Richard G. Parker (anthropologist)

Richard G. Parker is an American medical anthropologist known for his work on HIV/AIDS, sexuality, and social justice, particularly in Brazil and other parts of Latin America. He has made significant contributions to the fields of cultural anthropology, public health, and LGBTQ+ studies by exploring the complex intersections of culture, gender, sexuality, and health.

Parker's research has focused on understanding the social and cultural factors that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS, including issues of stigma, discrimination, and access to healthcare. He has examined the ways in which sexuality is constructed and experienced in different cultural contexts, and how these constructions influence health outcomes. A central theme in his work is the importance of addressing social inequalities and promoting human rights in order to effectively combat HIV/AIDS and other health challenges.

Parker has held positions at institutions such as the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA). He is the author of several books and articles, including "Bodies, Pleasures, and Passions: Sexual Culture in Contemporary Brazil" and "Sex, Culture, and Power: HIV/AIDS in Global Perspective." His work has been influential in shaping public health policy and interventions related to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. He advocates for community-based approaches that are sensitive to local cultural contexts and address the specific needs of marginalized populations.