Thanks to the collaboration with and support of COC, in-country partner organisations have introduced different strategies. These include empowering LGBT people to seek healthcare and to not surrender to injustices, as well as offering inclusive health services. Other effective initiatives include peer-to-peer support on taking care of oneself and outreach work to promote participation in healthcare. Moreover, they offered training to government HIV clinic staff and ensured the formal recognition of LGBT organisations.

We created spaces where staff of organisations focusing on HIV and sexual health, particularly for men who have sex with men and transgender people, were able to meet. Sharing experiences resulted in meaningful learning – why not run a human rights helpline like you run a sexual health helpline? – and referral to each other’s services. All this led to more diverse and stronger LGBT movements.

COC

Bridging the Gaps’ 2014 publication ‘Key populations in the driver’s seat’ included remarkable achievements. Yet, COC is convinced that much more needs to be done to create sustainable change. For example – in line with the driver’s seat metaphor – the communities need to have a say in the choice of the vehicle that is most suitable for the local road infrastructure and decide on the direction and pace. The decision-making power should be shifted to the local level.

After nearly ten years, our unique Bridging the Gaps alliance is coming to a close. Countless organisations, networks and people have relentlessly been working towards a world where sex workers, people who use drugs, LGBT people and people living with HIV can enjoy their human rights and access quality HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.