ADVOCACY

The MSMGF works to bring attention to and mobilize action to support  policies, laws and other initiatives that promote and protect the health and human rights of men who have sex with men (MSM) worldwide. Our advocacy efforts are also directed toward increasing resources and elevating underrepresented issues that are unique to MSM and HIV in all world regions. The range of advocacy strategies employed by the MSMGF include policy analysis, monitoring AIDS-related policy- and decision-making processes,  and developing and disseminating written statements and briefs through a think-tank approach that draws on expertise of our Steering Committee members from around the world.

The MSMGF is committed to utilizing a rights-based framework in our efforts to address HIV and public health. Key targets for advocacy include country governments, global donors, international development agencies and the family of UN agencies. 


Policy Activities and Initiatives

  • Speaking Out Advocacy Toolkit

    In late May 2011, the MSMGF launched the Speaking Out Advocacy Toolkit, a training-of-trainers designed to support grassroots activists in the development and implementation of rights-based advocacy projects.  Focusing specifically on men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV, the toolkit addresses key issues for this population, including stigma and discrimination, service provision for MSM, fund raising for MSM projects, working in hostile environments, and United Nations Human Rights mechanisms.

  • Strengthening Action at the United Nations on MSM, Stigma and Discrimination

    • At the 27th meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB), MSMGF Executive Officer Dr. George Ayala was confirmed as an NGO Delegate for the North American region. For more details, see the MSMGF's Report from the 27th Meeting of the UNAIDS PCB.
       
    • In the lead up to the United Nations 2011 High Level Meeting on AIDS, the MSMGF prepared and disseminated a two-page Information Note on engaging in the Universal Access regional consultations taking place around the world.  This brief was translated and distributed in English, French and Spanish.
       
    • The MSMGF collaborated with major networks of key populations to produce a 2-page document detailing the vital steps needed for an effective global response to HIV: "10 Essential Steps for “Getting to Zero”: Principles and Recommendations for Addressing Key Populations at the UN 2011 High Level Meeting on AIDS"
       
    • The MSMGF advocated strongly for an expanded UNAIDS mandate to address HIV among MSM at the 26th Meeting of the Programme Coordinating Board in June 2010. MSMGF advocates from Belarus, the Philippines and Zimbabwe spoke powerfully about their experiences, and the urgent need to step up programs and remove barriers to universal access.
       
  • US-funded global AIDS programs

    Key MSMGF advocacy efforts target United States Government-funded global AIDS programs under the auspices of PEPFAR and the Global Health Initiative by means of face-to-face advocacy on Capitol Hill, and leadership of the MSM Policy Working Group. MSMGF Policy Associate Krista Lauer serves as Co-Chair of this group, seated at  the Global AIDS Roundtable, convened by the Global Health Council.

    • Upon the releases of the new PEPFAR MSM Guidance, the MSMGF issued a press release, entitled "MSMGF Encouraged by New PEPFAR Guidance on HIV Prevention for MSM."
       
    • In May 2011, in collaboration with the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office, the MSMGF brought several of its Steering Committee members from Africa to Washington to speak with staff members on Capitol Hill about the urgent need to release PEPFAR Guidance on MSM and the relationship between stigma, discrimination, human rights abuses and HIV.
       
    • In January 2011, the MSMGF collaborated with the MSM Policy Working Group to issued a sign-on letter urging the U.S. Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator to release MSM Guidance for PEPFAR Implementers.  The initiative garnered support from over 140 organizations from 50 countries worldwide.
       
    • In September 2009, the MSMGF partnered with UNAIDS and other members of the HIV Policy Working Group on MSM and other Sexual Minorities to hold a Congressional Forum on HIV, Human Rights and Men Who Have Sex with Men on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
       
  • WHO Guidelines on HIV and STIs for MSM & Transgender Persons

    The MSMGF is collaborating with the World Health Organization in helping develop guidelines for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among MSM and transgender people in low- and middle-income countries. MSMGF Executive Officer Dr. George Ayala serves on the WHO Advisory Work Group dedicated to this project.

  • Advocacy for Key Populations at the International AIDS Conference
    • The MSMGF conducted an independent audit of key population coverage at the International AIDS Conference, revealing gross underrepresentation of populations most-at-risk for HIV.
       
  • Millennium Development Goals

    The MSMGF was among a group of global AIDS advocates who achieved consensus on a list of key demands that will help accelerate global progress to achievement of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.
     
  • Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)

  • Advocacy with Transgender Persons

    The MSMGF issued a position statement advocating for the depathologization of transgender identities and calling on the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization to eliminate a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder from their psychiatric manuals. We hope to establish a Transgender Reference Group to the MSMGF soon.


Policy Publications

Open Letters and Statements