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 owing to his family and the Haitian community’s view of homosexuality, he has been very promiscuous over the years.
What are Haitians’ dominant cultural 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 specific culturally congruent strategies to address in designing HIV-prevention practices in the Haitian community.
Let’s address the complex issues presented in this case, keeping in mind that generalizations about any cultural group can be misleading, and individual experiences within a culture vary widely.
Haitian Cultural Views of Homosexuality:
While there is increasing dialogue and acceptance in some urban areas and among younger generations, dominant cultural views in Haiti, particularly within more traditional and religious communities, tend to be conservative regarding homosexuality. These views are often influenced by:
- Religion: Catholicism and Protestantism are dominant religions in Haiti, and many interpretations of these faiths view homosexuality as a sin.
- Family and Community Honor: Family honor and reputation are highly valued in Haitian culture. Homosexuality can be seen as bringing shame or dishonor to the family.
Let’s address the complex issues presented in this case, keeping in mind that generalizations about any cultural group can be misleading, and individual experiences within a culture vary widely.
Haitian Cultural Views of Homosexuality:
While there is increasing dialogue and acceptance in some urban areas and among younger generations, dominant cultural views in Haiti, particularly within more traditional and religious communities, tend to be conservative regarding homosexuality. These views are often influenced by:
- Religion: Catholicism and Protestantism are dominant religions in Haiti, and many interpretations of these faiths view homosexuality as a sin.
- Family and Community Honor: Family honor and reputation are highly valued in Haitian culture. Homosexuality can be seen as bringing shame or dishonor to the family.