With HIV prevalent among 15-17 per cent of the high-risk group of Men having Sex with Men (MSM) in Pune, scientists at the National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) too have welcomed the Delhi High Court judgment legalising homosexuality. They feel that more from this group will have access to care, support and treatment now.

Nari director Dr R S Paranjape said this group, which was discriminated against, will now be able to seek treatment. Various studies at NARI have shown that the HIV prevalence is between 15-17 per cent among this group. Because of the stigma attached to their ‘gay’ status, more often than not this lot prefers to remain anonymous.

Dr R R Gangakhedkar, scientist at NARI, said the transmission rate of HIV is higher in peno-anal sex rather than peno-vaginal sex. “Unless a good legal ambience is provided, not many will admit their sexual status — be it gay or lesbian or bisexual.”

Gangakhedkar has undertaken a project with the Humsafar Trust on understanding the social and sexual networks of the MSM. “Once we know the extent of their networks, interventions can be planned,” he said.

“The trauma to the rectum is much more in anal intercourse,” says Dr Seema Sahay, scientist at NARI. Another group that is “hidden” is that of the housewife. At least legalising homosexuality will ensure that this high-risk group can avail itself of treatment. According to Gangakhedkar, if consenting adults are not booked under Section 377 of the IPC, they have the legal ambience and it could in turn lead to monogamous relations.

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