Dr. Kamala Hampana released the report “Chasing Numbers, Betraying People: Relooking at HIV Services in Karnataka” in Bangalore

Press Release

Bangalore, 17 Dec 2011: “Sexual minorities must follow Ambedkar’s slogan of Educate, Unite and Agitate,’’ said Dr Kamala Hampana, literary figure, while releasing the report “Chasing Numbers, Betraying People: Relooking at HIV Services in Karnataka” at United Theological College here on Saturday.

The author of 50 books, who also served as a chairperson of All India Kannada literary meet – 2003, clearly articulated that sexual minorities must assert themselves as human beings as access to even basic needs such as toilets, seats in the bus are denied to them. “We cannot wait for others to come and give us our rights. That will not happen; we need to march to Vidhan Soudha and demand our rights,’’ she added. “Reading this report is a big eye opener as I found out a whole new world of realities of people we know so little about even though they are in our midst,’’ she mused.

Sudha Nagavarapu from Janaarogya Andolana said that government encourages the fudging of statistics, whether it is malnutrition or HIV intervention so that it appears that success is achieved. It’s because the government is under pressure to show progress on the international commitments.

Members of the sexual minority community spoke of violations that routinely face in the name of HIV prevention work. Sanjeeva V, an activist living with HIV activist pointed out that People Living with HIV were excluded from programmes even though there was supposedly a policy that emphasises their role. The breach of confidentiality in numerous ways, including the manner in which the data is demanded, means that people’s privacy is invaded with impunity. Shobha, a Jogappa from Gulbarga highlighted that HIV prevention and treatment seemed to be the only concern of the government.

The target-driven approach where people are reduced to mere numbers is inherently anti-human rights. The lowest in the pyramid, face the worst abuses in the name of achieving targets.

All the routine and systematic violations are known to everyone working in these programmes are aware of it. However no one talks about the elephant in the room due to fear of reprisals of various sorts – including a stoppage of funding.

Since the government itself is guilty of these human rights violations the moot question is “where then do people go to demand their rights?” The agitation that Kamala Hampana spoke about is necessary to make the government and other agencies accountable to the communities whose welfare it is supposed to work for.

While issues related to the spread, prevalence as well as societal attitudes to HIV, have received considerable media attention; those related to the quality of services, and various compromises to people’s rights inherent in the HIV intervention is sidestepped or ignored.  The rights that are compromised include – the right to health, the right of effected populations to participate and shape policies as well as right to privacy. Various ethical considerations that especially important while dealing with vulnerable communities are often given the go-by; under different pretexts.

This report focuses on the experiences of male-born sexual minorities in Karnataka vis-à-vis HIV related services– and is an outcome of a collaborative process where community members have been co-producers of knowledge.

The report sketches the barriers encountered by them in receiving or seeking care in terms of access and availability of services. Attention is also drawn to the lapses and violations that occur in the name of providing heath services The report ends with a set of recommendations that have emerged from the sexual minority communities for policy makers, health-workers and activists

The entire report can be download from the page –  http://ksmf.in/?page_id=10

For more information contact Rajesh (9886155148) or Shubha (9243446105)

anekatrust@gmail.com

Report Launch – Chasing Numbers, Betraying People: Relooking at HIV Services in Karnataka

Aneka and Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum

Invite you for the launch of their report “Chasing Numbers, Betraying People: Relooking at HIV Services in Karnataka”.  

By

Dr. R Balasubramaniam (Founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) and ex special investigator and vigilance director for the Karnataka Lok Ayukta) and

Dr. Kamala Hampana (Scholar, Author of over 50 books and served as Chairperson -All India Kannada Literary Meet 2003)

The report is also endorsed by People’s Health Movement‘s Bangalore Urban Chapter (JAABU – Janarogya Andolana – Bangalore urban).

On Saturday, 17th December 2011, At  United Theological College, Millers Road, Near Cantt Railway Station’s Back Gate, Bangalore. Between 4:00 – 6:30 PM

While issues related to spread and prevention of HIV has received considerable attention – the quality of services,  compromises of people’s right – to health, to participate and shape policies as well as issues around privacy, and ethics do not are sidestepped or ignored.

