Network of MSM-PLHA of India (NIPASHA+)

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

We are happy to inform you that Network of Indian People with Alternate

Sexualities Living with HIV/AIDS (NIPASHA) has been launched formally in May

2004. Prior to this NIPASHA has existed as an informal support network since

2001. The idea of this network was formed when some MSM who are PLHA coming

from all over India met in Pune in 2001 and discussed the issues specific to

them. It was felt that the issue of double stigma and discrimination was

affecting them a lot. Being MSM we felt marginalized and to this added stigma

of being PLHA brought in some peculiar issues.

Currently NIPASHA has 7 board members from different states and has chapters in

six states namely Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and

Delhi. Soon the network will expand its activities to Kolkatta, Manipur,

Rajasthan and Gujrat. Its membership is expected to cross 3000 members from its

affiliated state chapters.

NIPASHA is soon planning for a National Meeting of MSMPLHAs and requests

MSMPLHAs and like minded friends to write to us on this.

The Secretariat of NIPASHA is presently based in Mumbai. For office addresses

and other information of the State Level Networks contact us at

nipasha@...

With warmest regards,

R.A. Singh

Gen. Secretary

E-mail: nipasha@...