Brokeback marriage and other stories

Men who have sex with men are typically at a higher risk of contracting HIV. Importantly, it is not only men who identify as gay that have sex with men. Many men, as in the popular Brokeback Mountain, are in fact in committed heterosexual relationships or otherwise identify themselves as straight, but enjoy having a boyfriend on the side. This is particularly common in societies where homosexual activity is socially unacceptable or even illegal.

Journalism fellow Pieter van Zyl has researched this largely unexplored terrain and written moving accounts of how South African men live guilt-ridden double-lives, how they explore and come to terms with their sexuality, how some contract HIV, and some make peace – either with their sexuality or their status. Some even with both.

His articles have recently been published on health24.com. They give readers something that we rarely see in the media: A glimpse into the lives of men who have sex with men.

Read Pieter van Zyl's articles:

• Night out with Bra Mo. Men who have sex with men in the Cape Flats. health24.com
• Brokeback Marriage. After being trapped in a loveless marriage, Hendrik comes to terms with his homosexuality and HIV status. health24.com
• HIV survival kit. What you need to know about disclosing. health24.com
• Loving a man with HIV. Picking up the pieces after contracting HIV from rape. health24.com