Violence and Discrimination Against Men Who Have Sex With Men in Lebanon: The Role of International Displacement and Migration

Abstract

Homosexuality is illegal in Lebanon and men who have sex with men (MSM) may experience discrimination. Displaced Syrians, who currently comprise approximately 20% of Lebanon’s population, also face discrimination. Individuals who are members of both groups may experience heightened levels of discrimination and abuse. In partnership with local nongovernmental organizations serving the community, we recruited N = 292 MSM in Beirut, Lebanon. Participants were interviewed about experiences of violence and discrimination in the context of a larger health behavior survey, and all were offered anonymous HIV testing. Responses were analyzed using the framework of intersectionality, combining regression, geographical mapping of reported experiences, and network analysis of the participant recruitment pattern. MSM, born outside of Lebanon, who are primarily from Syria, face higher levels of discrimination and violence than native-born MSM (71% vs. 32% reporting at least one type of discrimination or violence). Socioeconomic status is also associated with discrimination and violence overall, and among native- and foreign-born MSM. Experiences vary by town and neighborhood, and are highly correlated between recruiting and recruited participants.These results highlight health risks faced by foreign-born MSM in Lebanon.

Stigma, displacement stressors and psychiatric morbidity among displaced Syrian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon

“…These questions have been reliably used to measure discrimination and assault exposure among MSM around the world including in Lebanon. 6 Internalised stigma Two sets of six items measured internalised stigmatising beliefs regarding one's status as a sexual minority or, if applicable, as a Syrian person. Measures were adapted from a validated instrument of internalised HIV-related stigma.…”

“…4 5 Both men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women among the displaced Syrians are particularly vulnerable to the mental health challenges of stigma given their dual minority status both as an MSM or transgender woman and displaced person. 6 In addition to fleeing their homes to escape war and political instability, Syrian MSM and transgender women also flee to escape identity-related persecution and violence. 7 Once in Lebanon, however, they often face antigay and antitransgender stigma driven by a conservative legal climate and social attitudes.…”

“…8 9 One recent study found that Syrian MSM in Lebanon experienced more than twice the prevalence of discriminatory or violent events than Lebanese MSM, perhaps owing to the intersection of their MSM status and Syrian nationality. 6 Minority stress theory posits that discrimination based on sexual or gender identity can lead to internalised stigmatising beliefs and associated psychological distress. 10 Owing in large part to these experiences, sexual and gender minorities around the world experience elevated rates of psychiatric morbidity compared with their heterosexual, cisgender peers.…”

“…Assessing such determinants can inform tailored mental health interventions deemed critical by UNHCR and other humanitarian organisations for reducing psychiatric morbidity and associated distress among this vulnerable subgroup of Syrians. 6 Drawing on a large sample of MSM and transgender women recruited by respondent-driven sampling in Lebanon, this study sought to (1) assess and compare the prevalence of common psychiatric disorders (ie, depression, anxiety and PTSD) among Lebanese and Syrian MSM and transgender women and (2) among Syrian MSM and transgender women, examine the relative impact of displacement-specific and MSM and transgenderspecific determinants of psychiatric morbidity. This study represents the first investigation of prevalence and determinants of psychiatric morbidity among displaced Syrian MSM and transgender women.…”

“… 8 9 One recent study found that Syrian MSM in Lebanon experienced more than twice the prevalence of discriminatory or violent events than Lebanese MSM, perhaps owing to the intersection of their MSM status and Syrian nationality. 6 …”