Haitians’ Views of Homosexuality

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1 What are Haitians’ views of homosexuality?
Rouzier et al. (2014) explain that Haitians subject homosexuals to outright prejudice and discrimination. Purnell (2013) also states that homosexuality is taboo in their culture. Probably, this is because they focus on men, where they are given the utmost rights, respect, and freedom. The concept of homosexuality forbids them to show their affections or demonstrate their warm greetings over friends and family. Previously, Haitians often touch when conversing with friends to make the dyad aware that they are talking to you. Occasionally, they also make a hand-in-hand gesture to express their friendship (pp. 273-274).
Due to the belief in toxic masculinity, the health interventions that fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) become ineffective. The Haitians affected with HIV are perceived as dirty, stigmatizing the sexual minority. They suffer from ex-communication and substantial stereotyping, preventing them from accessing health care. The effects of prejudice are tremendous, regardless of gender. Once infected, the individual is already branded as a person who engaged in men who have sex with men (MSM) practice (Dunbar & Coppieters, 2019).
They are despised by the public and inflicted with any or all of the three types of stigmas. According to sociologist Erving Goffman, the first type of stigma relates to a physical deformity. This relates to MSM with having no right to be physically fit or unable to become one compared to the general public. They are also branded to be far from the idealized physique set by society. Next, homosexuals are subjected to character blemishes. For example, Haitians relate MSM with alcoholism. Lastly, homosexuals are subjected to extreme prejudices, such that they can never be superior to other people who are deemed “normal” regardless of race, culture, or religion (Dunbar & Coppieters, 2019).
The government also follows this culture, despite denying it. Currently, there is an existing law that prohibits same-sex marriage. However, no laws are protecting the rights of homosexuals, even for their fundamental human rights, specifically, their access to health care. In addition, no existing anti-hate crime law will protect their security (Dunbar & Coppieters, 2019).
2 If Ronald’s parents were to learn of his positive HIV status, how might they react if they are religious and traditional?
Every Haitian family has a different structure, culture, and set of beliefs. Traditional Haitian families value pride, honesty, social class, trust, and history. Each family member gives importance to their overall reputation and prestige. This is despite not having enough money for finances. Typically, traditional families know and understand that they must care for and support ill family members. They visit them in the hospitals with many people, usually from the extended family (Prunell, 2018, p. 275). Despite this, their view on homos...