for a future. There are also practical issues. For instance, most of the Zimbabwean men I know are student nurses. The last thing they want to do is
get tested and counselled anywhere near their local hospital."
How about safer sex and condoms?
"A lot of guys say they use condoms, but fewer do consistently. I
see it as like brushing your teeth every night. We all know we should,
and if we're with a new girl, we will do. But if it's left up to us, we
often say 'ah, forget it.' Men, more than women, are motivated far more
by what other people think of them than their own health interests."
Does the perception of Aids as a 'gay disease' come up?
"No, most have only learned about HIV in the last eight to 10 years
so they know it's not just a gay thing. Now it's stereotyped as a Ugandan
or South African disease! Sexual orientation as an issue only comes up
jokingly in the group.
What happens if a group member does diagnose with HIV?
"We're not an HIV support group, so I'll suggest an HIV support organisation
like IVO. Many stay in the group. Some people find it very difficult to
be in an exclusively HIV positive atmosphere. If I can get those guys
to help the others, it will help them feel good about themselves. If they
come out as positive, it often motivates others to get tested. I see them
as..." Mentors? Peer educators? "No. Just mates."
page 3 of 3
contents
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