Prejudiced attitudes toward homosexuality in Serbia are preventing early diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, which has resulted in suffering and even death, as reported in 2013. Progressive groups and residents have spoken out over the years, claiming that hostile attitudes toward homosexuality in socially conservative Serbia have fostered this culture of fear. In extreme cases, individuals endanger themselves. The World Bank states that HIV/AIDS in Serbia affects 0.1% of the population, but despite this, the number of untreated cases or late-stage diagnoses remains a concern.

HIV Demographics

The main demographic of HIV sufferers is men who have sex with men (MSM), making up 80% of cases. As already vulnerable members of Serbian society, according to the foreign press and citizens alike, additional barriers to health care have a significant impact. These barriers include social stigma and a lack of self-testing, outreach or information about discreet HIV diagnosis. Additionally, since the early 2000s, the number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses in Serbia per year has increased (diagnoses, not necessarily incidence). HIV/AIDS in Serbia is becoming more of a pressing issue despite modern interventions available to address it. The preventability of mortality and late-stage diagnosis remains a major concern.

In 2013, the painful and preventable death of an HIV sufferer, “Marko,” was reported. This story presents the extremes individuals may face when confronting negative social pressures. With 49.2% of new diagnoses detected late in 2021, it suggests that people may delay seeking care due to social stigma and potential repercussions.

Serbian Politics

Serbia’s prime minister (PM), Ana Brnabic, is the only openly gay leader in the Balkans and the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party. Progressive critics have reprimanded the prime minister’s leadership style, arguing that she has not adequately addressed hostility within society toward LGBTQ+ individuals.

This is not new to Brnabic, who has previously faced criticism during her leadership regarding homophobia in Serbia. Numerous LGBTQ+ spokespeople have suggested that denying the prevalence of homophobia minimizes the experiences of an already marginalized sector of Serbian society. In 2018, she was reportedly “uninvited” from Belgrade’s Pride parade.

Shift Toward Equality

As time progresses, Serbia has seen improvements toward equality. Despite decriminalizing homosexuality in 1994, the country has welcomed an openly gay leader and has numerous groups campaigning for the LGBTQ+ community. De Se Zna! (a queer activist group in Serbia) has been providing psychological and legal support as an association since 2016, advocating for queer individuals to feel safer in Serbia and increasing the sense of support and community among marginalized groups.

Out groups have long applied pressure on the government to take a more active stance. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) has been a notable group pushing for progressive legislative proposals and the establishment of a centralized database compiling homophobic hate crime offenses. These efforts highlight the lack of comprehensive information on crimes committed against queer people in Serbia. The Serbian government continues to face pressure to promote a more equitable society and improve accountability.

Looking Ahead

While stigma and late diagnoses remain challenges, continued advocacy, expanded outreach and improved access to discreet testing services can help reduce preventable HIV-related deaths in Serbia. Furthermore, ongoing efforts by community organizations and policy reform initiatives offer pathways toward improved health outcomes and greater social inclusion.

– Maya Hollick

Maya is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr