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Issues of male-to-male sexuality in India

Sexual identities' are not culturally appropriate in India. Trying to thrust a Western Sexual Identity on men who have sex with men is an exercise in futility. p> It does not address the unique issues of male-to-male sexuality in India. Furthermore, it can seriously harm the relative fluidity in sexuality that Indian Culture affords. Attraction towards other men is an important part of male sexuality in India. There is a lot of bisexuality amongst Indian males, and their sexualisation doesn't rule out male-to-male sexuality (though it is only allowed in restricted forms).

But only a few AIDS prevention programs which target the emerging `gay' populations address the issues of sex between males. They are either not addressed at all in `mainstream' programmes (especially those of the government), or are described as an unworthy activity. Even government statistics are biased. Also notable is the double standards played on the issue by many NGO's. All of this has serious implications on AIDS/HIV prevention programmes in India. Description: This paper will attempt to analyze the male-to-male sexual behaviour in India, including the difference in the Gender and sexual notions amongst men, that exists between India and the West.

In the latter's case Christianity has had a lot of influence. The paper will try to bring out the ignorance of the government and other AIDS organisations on the nature of Indian male sexuality, as also their reluctance/abhorrence to deal with the issues of male-to-male sexuality. The paper will also try to suggest ways to address the sexual health and AIDS/HIV issues amongst Indian men that takes into account their bisexual behaviour.

The paper is based on my experience of working with men on the issues of AIDS, gender and sexuality for the past 9 years. These men come from different walks-of-life including adolescents, youth, working men, slum dwellers, Gay identified men, men with sexual dysfunction, etc. Most of this work has been with the group the Youth Alliance for AIDS Removal. Conclusion: The Western model of social structuring of male-to-male sexual behaviour can not be implemented in India, as the issues are quite different. New ways of structuring male-to-male sexuality have to be found which are culturally specific to India and at the same time address the sexual health and rights of men who practice it. Meanwhile, the issues of homosexuality and bisexuality should no longer be ignored or put down under government and non-government AIDS/HIV prevention programmes in India.

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Zephyrus Schroedderr,
Vysok Tatry
Stary Smokovec, 06201
Slovakia
Last updated: October 12, 2010