI/HIV prevention
  • Low coverage of MSM interventions
Based on this study, these learning needs have been identified to guide development of behavior change communication (BCC) intervention model for Filipino MSM: (1) the negative image of MSM sexuality; (2) low perception of vulnerability to STI/HIV; (3) low knowledge of core STI/HIV messages; (4) poor health-seeking behavior; and (5) low correct and consistent use of condoms and water-based lubrication during penetrative sexual activity.

Policy-wise, focus on interventions among the marginalized and vulnerable such as MSM, has been consistently acknowledged as important in controlling further spread of STI and HIV. The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), institutionalized with passage into law of Republic Act 8504, includes The Library Foundation as an NGO member representing vulnerable MSM communities. The fourth AIDS Medium-Term Plan carried on the agenda for the scaling up of MSM interventions.