Rao S, Menon S; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. WePeD4751.
S. Rao, Sahodaran, 127 First Floor, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034, India, Tel.: +91 44 825 28 59, Fax: +91 44 825 28 69, E-mail: sahodara@md3.vsnl.net.in
Issues: With sex being taboo in India, more so for the homosexuals, the gay community finds it difficult to discuss issues related to their sexuality and lifestyle with family and friends. Given the existing conditions prevailing where the very concept of homosexuality is ignored, the gay community in Chennai needed a supportive environment where they could be comfortable with their choices and discuss issues. Description: Sahodaran realized that gay men are uncomfortable with the kothis - men who identify with the opposite sex and behave so, with there being socio-cultural biases which precluded them interacting, and there was felt a need for the formation of an independent gay peer support group. So using the friendship network, 4-5 gay men accessed Sahodaran's technical capacity and venue to form a peer support group. The group from its initial small start has now grown to include about 20 regular members with frequent drop-ins from other parts of the country. The group meets regularly once a week for a couple of hours and provides a forum for discussion of issues vital to the gay community. It provides a meeting ground for like minded gay people to interact, come to terms with their sexual orientation, share their experiences, and to create awareness of health issues such safe sex practices and HIV/AIDS awareness. Speakers from the fields of law, human rights, media, health/medicine, and from other related fields address and counsel specific issues. Now Chennai Mitra provides counseling services, a secure environment for drop-ins, access to legal services, and advocacy. Conclusion: It has been established that there exists two groups, the kothis and the gay community, whose needs vary and therefore require their own respective peer support groups. The emerging middle class in other towns also need similar peer support groups for the empowerment of individuals and the community.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Counseling
- HIV Infections
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Human Rights
- Humans
- India
- Male
- Prejudice
- Safe Sex
- Self-Help Groups
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexuality
- Social Behavior
- Social Environment
- Social Support
Other ID:
UI: 102241122
From Meeting Abstracts