Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STI
Founded in 2009 by a group of male sex workers living positively, Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STI (HOYMAS) is a Community based organization registered by the Ministry of Social Services and Gender.
We take pride in a membership of 1,765, from a mere 14 at our inception. Twenty five (25%) of its membership are living positively. HOYMAS is the only organization in Kenya, where disclosure is celebrated among the MSM/MSW, and there is no stigma for MSM or MSW living positively. This is particularly remarkable because of the high prevalence in stigma, discrimination and even harassment among the MSM/MSW within the sex worker and gay community who disclose their HIV positive status.
HOYMAS serves male sex workers and young men and MSM with practical knowledge on safe sex, preventive materials distribution, general information and also economic empowerment.
Through shared experiences at HOYMAS, and this freedom associated with disclosure, members encourage each other into enrolling into and remaining on treatment
Mission: To promote health and human rights, while sustainably facilitating the economic empowerment of gay and other male sex workers including those living positively with HIV in Kenya.
Vision: An empowered gay and other male sex workers, including those living positively with HIV, enjoying their human rights and access to stigma-free health care.
HOYMAS focus areas include;
- promotion and safeguarding of human rights;
- access to stigma-free health care;
- organisational development and sustainability, partnerships and linkages; and
- empowerment of MSM/MSW community members.
To safeguard the human rights of our members, we are actively involved in sex work advocacy through media campaigns, on-the-streets protests and social action, as well as policy change and reform through strategic partnership with member organizations such as KESWA. We also undertake social and community outreaches such as the Mr. Red Ribbon pageant,IDAHO amongst others.
