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Through a Lens of Faith:
MSM, Transgender Persons, Hijras and HIV:
Perspective from Bangladesh
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
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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
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
 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?
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
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?
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Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
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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.
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
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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.
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
Formation of PFT involving
Imam/Religious Leaders in 19
districts in Bangladesh
Sensitization programme with
District level faith based leaders.
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
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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
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
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Participate different advocacy event of BSWS and talk around
stigma.
Publicly talk about HIV prevention that creates mass awareness.
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
Judgmental attitude of some religious leaders about
MSM but not Hijras
o Agreed to speak about HIV but not homosexuality
o Resource limitation and coordination gap!
o Encourage abstinence and traditional myths.
o Inadequate resources and incentive
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Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org
Supporting Sexual Health and Wellbeing of Sexual Minority Populations
www.bandhu-bd.org