A eunuch performing a dance in a Bollywood number during the World AIDS Day programme held at District Hospital Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Coming out as ‘transgender’
Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): On World AIDS Day today, for the first time in Nagaland, transgender (hijra/ eunuch) came out in open, declaring their existence. A group of transgender people performed a short skit and a dance at a programme held at the District Hospital Dimapur chapel hall to commemorate World AIDS Day. The transgender people, comprising both Naga and non-Naga, disclosed to the gathering that they want to join hands with the NGOs in fighting against HIV & AIDS.
Pukhatoli, Program manager Guardian Angel, an NGO working for the cause of HIV & AIDS, said that transgender people, generally referred to as MSMs by NGO workers, are more vulnerable to HIV & AIDs and most of the time they are neglected because of the social stigma against their unique sexuality. She said that people have to acknowledge their presence in society and help them.
MLA KL Chishi was the chief guest at programme. He said that United Nations adopts different themes every year but this year the theme: “Getting to Zero” will continue for five years (2011-15). “…if we want to achieve zero level of HIV & AIDS, let us not be hero before such dreaded disease. If a man or woman attempts to be a hero before this dreaded disease, our objective of getting to zero will be fatally affected.”
Expressing concern in achieving the zero level of HIV & AIDS, Chishi said: “According to me in Nagaland getting to zero would not be a success because our Naga way of life is so simple, so free – ‘we are damn care people’. We do not care of ourselves and do not care for others. I’m very pessimistic about getting to zero. However, we should not be discouraged.” He pointed out that Nagaland being a Christian State should be more tolerant and the church should work more in creating awareness among the people about HIV & AIDS.
On stigma and discrimination, he said: “…it is unfortunate that they are infected but they are one of us. We should not discriminate them. They are human just like us.” He also stressed that education about HIV and AIDS should start right from the family level so that people will be more cautious as well as lessen stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV & AIDS.
Further he advised to the infected people to remove the “stigma within themselves” and to come out in open and share their experiences. “… you are the teacher and preacher since you are infected and you know what you are going through.”
A sad story
Executive board member of DNP+, Bhanu said that there is exists much stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV & AIDS in Naga society. She narrated an incident that happened on November 30, saying: “...yesterday a friend died and when we reach the place, people present at the funeral were reluctant to put the body into the coffin. They were scared that they might get infected though in reality the virus dies along with the body.”
Most deaths related to HIV & AIDS is because of discrimination and stigma. “…we know all these since we work as field workers”.
Pukhatoli, Program manager Guardian Angel, an NGO working for the cause of HIV & AIDS, said that transgender people, generally referred to as MSMs by NGO workers, are more vulnerable to HIV & AIDs and most of the time they are neglected because of the social stigma against their unique sexuality. She said that people have to acknowledge their presence in society and help them.
MLA KL Chishi was the chief guest at programme. He said that United Nations adopts different themes every year but this year the theme: “Getting to Zero” will continue for five years (2011-15). “…if we want to achieve zero level of HIV & AIDS, let us not be hero before such dreaded disease. If a man or woman attempts to be a hero before this dreaded disease, our objective of getting to zero will be fatally affected.”
Expressing concern in achieving the zero level of HIV & AIDS, Chishi said: “According to me in Nagaland getting to zero would not be a success because our Naga way of life is so simple, so free – ‘we are damn care people’. We do not care of ourselves and do not care for others. I’m very pessimistic about getting to zero. However, we should not be discouraged.” He pointed out that Nagaland being a Christian State should be more tolerant and the church should work more in creating awareness among the people about HIV & AIDS.
On stigma and discrimination, he said: “…it is unfortunate that they are infected but they are one of us. We should not discriminate them. They are human just like us.” He also stressed that education about HIV and AIDS should start right from the family level so that people will be more cautious as well as lessen stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV & AIDS.
Further he advised to the infected people to remove the “stigma within themselves” and to come out in open and share their experiences. “… you are the teacher and preacher since you are infected and you know what you are going through.”
A sad story
Executive board member of DNP+, Bhanu said that there is exists much stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV & AIDS in Naga society. She narrated an incident that happened on November 30, saying: “...yesterday a friend died and when we reach the place, people present at the funeral were reluctant to put the body into the coffin. They were scared that they might get infected though in reality the virus dies along with the body.”
Most deaths related to HIV & AIDS is because of discrimination and stigma. “…we know all these since we work as field workers”.
Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Bhandari: Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Bhandari/Sanis observed World AIDS Day on December 1 at Bhandari DIC, with the theme “Getting to Zero”. Wati, Program Officer Project ORCHID was the theme speaker. Elan Odyuo- Chairman Lotha Hoho Bhandari, Mary Ezung – President, Bhandari Town Eloe Hoho delivered speeches while Nonghothung Ezung - Associate Pastor Bhandari Town Baptist Church exhorted the participants. The Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre FIDU also observed World AIDS Day on December 1 at the DIC at Westyard, Dimapur. Longshithung – Learning Site coordinator was the theme speaker. Nutritional support was distributed to 20 BPL clients during the occasion. The FIDU Project is supported by UNODC Project I 81.
Yingli Mission Society, Longleng: Yingli Mission Society organized a programme in commemoration of World Aids Day 2011 on the theme “Getting to Zero” on December 1 in the premises of NST, Station, Longleng with T. Wati Aier, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Longleng and Dr. O. Kongyan Phom Dy. CMO Longleng as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The programme led by Chenlem Phom, STI Counselor began with invocation by Chingthai Phom, Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Longleng. Themjen Phom welcomed the members present and delivered message on theme. Town Baptist Church executive members presented a special song while Yatihenla Phom called the participants to join hands to Stop AIDS & Keep Promise.
Other speakers of the programme included Dr. Jha, HoD, Dept of Eco, Yingli Govt. College, Angbhen, Women Secy., PBCA and Dr. Shasinlo Tep, District TB Officer, Longleng. It was attended by about 25 village representatives, district administration, police, churches, students leaders, district hospital staffs, business establishments and well wishers. This Simple yet impressive function concluded with closing prayer led by Mr. Bea Phom, Pastor, Longleng Town Baptist Church. The programme was supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, Kohima. The press note was issued by Yingli Mission Society Chairman, Themjen Phom.
Yingli Mission Society, Longleng: Yingli Mission Society organized a programme in commemoration of World Aids Day 2011 on the theme “Getting to Zero” on December 1 in the premises of NST, Station, Longleng with T. Wati Aier, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Longleng and Dr. O. Kongyan Phom Dy. CMO Longleng as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The programme led by Chenlem Phom, STI Counselor began with invocation by Chingthai Phom, Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Longleng. Themjen Phom welcomed the members present and delivered message on theme. Town Baptist Church executive members presented a special song while Yatihenla Phom called the participants to join hands to Stop AIDS & Keep Promise.
Other speakers of the programme included Dr. Jha, HoD, Dept of Eco, Yingli Govt. College, Angbhen, Women Secy., PBCA and Dr. Shasinlo Tep, District TB Officer, Longleng. It was attended by about 25 village representatives, district administration, police, churches, students leaders, district hospital staffs, business establishments and well wishers. This Simple yet impressive function concluded with closing prayer led by Mr. Bea Phom, Pastor, Longleng Town Baptist Church. The programme was supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, Kohima. The press note was issued by Yingli Mission Society Chairman, Themjen Phom.
