The Lancet this week reports on a subject rarely discussed in the West and even less in the countries where it happens: homosexuality in Muslim countries, in this case Pakistan. Prohibited by law, socially censored, condemn by Islam but still a real part of everyday social and political life.

Pakistan like many other Muslim societies is in denial when it comes to men having sex with men. The consequences are dire when HIV/AIDS enters the boiling equation of social rejection, famillial ostracism and scape goating and particularly in a society where promoting safe sex is viewed as the equivalent of promoting sex.

But one thing is sure, the fear of God is not enough to deter men to have sex with other men. A victory of courageous men over religious dogma.

Meet the Hijras, Zenanas and Chavas, Giryas, Maalishias who are part of and give life to a rich culture of men who have sex with men in Pakistan.

“In Pakistan, seven times more men are reported to be infected with HIV than women. Among the Pakistani population, modes of HIV transmission include infection through sexual contact, contaminated blood and blood products, injecting drug use, and mother-to-child transmission. Although most sexual transmission of HIV results from unsafe heterosexual contact, homosexual and bisexual contact also represent important modes of transmission. According to unpublished reports, the prevalence of HIV among homosexual and bisexual Pakistani men is reaching alarming proportions. We describe the Pakistani homosexual and bisexual culture, review statistics regarding HIV prevalence and risk behaviour, and identify areas of improvement in the HIV policy with specific focus on men who have sex with men.”

Thanks to Elizabeth for drawing my attention to this publication

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