|
|
Abstract
Police harassment and societal rejection enhancing vulnerability of HIV among MSM Thane region
G. Acharya1, M. Shinde2, Y. Sarlam2, N. Kene2
Issues: Social and Cultural norms in India make MSM behavior inappropriate. MSM populations have unsafe sex as a result of low self esteem and threatening environments in which sex takes place. There is little time for condom negotiations in public places and causes harassment from police for money as well as sexual pleasure and fear of arrest under section 377 of Indian Penal Code is very high. The positive MSM face two stigmas, of being a homosexual and living with HIV. Lack of acceptance from family and friends create a threatening and hostile environment.
Description: The Humsafar trust is a male sexual agency working towards the needs of MSM community and has several activities that would help deal with police harassment and families of MSM to create a better enabling environment. There is facility for email-counseling, Internet outreach, telephone counseling, and sensitization of stakeholders like police, public health care providers and families of MSM. The VCCTC provides a safe space for MSM and allows them to talk openly about their sexuality and offer quality information to MSM on STIs, HIV and AIDS. Ongoing sensitization programs with the police department has helped reduce the incidence of harassment and the counseling head deals with the parents of MSM to help create a better understanding on issues of sexuality.
Lessons learned: Effective sensitization of key stakeholders improves the quality of life and creates a friendly environment for MSM populations.
Next steps: Change in the social attitudes and empowerment of MSM to understand their sexuality and rights need to strengthen. Intervention programmes must be holistic. Advocacy programs need to be strengthened and national policy to be created to reduce stigma and discrimination of MSM.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDE0155
Suggested Citation
"G.Acharya, et al.
Police harassment and societal rejection enhancing vulnerability of HIV among MSM Thane region.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDE0155"
|
|
|