Brazil: sex and self-worth
AIDS action 1991(15): 5
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0953-0096 PMID: 12284684 Document Number: 341263
An AIDS education project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has enabled male sex workers to discuss safe sex, sexual preference, and self-worth. The project, known as Pegacao ("Cruising"), is designed to establish personal contact with the male prostitutes. The educators most of whom are openly homosexual, and some of whom are former sex workers, operate out of 4 outposts in the city. In one such outpost, a popular restaurant, the educators wait for male sex workers (Miches, as they are called) to come and talk. The Miches come from several reasons. Some come to talk about life, other about sexuality, and others want to help in contacting a doctor or a psychologist. Pegacao now has contact with some 400-600 male prostitutes aged 14-23. Since most of the male prostitutes are illiterate, the education is based on discussion, not on printed materials. The discussions focus primarily on sexuality and sexual practices. Many of the Miches, who often come from the poor families, say that they are involved in prostitution as a temporary way of earning money. Most deny being homosexual, and many say that they have girlfriends and are thinking about getting married. The educators, however, suspect that many Miches hide their sexual preferenced and use prostitution as a way to express their repressed homosexuality. While the Miches admit penetrating their clients (identifying it with the "male" role), few acknowledge being penetrated (the "female" or "gay" role). But the high rate of sexually acquired infections in the rectum suggest that the Miches are engaging in receptive, unprotected anal intercourse more often that they care to admit. In addition to teaching them about safe sex, the educators try to help Miches develop a positive attitude towards their sexuality and develop a sense of self-worth.