After studying Module 4: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:
The St. Fleur family is well respected in the Haitian community because they are religious with great moral values. They moved to the United States because of political issues in Haiti. Ronald, the youngest son of this family, is 27 years old and lives at home with his mother and father. Recently, he began having fevers and subsequently developed pneumonia. He was admitted to the hospital, where laboratory tests were HIV positive. Ronald was in shock when the doctor informed him that he was HIV positive. He confessed to the doctor that he was gay, but he could not tell his family. He said that he did not want to bring shame to the family. Because he couldn’t be in a formal relationship disowning to his family and the Haitian community’s view of homosexuality, he has been very promiscuous over the years.
- What are Haitians’ views of homosexuality?
- If Ronald’s parents were to learn of his positive HIV status, how might they react if they are religious and traditional?
- Identify three major culturally congruent strategies a healthcare provider can implement to address HIV prevention practices in the Haitian community?
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
- You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.)
- All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
Haitians’ Views of Homosexuality:
Haiti is a predominantly conservative and religious society where traditional values often strongly influence attitudes towards homosexuality. Many Haitians hold negative views of homosexuality due to the prevailing influence of the Catholic Church and other religious institutions. The church has historically played a significant role in shaping social and moral values in Haiti. It promotes the idea that homosexuality is sinful and immoral, which has a profound impact on how homosexuality is perceived within the Haitian community.
In Haitian culture, family and community are highly valued, and individuals are often expected to conform to social norms and expectations. Homosexuality is frequently stigmatized and seen as deviating from these norms, which can lead to discrimination and marginalization. It’s essential to note that views on homosexuality can vary within the Haitian community, with some individuals being more accepting and open-minded, especially among younger generations and those living in urban areas.
Reactions of Ronald’s Religious and Traditional Parents:
If Ronald’s parents, who are religious and traditional, were to learn of his positive HIV status and his disclosure of being gay, their reactions could be complex and challenging. While each individual’s response varies, some common reactions might include:
- Shock and Disbelief: Ronald’s parents may initially struggle to accept the news, as it goes against their religious and cultural beliefs. They might question how their son could be both gay and HIV positive.
- Guilt and Shame: Ronald’s parents might feel a sense of guilt or shame, believing that they failed as parents in upholding their religious and cultural values. They may worry about how the community would perceive them and their family.
- Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Given their strong religious beliefs, Ronald’s parents might turn to their faith and church community for guidance. They may seek counsel from religious leaders on how to handle the situation, which could further reinforce their negative views on homosexuality.
- Isolation and Secrecy: There’s a possibility that Ronald’s parents would keep his HIV status and homosexuality a secret from the broader community to avoid potential shame and discrimination. This secrecy could create a divide within the family, with Ronald feeling isolated and unsupported.
Culturally Congruent Strategies for HIV Prevention in the Haitian Community:
- Culturally Sensitive Education and Outreach: Healthcare providers should engage with community leaders and organizations to develop and implement culturally sensitive HIV education and outreach programs. These programs should incorporate Haitian cultural beliefs, values, and language to ensure they resonate with the community.
- Community-Based Initiatives: Establishing community-based initiatives that provide a safe and confidential space for discussions about HIV, sexuality, and relationships is crucial. These initiatives should involve community leaders, religious figures, and healthcare professionals working together to reduce stigma and promote HIV prevention.
- Family-Centered Approach: Recognizing the importance of family in Haitian culture, healthcare providers should offer support and counseling services that involve family members. Encouraging open and non-judgmental communication within families can help address HIV-related issues more effectively.
In conclusion, the Haitian community’s views on homosexuality are generally influenced by traditional and religious beliefs, which can lead to stigmatization and discrimination. Ronald’s parents’ reaction to his HIV status and disclosure of his sexuality could be challenging due to their strong religious and traditional background. To address HIV prevention in the Haitian community, healthcare providers must implement culturally congruent strategies that respect the community’s values while promoting education, open dialogue, and family involvement in the prevention efforts.