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Date Added to Site: 2nd October 2006 |
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Short Summary
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| Title |
Enhancing Sensuality for Safer Sex among Men in India
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| Author |
Hazra, A. |
| Publication Date |
October 2006 |
| Publisher |
Institute of Development Studies |
| Volume |
IDS Bulletin |
| Series |
37:5 |
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Short Summary
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Stigma and legal sanctions against homosexuality, as well as gender norms among men who have sex with men, lead to an emphasis on aggression, power play and penetration in male-to-male sex in India. This in turn contributes to low levels of condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, and increases the risk of HIV and ill-health. This paper explores the potential for the promotion of more sensuous, pleasurable, and communicative sex which could also be safer. The paper draws on the author's research as well as on his personal experience working as a masseur in Kolkata Massage parlours which provide commercial sexual services to male clients. The findings are being used to develop behaviour change communication (BCC) strategies and material to promote elements of sensuousness in male-to-male sex. Strategies are proposed for creating safer social and sexual spaces for MSM, including those working in the sex industry. Improving the quality of sex education in progressive schools or colleges is one suggestion. Students should be taught that sex is more than just penile-vaginal penetration and messages should be designed such that the students develop a non-aggressive notion of sex, and learn to respect gender equity and variations in gender and sexuality. Other strategies include: making condom use appear uncomplicated and trendy; making non-penetrative sex appear more desirable; and sharing experiences of safe, pleasurable sex.
This article can be found in the forthcoming IDS Publication: IDS Bulletin Vol 37.5, 'Sexuality, Rights and Development', edited by Andrea Cornwall and Susie Jolly.
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