The stigma and discrimination In Jamaica does have an impact on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The prolonged and widespread HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica goes hand and hand with ignorance and intolerance towards homosexuals. This causes a stain on ones reputation and self esteem that leads to homosexuals becoming more vulnerable to hate crimes and discrimination.

Globally, it causes a trickle down effective in attitude and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
I can't go any further without mentioning case and point that on May 18, 2008 Gambian President Yahya Jammeh said he will 'cut off the head' of any homosexual caught in his country. He said the Gambia was a country of believers, indicating that no sinful and immoral act as homosexual would be tolerated in the country. He warned all homosexuals in the country to leave, noting that a legislation 'stricter than those in Iran' concerning the vice would be introduced soon."

Social leaders in Jamaica accuse international groups of meddling in domestic affairs. An American writer described Jamaica as "the most homophobic place on earth". In the fall on 2004 Human Rights Watch released a report on homophobia, violence and Jamaica's HIV/AIDS epidemic, titled, "Jamaica: Hated to Death."

The report contained information about the murder of Brian Williamson, Jamaica's leading gay rights activist. The study notes on June 9, 2004, an hour after his body was discovered mutilated by multiple knife wounds, a happy crowd gathered outside his place.

The report says violent acts against men who have sex with men are commonplace in Jamaica, ranging from verbal and physical violence to murder. Vincent G. told Human Rights notes victims of violence are usually too scared to go to the police since the authorities have been known to harass and attack men thought to be gay.

In Jamaica HIV/AIDS and homosexuality are thought to be one in the same, putting efforts to fight the pandemic in jeopardy due to the country's intense homophobia. A group that provided HIV/AIDS education for the youth received an e-mail threatening to gun down "gays and homosexuals."

While Jamaica's Ministry of Health believes HIV/AIDS discrimination is a key factor in driving the pandemic, other parts of the government undermine the effort to fight the disease. Since consensual sex between adult men is criminalized, HIV peer educators have been arrested.

A report concluded: "If the Jamaican government chooses instead to let popular prejudices

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