Re: Kerala CMs AIDS/HIV stigmameet

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

It is a good initiative from the part of the Kerala Government to rethink

the effectiveness of the AIDS/HIV awareness programmes in the context of

the evident stigma and discrimination towards PLWHA. Stigma towards PLWHA

has brought shame to the Kerala society and it remains as an enigma in this

highly literate population. As Dinesh Varma has rightly pointed out,

awareness is not matching the social attitude of people. Addressing the

issues of stigma requires a change in the value system. It is not an easy

task.

It cannot be achieved only through mass awareness programmes or

providing just information based on scientific facts. Stigma towards

sexuality is the major factor causing stigma to HIV/AIDS, though it is not

the only factor. Kerala is a society where there is much hostility towards

any sort of sex outside the norm of heterosexual monogamy. This is due to

historical, political and cultural reasons. But some how, we have to

address these issue.

One such strategy is opening the issue of sexuality

and providing social space for different sexuality identities. All sexual

expressions other than heterosexual monogamy (that too in wedlock), is

hidden or suppressed in the society. This is reinforced through various

discourses in the media. So, those agencies working in the area of HIV/AIDS

has got the responsibility to develop strategies to counter the existing

values.

At least they should take care not to reproduce values which will

further stigmatise the vulnerable groups and also which prescribe sexual

norms. But unfortunately, it is not happening. See the captions given in a

calendar published by Kerala State AIDS Control Society in 2003.

" Extramarital sex leads to HIV/AIDS " , " Let your partner to be the first and

only sexual partner. "

It is happening when those who are suffering much in the name of their

sexual behavior and identity are working day and night to prevent HIV/AIDS.

The targeted intervention programme envisaged by Government utilizes these

different groups like sex workers, MSM and other vulnerable groups for the

prevention programmes, but there is no attempt to bring them to the

mainstream. The present Government strategy is to use them without bringing

them and their values in public. These groups are not invited for the

public demonstrations and other programmes in their own identity, except in

closed circle meetings. Any AIDS control programme will become successful

only when we address the problems of marginalized sexuality identities. If

the Government is serious in this, this has to be considered.

Dr. Jayasree. A. K.

E-mail: jayasree@...