Building evidence around adolescent same-sex behavior and vulnerability to HIV: report prepared [by] The Humsafar Trust

This report is one of the first in-depth analyses of same-sex behaviour among adolescents in India, providing the field research and background for future directions for research and interventions. Researchers found that MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) who start having sex early have different identities and behaviours compared with those who start later -- potentially indicating a greater sense of sexual desire, orientation, and identity. Furthermore, they are also subjected to 'name calling' and other 'discriminatory behaviour' in the society. They also found that younger MSM had low levels of awareness about HIV but had high risk behaviours compared with older MSM. Lack of adequate documentation of same-sex behaviour among adolescents often is a deterrent in designing appropriate targeted interventions for this population. Thus, there is an urgent need to pursue research and develop targeted interventions for same-sex desiring adolescents in India, with an aim to reduce HIV transmission in this population.