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Abstract
A study on the psycho-social problems of gays with special reference to sarathi trust, Nagpur, India
A. Chandrani
Background: Sexual activity had widespread but had little or no emotional significance (as with some modern prison homosexuality). Due to social/family pressure homosexuals enter a hetro-sexual marriage with hope that their homosexual orientation “disappear”, but face trauma afterward due to psycho-social problems. Sources say there are definitely 3000 gays in Nagpur. It’s not possible to get exact figure, gays are scared to come out. “Over 80% of the country’s gays are trapped in ‘normal’ marriages 37% men in India between the ages 16 and 25 admit to having have had at least one homosexual experience” (Kothari, 1998:59). The situation in Nagpur is more complicated as there are not much cursing areas. Harassments from Police, Blackmailers&hustlers are common. There was no study done to know these problems.
Methods: Qualitative research following primary data collection through 50 interviews & observation.
Results:
• 42%belonged to 18 to 25 years of age group
• 68%are unmarried, 32%are married
• 38%from secondary, 36%from graduate
• 58%have ³10yrs of homosexual experience
• 92%came to know homosexuality from peer&partners, 8%from doctors and public health inspectors
• 50%get hurt psychological by comments on their physical incompetence
• 44%had negative reaction about sexual behavior
• 94%feels awareness&88%feels counseling essential
• 88%afraid&12%doubtful of future endeavors
• 86%families&friends are discouraging
• 74%married thinks it difficult, 26%thinks manageable
• 80%parents didn’t care
• 50%had abused by own uncles, friends&neighbors in childhood
• 42%encountered forced sexual acts&black mailing etc.
• 42%had sex for kind, gifts or money.
Conclusions: Due to anxiety, fear, stigma and discriminations they are prone to vulnerability towards HIV infection.
One-to-one conversation on HIV needed. Workshops to be conducted:
- HIV / AIDS
- STI Diagnosis/treatment, including oral & anal STIS
- Condom/lubricant use & promotion
- Modifying risky behaviors
- Sexual identities & gender
- Socio-cultural/religious issues
- Marriage & families.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD0755
Suggested Citation
" A. Chandrani
A study on the psycho-social problems of gays with special reference to sarathi trust, Nagpur, India.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD0755"
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