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Abstract
Dance and Antakshari competitions as a strategy for community building and empowering low income feminised MSM
I Khan1, A Jafar2
1Bharosa, Lucknow, India; 2Naz Foundation International Regional Liaison Office, Lucknow, India
Issues:In India, there is a significant number of self-identified kotis. These males have a feminine identification & are usually penetrated orally or anally by other males. Such self-identified kotis are clearly visible at a range of public sex environments. Doubly stigmatised by their effeminacy & their sexual choices, there is a very low condom usage amongst them. The Giriya (or their active partner) do not identify their MSM behaviour or even the activity as sex (for them it is only masti or play)so no condom usage. Kotis are usually from low-income groups & have little to none access to sexual health services because of stigmatisation, prejudice and costs.
Description:
Bharosa has implemented a sexual health programme for Kotis in Lucknow, India as a community based initiative which involves Kotis providing community based strategies, empowerment mechanisms and programmes towards building self esteem and health seeking behaviours. It provides a safe space for them to meet. Outreach networking is being conducted and social group meetings developed which provides a venue for friendship and community building. Regular workshops are given on HIV/AIDS & STI as well as condom usage & safer sex. Regular dance classes are held along with literacy classes. A variety of motivational strategies such as "Best dance", are employed. It is not only the winner who wins but also the participant as they get the safe space as well as opportunity to express them. An STI Clinic session twice a week is conducted at office. The programme depends on great deal of voluntary work by Kotis themselves.
Lessons Learnt:
Since the programme started in April 1998 over 5500 Kotis have attended the drop-in & social space. The process of community building has been successful. Awareness of STI/HIV/AIDS has increased from a low of 6% to 72%. A significant shift (about 32%) from anal sex to oral sex has been reported.
Recommendations:
More CBOs like Bharosa to be developed in U.P.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
TuPpF2073
Suggested Citation
" I Khan , , et al.
Dance and Antakshari competitions as a strategy for community building and empowering low income feminised MSM
.
Poster Presentation:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
TuPpF2073"
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