Shale Ahmed Executive Director Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Bangladesh

1. Shale AhmedExecutive DirectorBandhu Social Welfare Society, Bangladesh

2. Problem Statements In South Asia considerable work done by MSM / Transgender and Hijra networks, CBOs and NGOs -- but faith and culture in these regions pose challenges in taking the work forward. Forced / compulsory marriages affecting the lives of MSM, Transpersons and Hijras perpetuates not only unfaithfulness in relationships, but also sexually transmitted diseases – including HIV Socially constructed masculinities force MSM, Transpersons and Hijras to take on roles other than their natural roles -- with characterlogical, sociological, psychological and mental implications

3. Key Questions of Community How do religious / cultural beliefs impact on MSM, Transpersons, Hijras and other sexual minorities? How can we ensure appropriate and accessible sexual health services for MSM and other sexual minorities in this context? What do different faiths have to say about genders, masculinities, sexual diversity and health rights? How do those with different sexual orientations and gender identities integrate their religious beliefs and values to provide a positive self-affirming framework?

4. Key Questions of Community What do the different religions say about male-to-male sex? What impact does one’s religious values and beliefs have on one’s sexual behaviour and identity? How do various Sexual Minority populations incorporate religious identities into their gender / sexual identities. How do we incorporate the religious identity with our gender / sexual identity? How do we deal with any conflict between religion / culture and gender / sexual identity and what are the resultant experiences?

5. Key Issues Amongst the LGBTI community religion is sometimes perceived as the enemy. There exist huge amounts of misconceptions around gender and sexual diversity amongst religious people. Religion and culture seem to be intertwined and culture often promotes family life that is supported by religion. The conflict between religion and sexuality seems to be weight heavily on the shoulders of MSM and Transpersons/Hijras who adhere to their religion. Interpretation of scriptures differ amongst religious scholars around sexuality issues.

6. Key Issues (continued) There is a lack of research around religion and sexuality and the research that does exist needs to be correlated. Orthodox religious arguments are loaded arguments and makes social acceptance of gender and sexual oriented individuals difficult. Muslim scholars seem to be more accepting of Transgender and Hijra issues due to its “innateness”, and less sensitive to the other sexualities, especially MSM. Religion is important in the lives of many sexually diverse individuals and based on their particular contexts, it is difficult to separate the two.

7. Bangladesh Experience

8. Key Achievement • Despite of limitation commitment received from the religious leaders to talk about HIV • Express interest to provide support for changing lifestyle of community and livelihood

9. Key Achievement (Cont.) • Participate different advocacy event of BSWS and talk around stigma. • Publicly talk about HIV prevention that creates mass awareness.

10. Challenges • Judgmental attitude of some religious leaders about MSM but not Hijras • Agreed to speak about HIV but not homosexuality • Resource limitation and coordination gap! • Encourage abstinence and traditional myths. • Inadequate resources and incentive

11. Thank you and Questions! 