Gay Safety - HIV in the Yucatan

Gay Merida Mexico The Yucatan has the 3rd highest documented cases of HIV in Mexico. Because of the stigma related to HIV many persons do not get tested. There is no anonymous testing in Mexico. Once a person is tested it becomes public knowledge. If the test is positive the information is public and usually results in the person losing their job and all means of supporting themselves. Many persons with HIV are ostracized by their churches, communities, and families.

The Yucatan has a high number of bisexuals. Some people believe this is due to the Mayan gene pool. Others believe it is because of the stigma related to being gay. Whatever the reason because so many people are engaging in unsafe sex with persons of the same sex and sex workers many women and children have become victims of HIV.

That being said, keep in mind that the locals and law enforcement authorities are VERY protective of the young ones. If you take someone to a motel make sure you know for a fact that he or she is over 18. Don’t think for a minute that you can get by with having sex with anyone under the age of 18.

Brazos Abiertos, Inc. is a young, Texas-based 501(c)(3), but we are already empowering the people of Yucatan, Mexico to respond to AIDS. Gordon Crofoot, M.D., our Board President, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of research on HIV and chronic hepatitis. He describes the current situation there as similar to what he saw in the United States in the 1980’s. Our vision for Brazos Abiertos is to be the catalyst for change where knowledge, prevention, and treatment of AIDS replace fear, discrimination, prejudice, and death for those infected.