Re: PEP for Male /Hijra Rape victims.

[Guest guest]

Hello Everybody,

I Have read the Article written by Dr. Sudhir and I agree that prophylactic

action against HIV should be provided for all Rape victims. And in this

regards I emphasise the word " ALL " . Every female, male, child, or Hijra,

victim of rape should be covered by the prophylactic umbrella. I wish to

raise the following points:

1. In the traditional and 'Indian' understanding of Rape, males do not get

raped. However working with groups of MSM across the counry and in studies

that I have conducted myself show beyond doubt a high prevalence of rapes of

males, especially gender-non-normative males. I think that when we talk of

rape and the prophylactic umbrella, MALE RAPE/HIJRA RAPE MUST form a part of

the coverage of the umbrella. Otherwise we would be miring this desired

debate in our usual brand of hypocrisy and one track vision.

2. But more than anything else, it is also been shown in the studies that a

lot of the male/hijra rape is actually perpetrated by police personnel and

other law enforcement agents. Since they are the representatives of the

Indian state and are the arms and legs of the Indian state, we can safely

say that the Indian State is the rapist of many if not most male/hijra

victims of rape. Therefore the Indian State has to take the onus of

providing the male/hijra victims of rape with prophylactic cover.

On a lighter note, if we are to go by the Hon'ble Home minister's sentiments

that all rapists should be hanged, then maybe Advaniji's own ministry,

resposnsible for the police forces, who in-turn are responsible for so many

of the male rapes/hijra rapes, should hang itself.

Please note that I am principally against the death penalty, and do not

share the views of the Home Minister.

Regards and best

Aditya Bondyopadhyay

E-mail: <adit@...>

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