This report focuses on the experiences of male-born sexual minorities in Karnataka vis-à-vis HIV related services– and is an outcome of a collaborative process where community members have been co-producers of knowledge.

Sexual minority communities have long faced challenges in accessing public services; including healthcare. Given that HIV places a significant burden on male-born sexual minorities; there are a range of HIV-related services and interventions that especially addresses them. The report sketches the barriers encountered by them in receiving or seeking care in terms of access and availability of services. Attention is also drawn to the lapses and violations that occur in the name of providing heath services The report ends with a set of recommendations that have emerged from the sexual minority communities for policy makers, health-workers and activists

For more information contact  Rajesh (9886155148)  or Shubha (9243446105)

Vacancy for a Research and Advocacy Associate in Sangama, Bangalore

Location Bangalore

Vacancy for a Research and Advocacy Associate

Full time experienced person

Sangama (www.sangama.org) is a human rights organisation working mainly with sexual minorities, sexworkers and PLHIV (People Living with HIV). Our work includes human rights advocacy, support for community-based organisations and community lobbying and campaigns

We are looking for a research and advocacy associate for our special projects.

Job Profile

The role involves working with the Project Director from concept design to coordination and execution of research projects and advocacy activities.

The person will primarily be responsible to facilitate, contribute and document the research work undertaken as well support the fellowship programme. Other responsibilities will include support the development of fund raising strategy including proposal writing, maintaining relationship with funders and help send in the reports

Who we are looking for

– At least 6 years relevant experience at a middle/senior position in human rights/ social justice/ community collectivization work

– Comfort to work with working class sexual minorities/ sexworkers/ people living with HIV

– Committed to social justice in the context of class, caste, gender, sexuality, religion etc.

– Team player and ability build alliances with various social movements and other larger social change processes

Skills

Ability to

– combine research, project management and advocacy. A strong theoretical grounding and good methodological, analytical and writing skills (in English) required.

– communicate in Kannada

– independently plan and coordinate training programmes

Salary will be based on experience and skills. We believes in affirmative action and particularly encourag people from the marginalized backgrounds to apply, including: sexual minorities, people living with HIV, dalits, adivasis, women, religious minorities and people with disabilities.

Interested candidates can sent a brief bio to sangama@sangama.org or shubha.chacko@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Vacancy for PROJECT MANAGER in Sangama, Bangalore for GFATM Round 9 HIV/MSM-TG component

Employing organization: Sangama, Bangalore

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Date of Issue: October 13, 2010

Closing Date: October 20, 2010

About Sangama: Sangama, a human rights organization founded in 1999 works mainly with sexual minorities, sex workers and people living with HIV in India through human rights activism, community led campaigns, providing support to community based organizations, producing documentary films, reports, etc. Helping community organizations in providing health services and advocating for health rights is an important part of our work.

Sangama will implement a long term project titled Project Pehchan: Strengthening of MSM (Men who have sex with Men) and TG (Transgender) Community Systems in partnership with emerging and existing Community Based organisations (CBOs) in the states of Karnataka & Kerala, with funding support from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), and technical assistance from India HIV/AIDS Alliance, New Delhi. Main objectives of this intervention are: a) To strengthen community systems that reach MSM and TG communities; b) To increase the number of beneficiaries reached by such systems; c) To strengthen the relevant health system resources and d) To increase knowledge and advocacy for MSM and TG concerns.

Sangama is looking for a suitable individual for the position of Project Manager, Project Pehchan.

Job description of Project Manager – Main Functions:

The Project Manager will primarily be responsible for the overall implementation of the project with the MSM and TG communities. The project entails development and strengthening of 34 CBOs across Karnataka & Kerala to reach MSM and TG individuals with HIV messages and services over a period of five years.

The principal role will be managing programmatic, technical and organizational development within Sangama and provide similar support to the programme implementing partner CBOs; supporting and managing programme development and capacity building; promoting innovation and documentation of good practices in HIV/AIDS programming for MSM and TG communities and other vulnerable populations; and, actively representing and contributing to planning and policy work on behalf of Pehchan Project.

Key Responsibilities of the Project Manager:

– The Project Manager will lead, support and manage the development and implementation of various programme implementation plans and budgets (including that of the partner CBOs).

– S/he needs to contribute to the development and implementation of effective monitoring, review and evaluation strategies and activities for the programme against agreed project deliverables.

