Social Exclusion Among Sexual Minorities: A Case of HIV-Positive Homosexuals

Sexual minorities are one of the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in the society. Sero-positivity accentuates social exclusion among the sexual minorities. The article aims to appraise the factors that make Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) vulnerable to HIV infection and lead to their social exclusion. Qualitative in nature and based on fifteen in-depth case studies of HIV-infected MSM, the study is located in Delhi, India. Findings show that variables such as age, child sexual abuse, marital status and multiple sex partners, contribute to vulnerabilities of respondents. Sociocultural milieu puts structural barriers, restricting integration of MSM in the society. Culture of silence over sexual matters, notions of proving ‘manhood’ through aggression and sexual violence are some of the factors that hamper healthy behaviours and relationships among the MSM. At the interpersonal level, possessiveness, betrayal, infidelity, heartbreak, strong emotional whirlpool when love–relations go incongruent, all take a heavy toll of their mental and physical health. These variables socially exclude the sexual minorities from the mainstream life. Findings reflect both positive (disclosing to family, abstinence, spiritual growth) and negative (suicide attempts, drug use) ways of coping among the MSM respondents. Critical areas of concern for service providers while planning interventions for social inclusion and empowerment of people with sexual minority are delineated.