Female spouses of MSM

[Guest guest]

Female spouses of MSM

Female spouses of men who is having sex with men (MSM) is a population group who

are hidden and their problems and concerns are seldom explored by policy makers

and researchers.

Homosexuality has been illegal in India since 1861, when British rulers codified

a law prohibiting " carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man,

woman or animal. " The law, known as Section 377 of India's penal code, has long

been viewed as an archaic holdover from colonialism by its detractors.

In their decision, Chief Justice A. P. Shah and Justice S. Muralidhar declared

Section 377, as it pertains to consensual sex among people above the age of 18,

in violation of important parts of India's Constitution. " Consensual sex amongst

adults is legal, which includes

even gay sex and sex among the same sexes, " they said.

The old law violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees all people

" equality before the law; " Article 15, which prohibits discrimination " on

grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth; " and Article 21, which

guarantees " protection of life and personal liberty, " the judges said.

India's society is generally unwelcoming of homosexuality except in the most

cosmopolitan circles. It is not uncommon for gay men and women to marry

heterosexuals and have families, while carrying on secret relationships with

members of the same sex.

NDTV Features editor Ms. Sutapa Deb is doing a TV story on the concerns of

female spouses of men who is having sex with men and Ms. Sutapa would like to

contact with Delhi based female spouses of MSM to be interviewed for her

documentary on MSM related issues.

If any of the members of this FORUM who are the Female spouses of MSM are

-confidentially- willing to talk to Ms. Sutapa may contact her by e-mail:

sutapa@...

Editor

AIDS INDIA