A gay leader speaks out from Paramaribo

What is it like being a gay man in your country?

Being Gay in Suriname is quite a normal thing. The level of acceptance is improving despite the fact that stigma and discrimination exist in every culture. Gay men still face a lot of problems when they realise that they feel attracted to the same sex and it is not an easy thing to tell their sexual orientation to their parents. That is why a lot of men decide to keep it secret and live a hidden life. Although that stigma and discrimination exist people tend to go about their daily lives. MSM just enjoy their life but at the same time keep everything private.

What support systems exist in your country for men who have sex with men?

There is an organisation, Suriname Men United, which provides psycho-social care, distributes condoms and lubricants during outreach interventions, organises prevention activities, support group sessions and events, and also works on human rights issues. Another source of support is the Surinamese antidiscrimination law that forbids any kind of discrimination based on status.

What is needed to help MSM in your country?

We need better policies from higher levels, better involvement of NGOs, more awareness that lesbian gay transgender bisexual (LGTB) rights are human rights and financial support to implement interventions.

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