– S/he needs to work along with other team members in preparing and submitting necessary reports to India HIV/AIDS Alliance, different State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) and Technical Support Units (TSU) on timely basis, and coordinating with the said authorities for various programmes.

–S/he will be required to contribute towards operational research related to the project, and developing tools and resources in prevention programming.

1. Capacity Building and Technical Support to CBOs

– The Project Manager will assess the programmatic, organizational and technical support needs of the CBO partners and will accordingly identify, develop and implement capacity building plans for needs identified for community mobilization, CBO formation and functioning.

– In collaboration with the administration and finance team s/he will review partner financial systems and procedures and facilitate specific technical support in areas of overall programme budgeting, financial management, internal control systems and grant management. S/he also needs to monitor, review and evaluate the progress and impact of the capacity building programmes.

2. Team Planning and Development

– In consultation with Program Director, the Project Manager will develop strategic direction and work plans for the project staff and will closely work with the project team for implementation of all the activities.

 

3. External Relationships and Networking

– The Project Manager will work closely to strengthen Sangama’s working relationship with India HIV/AIDS Alliance, partner CBOs and external institutions involved in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes (including key government agencies, donor agencies, NGO/civil society partners and research institutions).

– In close consultation with the advocacy team, s/he will identify the key advocacy issues at the state and districts levels, and will provide necessary support to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies and activities.

 

Skills/ Qualities Required:

– At least 3 to 5 years of relevant project management experience in the health or development sectors, including at least 3 years’ middle management experience.

– At least 3 years working in HIV prevention programmes, including experience working with MSM and TG populations.

– Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of development issues and the HIV epidemic(s) in India, particularly in relation to MSM/ TG populations and other vulnerable populations.

– Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of donor environment, donor relations and donor Monitoring & Evaluation and reporting systems.

– Demonstrated experience of project proposal development and budget preparation.

– Excellent analytical, writing and verbal communication skills.

– Experience of working with multiple stakeholders in civil society and the government at different levels.

– Experience of providing technical support to and capacity building of organisations, especially those working at the community or grassroots level.

– Ability to work effectively in teams as well as independently.

– Ability and willingness to undertake extensive travel, primarily within India.

– Strong commitment to HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

– Fluency in English required. Fluency in Kannada/ Malayalam preferred.

 

 

Salary will be based on experience and skills.

 

Sangama believes in affirmative action and encourages people from marginalized backgrounds to apply for this post, including: sexual minorities and their family members, sex workers and their family members, people living with HIV and their family members, women, dalits, adivasis, religious minorities and persons with disability.

 

Interested candidates may apply by sending their complete CV (with contact details of self and 2 people who know their work as references) to sangamavikasa@gmail.com by 20^th October, 2010.

 

In Solidarity

 

Arockya Selva

Administrator

Sangama

 

Vacancy for PROGRAM DIRECTOR in Sangama, Bangalore

Employing organization: Sangama, Bangalore

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Date of Issue: October 12, 2010

Closing Date: October 20, 2010

About Sangama: Sangama, a human rights organization founded in 1999 works mainly with sexual minorities, sex workers and people living with HIV in India through human rights activism, community led campaigns, providing support to community based organizations, producing documentary films, reports, etc. Helping community organizations in providing health services and advocating for health rights is an important part of our work.

Sangama’s work is organized into 2 separate programs. Sangama-Vikasa focuses on service provision and developmental activities whereas Sangama-Sangharsha focuses on activism.

Sangama is looking for a suitable individual for the position of Program Director, Sangama-Vikasa

1. Program Director – Sangama Vikasa

Sangama looks for a Program Director to take us forward into the next stage of development.

We are looking for someone who:

– Has at least 5 to 7 years of relevant program management/direction experience in the health or development sectors, including at least 3 years’ at the senior management level experience.

