Balasubramaniam S; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. WePeE4958.
S. Balasubramaniam, 5 Natarajan Street, Chennai 600083, India, Tel.: +91 44 371 2324, Fax: +91 44 442 0651, E-mail: siaap@satyam.com.in
Issues: This paper examines the status of homosexual rights in India, gay sexual practices and health and special condom needs for the homosexual population and how they are addressed by a Gay community organisation in Chennai. Description: Homosexuals in India are not allowed to exist; the general population believes that homosexual practices cannot be allowed and that homosexuals should be beaten, harassed, even put to death by the authorities. Gays are forced by family into heterosexual marriages. Community Based Organisations have been started all over India; the author's initial organisation in Tamil Nadu was the prototype. Currently a Gay HIV+ groups are being developed. Homosexual prostitution clients come from all socio-economic classes; condom usage is low and is a special problem when alchohol is involved. The author is gay and has been living with an HIV+ diagnosis since 1993. He was the first Indian man to come out as Homosexual and has faced persecution for his stand from within and without his community. Conclusion: Currently, the gay community is splintered and confused. Motivation is necessary from groups already formed and active. An India-wide movement is forming to fight for gay rights and medical services at the government level.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Family
- Government
- HIV Infections
- Health
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Human Rights
- Humans
- India
- Male
- Marriage
- Organizations
- Public Opinion
- Social Welfare
Other ID:
UI: 102241380
From Meeting Abstracts