Outlining Gay’s Right to Health in Jember, Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Increased HIV prevalence in gay populations is a warning that needs to get government attention. AIDS prevention programs in gay populations have been implementing various methods to change high-risk behavior. However, HIV prevalence in gay populations continues to rise. The Indonesian Constitution affirms human rights, including the right to life, the right against discrimination, and other fundamental rights protected by the state. The research results showed that the fulfillment of the right to health in gay is not going well or less effective. It was evidenced by the percentage of gay that reaches out to health services was still limited. Gays were reluctant to access health services because of the lack of confidentiality and privacy of the services of health workers, the general public, and the limited facilities. Besides, stigma and discrimination are still often received both from health workers and families and communities. They worried other gays would know the result of the test of VCT. There is a need for standardization of services at all subdistrict health centers and hospitals providing VCT services for gay in Jember.