Homophobic Attitudes and Stigma Toward Gay Men and Lesbians in the Caribbean: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Violent acts against gay men and lesbians are common in the Caribbean, including rape and assault. Widespread violence and attacks against homosexuals have prompted a human rights group to confer on one Caribbean country, Jamaica, the distinction of being the most homophobic place on earth. Homophobic ideology and stigma toward gay men and lesbians in the Caribbean can be observed in the interactions of various institutions such as the church, the health care system, the laws, the police, the government, formal culture (e.g., newspapers), and popular culture (e.g., music). This master’s thesis is based on a review of literature concerning homophobic attitudes and stigma toward gay men and lesbians in the Caribbean, including: British colonial laws known as “Sodomy and Buggery” laws, newspaper articles, dancehall music, and calypso music. This literature analysis will assess the public health impact of such attitudes and stigma, particularly how stigmatization from community members leads gay men and lesbians into hiding because of their sexual behavior. Also, this thesis explores other public health issues related to gay men and lesbians, including: isolation in the community, alienation from family members, depression, emotional distress, physical torture, murder, and negative health outcomes of being stigmatized. \u