Suriname Men United

Suriname Men United dedicates itself to the well-being and health of men having sex with men (MSM).
The organization wants to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. SMU also works on a better observance of human rights in Suriname, like the right to health.
Background
In each society and culture there are gay men and other men having sex with men (MSM). The level of acceptance differs from place to place. MSM in the Caribbean are still confronted daily with problems, like prejudices and discrimination, because of their orientation. That became clear in 2003 during a workshop organized by the LGTB organization Caribbean Forum for Lesbians and Gays, CFLAGS. Two gay men from Suriname participated in it.
They realized that it is not easy for many men in Suriname ‘to come out of the closet’ and live as a gay man/MSM. After consultations with the target group they decided to set up an organization. The new organization was to help improve the position of MSM and protect the interests of this group. They also want to focus on a healthy lifestyle to prevent HIV infections and HIV transmissions.
On the 1st of November 2005, Suriname Men United was founded and on the 1st of December 2006, World Aids Day, it was presented to the community. The name Suriname Men United stands for all gay men and other men having sex with men living in Suriname.
Objectives
1.
Gaining an insight into the social, socioeconomic and health conditions of men
who have an affective relationship with men (MSM)
2.Boosting one’s own identity, enhancing social acceptance and stimulating the
socioeconomic independence of the target group.
The objectives can be achieved by:
Carrying out scientifically sound research into the living conditions of the target group;
Giving information;
Initiating, guiding and implementing of action plans;
Giving information to the Surinamese community and specific groups about issues in the interest of the target group;
Furthering and protecting the personal interests of the target group with or without the support of third parties;
Conducting research with a view to improving health and living environment;
Undertaking activities which are considered necessary for protecting the interests of the target group;
Cooperating with local, regional and international groups and organizations that are capable of supporting and extending the interests of the organization.
Vision
The realization of the right to health, equal protection before the law and privacy, are prerequesites for a healthier life of gay men and other men who have sex with men.
Mission
To reduce the transmission of HIV among gay men and other men having sex with men, by promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Target population
Gay men and other men having sex with men (MSM). They are, among others, bisexuals,
transgenders, men whether married or not, who have a relationship with other men and yet regard themselves as heterosexuals.

Services
Psycho – Social care (counseling)
Research
Prevention
Education
Advocacy (Human Rights)
Contact
Address: Oude Charlesburgweg 63
Phone: (597) – 411087
P. O. Box no. 708, Paramaribo – Suriname
Email: suriname_men_united@yahoo.com // info@surinamemenunited.com
Website: www.surinamemenunited.com
Country: Suriname, South America

Bank details
R.B.T.T. Usd account  nr. 79505368
R.B.T.T. Euro account  nr. 79515508
name Men United dedicates itself to the well-being and health of men having sex with men (MSM).
The organization wants to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. SMU also works on a better observance of human rights in Suriname, like the right to health.
Background
In each society and culture there are gay men and other men having sex with men (MSM). The level of acceptance differs from place to place. MSM in the Caribbean are still confronted daily with problems, like prejudices and discrimination, because of their orientation. That became clear in 2003 during a workshop organized by the LGTB organization Caribbean Forum for Lesbians and Gays, CFLAGS. Two gay men from Suriname participated in it.
They realized that it is not easy for many men in Suriname ‘to come out of the closet’ and live as a gay man/MSM. After consultations with the target group they decided to set up an organization. The new organization was to help improve the position of MSM and protect the interests of this group. They also want to focus on a healthy lifestyle to prevent HIV infections and HIV transmissions.
On the 1st of November 2005, Suriname Men United was founded and on the 1st of December 2006, World Aids Day, it was presented to the community. The name Suriname Men United stands for all gay men and other men having sex with men living in Suriname.
Objectives
1.
2.
Gaining an insight into the social, socioeconomic and health conditions of men who have an affective
relationship with men (MSM)
Boosting one’s own identity, enhancing social acceptance and stimulating the socioeconomic independence
of the target group.
The objectives can be achieved by:
Carrying out scientifically sound research into the living conditions of the target group;
Giving information;
Initiating, guiding and implementing of action plans;
Giving information to the Surinamese community and specific groups about issues in the interest of the target group;
Furthering and protecting the personal interests of the target group with or without the support of third parties;
Conducting research with a view to improving health and living environment;
Undertaking activities which are considered necessary for protecting the interests of the target group;
Cooperating with local, regional and international groups and organizations that are capable of supporting and extending the interests of the organization.
Vision
The realization of the right to health, equal protection before the law and privacy, are prerequesites for a healthier life of gay men and other men who have sex with men.
Mission
To reduce the transmission of HIV among gay men and other men having sex with men, by promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Target population
Gay men and other men having sex with men (MSM). They are, among others, bisexuals,
transgenders, men whether married or not, who have a relationship with other men and yet regard themselves as heterosexuals.

Services
Psycho – Social care (counseling)
Research
Prevention
Education
Advocacy (Human Rights)
Contact
Address: Oude Charlesburgweg 63
Phone: (597) – 411087
P. O. Box no. 708, Paramaribo – Suriname
Email: suriname_men_united@yahoo.com // info@surinamemenunited.com
Website: www.surinamemenunited.com
Country: Suriname, South America