Gays at MAAYGO offices clinic in Kisumu during an interview with The Standard. The number of youth being recruited into homosexuality is on the rise despite only two brothels accommodating gays and their clients in Kisumu. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

Homophobia is the dislike or intolerance of, or prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

It is portrayed through homophobic behaviour and actions such as bullying, negative comments, physical attacks, punitive laws, and discrimination.

Despite the gains made in the fight against HIV and Aids, homophobia continues to be a major barrier to ending the epidemic in this country.

According to the Kenya Medical Research Institute, the spread of HIV infection has been closely linked to negative attitudes towards the LGBT community. 

Homophobia has prevented them from getting access to vital and life-saving prevention, testing, treatment and care information and services. As a result, some of the LGBT people are living with HIV unknowingly and end up infecting their partners.

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Some end up being diagnosed late when it is difficult to treat HIV. To tackle homophobia, more public campaigns with messages challenging homophobia need to be done. 

Homophobia is fuelled by lack of awareness, and educating both old and young people about LGBT issues is fundamental to overcoming widely accepted prejudice.

This will encourage societies to embrace the diversity of different sexualities and open up access to essential HIV services to LGBT people.