– Understands the principles of social justice and has a clear analysis of class and caste, gender and sexuality, age, religion and disability, and other factors which stigmatise and exclude certain sections of people.
– Is able to lead an organisation concerned with social change and human rights – turning a clear vision and direction into a practical strategy and work programme.
– Is able to write clear and concise English – including reports, proposals, concept notes etc.
– Is able to communicate verbally in English with funders and other international organisations, and in Kannada with local groups and individuals.
– Is able to draft a business plan and translate this into team work plans, and oversee them through to completion.
– Is able to manage complex projects, as well the capacity to seek out and initiate new ones.
– Has a high degree of initiative, and the ability to think strategically and creatively.
– Is efficient and pays attention to the detail of organisational and people management – does what they say they’ll do.
– Is able to build and maintain a wide range of links and networks
– Is experienced at using a collaborative and consultative style of management and enables others to do likewise.
– Understands (i) the principles of creating and leading diverse teams, (ii) a work culture which actively benefits from its diversity
– Respects the history, values and profile of Sangama while taking it forward into a new focus and areas of work.

Previous experience or knowledge of issues of sexuality – while an advantage – is not a pre-requisite.

Salary will be based on experience and skills.

Sangama believes in affirmative action and encourages people from marginalized backgrounds to apply for this post, including: sexual minorities and their family members, sex workers and their family members, people living with HIV and their family members, women, dalits, adivasis, religious minorities and persons with disability.

 

Interested candidates may apply by sending their complete CV (with contact details of self and 2 people who know their work as references) to sangamavikasa@gmail.com by 20^th October, 2010.

 

In Solidarity

 

Arockya Selva

Administrator

Sangama

Vacancies in Samara (Bangalore), a sexual minority organization adrressing HIV-AIDS and human rights issues

Samara, a community organization of sexual minorities and sexworkers in Karnataka is recruiting people at senior level. It is a good opportunity for people committed to sexual minority and sexworker human rights issues. Here is Samara’s AD:

———————

Vacancies in a HIV Prevention Project  (Bangalore City)

Samara, a community organisation of sexual minorities and sexworkers, is implementing a focused HIV-AIDS prevention project among sexual minorities in Bangalore City. The main goal of the project is to build an effective, result based and sustainable model for HIV prevention with men who have sex with men and transgenders.

Project Manager (1 post)

Key Roles and Responsibilities

· Managing the implementation of all project activities

· Supporting and handholding the staff

· Monitoring the project outputs and reporting on results, including sending regular reports to the funding agency

· Responsible for staff recruitment, induction and capacity building

· Assist Project Direction Team in conducting regular review and planning meetings with staff

· Establish linkages with other organizations for various purposes

Qualifications and Skills Specification

· Minimum 3 years of experience, preferably in HIV-AIDS Prevention Projects

· Ability to manage high calibre/high performing teams

· Fluency in Kannada and English

Organizational Development Coordinator (1 post)

Key Roles and Responsibilities

· Provide day today hand holding support to the organization

· Facilitate and organise capacity building workshops

· Give inputs for proper governance of the organisation

· Support and ensure proper project implementation

· Provide strategies for effective community mobilisation and collectivisation.

· Build and maintain alliances with other organisations and individuals

· Liaison with the funding agencies for effective program implementation

Qualifications and Skills Specification

• Minimum 4-5 years of experience, with the ability to provide strategic leadership oversight to the organizational design, management and implementation
• Ability to manage high calibre/high performing teams
• Excellent relationship management skills; with the ability to network
• Fluency in Kannada and English
• Excellent computer skills

Interested candidates can send in their CV along with three references to samaraban@gmail.com before 30^th September 2009. Samara can be contacted by phone at (080) 22113795.

Samara is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages PLHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS), sexuality minorities, women, disabled people, dalits, adivasis, religious minorities, and people from other marginalized populations to apply for the above mentioned vacancies.

Regards

Yogesh

Programme Coordinator- Services

———–

On ‘Religion, Inclusiveness and Sexual Minorities’ Discussion, Bangalore, 24th AUG 09

Many people (including myself) spoke at the discussion organized by Sangama and Aneka with religious leaders on “Religion, Inclusiveness and Sexual Minorities” in NGO hall, Bangalore on 24^th August 2009 including:

Swami Agnivesh (Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Arya Samaj)

Dr. Asgar Ali Engineer (Islamic Scholar, Centre for Study of Society and Secularism)

Rev. K. C Abraham (Theologian, Church of South India)

Mr. Christopher Rajkumar (Commission on Justice, Peace, Creation – National Council of Churches in India)

Mr. Dinesh Ghodke (World Alliance for Youth Empowerment, Art of Living)

Guruji Vinay Vinekar (Institute of Universal Consciousness)

Dr. Saleem Kidwai, medieval historian, translator, writer and editor of Same-sex love in India

Ms. Mansi Meera Baindur (Ecofeminist and Philosopher, National Institute of Advanced Studies)

Ms. Revathi, writer and sexual minority activist

Ms. Abhinaya, Film Actress

I represented Sangama and Aneka as their co-director and spoke about the situation of sexual minorities in the society and how they also get rejected by different religious spaces, institutions and leaders. This program was focused on how religions could be more inclusive.

