Sexuality and HIV/Aids prevention among young gay men at Heliópolis community, São Paulo

Author(s)

Carolina Cordeiro Mazzariello

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2017-10-09

Examining board members

Julio Assis Simoes; Heloisa Buarque de Almeida; Vera Silvia Facciolla Paiva; Veriano de Souza Terto Junior

• Advisor: Julio Assis Simoes

Abstract

Based on an ethnographic research carried out in a popular community located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, this research aims to analyze the sociocultural values and experiences that serves as a guide to affective and sexual practices within a group of young lower-class Brazilian gays (aged between 18 and 28-years-old). More specifically, this study shows how such sociocultural values influence the way these young gays chose to take care of their health in relation with HIV/Aids prevention. The text deals with the difficulties faced by these young people in relation to the exercise of sexuality related to process coming out in the family environment. A process the involves reorganization of the bonds and marked by feelings of shame, guilt and fear, elements that hinder the autonomy and the management of the bodies associated with sexuality and affectivity. It also addresses how school is at the same time a space of exchange, learning, discovery and meeting with peers, but also an environment often hostile and marked by homophobic violence. However, even in the face of disparate approaches and content, often insufficient, the school proved to be the privileged place for learning about sexuality and gender, and also about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, it addresses how the decisions about HIV/AIDS prevention are taken. It is worth pointing out that persists the idea of sex as an instinctive force and desire as something uncontrollable. And that even if they show fear in relation to AIDS, sex without a condom is recurrent, especially with partners whom the idea of confidence is revealed, a notion based mainly on the amount the time which the partner is known. Usually the decisions to use or not condoms are taken in silence, which indicates a difficulty for them to approach the question. Despite limited resources and a general feeling of helplessness and insecurity, these young people have found nevertheless a way to guarantee their right to the exercise of sexuality. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/01830-2 - Sexuality, affectivity and HIV/AIDS in Heliopolis community: an ethnography with young MSM - men who have sex with men
• Grantee: Carolina Cordeiro Mazzariello
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master