A call for change

The case of HIV has been long endured in the development sector. Efforts to curb this problem has been underway since the 1990's. I currently work with an organisation that provides technical assistance to national and state bodies in healthcare, law, media and works in tandem with efforts of NACO¹ and their phased NACP² initiative. My organisation provides capacity building and sensitisation trainings, for these bodies as well as conducts events that aid as a platform for Trans-gender communities to express themselves, showcase their talents and share their views. However, most of these efforts seem prescribed without thoroughly accounting for the entire problem.

Acceptance of the Trans gender community cannot solely rest on adjusting attitudes and, altering perceptions of the world around them. It is fairly important to analyse the inherent problems that lie within their set up as well. One third of the trans gender population are engaged in sex work³ and an estimated 70% of the total trans gender population are engaged in full time prostitution and begging, these ae the very same people that our society interacts with.

I am a social worker, so I am willing to push beyond what meets the eye. However, the interaction everyone else is faced with is the harsh, rude, sexually inappropriate trans people within the society, most times harassing you for money. Now this is just wrong regardless of gender and/or your sexual orientation. Its exploitative to feel targeted and vulnerable when all you’re trying to do is ride your train to work.

It is probably time that training programmes that address the need for a change in these attitudes and behaviours are conducted. I agree that their life is not easy as it is for us, but to ensure we all work together, solutions need to be provided to address the problems from all sides.

1.     NACO - National AIDS Control Organisation

2.     NACP - National AIDS Control Programme

3.     Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS), 2016