Swami Agnivesh stated that he was one of the first people who signed the petition against section 377 of the Indian penal Code. He said god could be realized in all human beings and sexual minorities too are human. He said that when he welcomed the Delhi high court judgment some other religious leaders attacked his house and he said if him supporting sexual minorities received this response what could be the situation of sexual minorities.

Film actress Abhinaya stated that she supports the cause of sexual minorities.

Rev K.C. Abraham said that society and religions should be open to all people without discrimination. He appealed to sexual minorities to take forward their struggle for justice.

Ms. Revathi from Sangama spoke about how in Hijra culture includes many aspects of Hinduism and Islam.

Swami Dinesh said that IPC section 377 was like a fossil and was extremely discriminatory. He conveyed the message of love and support from his Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Swami Vinay Vinekar said that religion is not a religion if it teaches hate. All religions will accept people without discrimination.

Dr. Christopher Rajkumar said that he was impressed by reading the book of an Aravani Vidya and also said that if religions preach discrimination they are not religions at all. He said that there is a need for a campaign to become human and to remain human.

Ms. Mansi Meera Baindur said even religions have been changing and patriarchy has taken over the religion too, which has led into problems.

The session was chaired by Mr. David Selva Raj from Visthar.

Here are the links for some media coverage:

DNA: Agnivesh backs sexual minorities

HINDU: Centre urged not to fight Section 377 ruling

MID-DAY: ‘Be more human’

Discussion: Religion, inclusiveness and Sexual Minorities, Bangalore, 24 Aug 09

Sangama and Aneka

invite you to a discussion on

“Religion, inclusiveness and Sexual Minorities”

on 24^th August 2009, Monday from 2 PM to 6 PM

at the NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, Opposite Vikasa Soudha, Bangalore – 560001. Phone: 080 22354784

Speakers include:

Swami Agnivesh

Guruji Vinaykar

Dr. Asgar Ali Engineer

Dr. Saleem Kidwai

Mr. Christopher Rajkumar

Fr. K. C. Abraham

Mr. David Selvaraj and

Ms. Manasi  Baindur

Issues of sexuality and gender are hotly contested in both religious communities and national cultures around the world. Further when the question relates to homosexuality and  transgenderism they invoke sharper responses, from ideas that this these are sinful, shameful, perversion and deserving of the highest punishment and wrath of god; to ambiguity and limited tolerance and even acceptance.

In the wake of the judgement on IPC section 377 by the Delhi High Court, that decriminalises homosexuality many religious bodies have condemned the judgement arguing that it was against religion, immoral and even against Indian culture. These people have been quoted repeatedly by the media and have also been invited to speak at various fora on these issues. This emphasises the notion that religious traditions are inherently conservative or even reactionary in their  commitments to powerful patriarchal and pronatalist (encouraging child bearing) sexual norms and gender categories.

However there have also been voices that spoke differently and adopted a more nuanced stand. These however have got scant attention. It is these voices that Sangama and Aneka is seeking to bring together to illustrate the diverse, complex and at times even contradictory traditions and practices that come under the broad rubric of “religion”. There are also sexual minorities who are people of faith; embracing both religion and their sexuality with joy  who are again invisible in the discourse. The basic tenets of all religions that are love and compassion; and recognizing the divine in all beings. This then makes the attitude of hate and violence inadmissible.

Religions have also been influenced by strong movements for rights and have changed their position on for example issues related to women. The texts and practices are constantly being reinterpreted by people coming from other perspectives and they have transformed religion. The time is now ripe for such an engagement between religion and issues of sexual minorities. We invite all of you to come and be part of this discussion.

The Right that Dares to Speak its Name: A Primer on the Naz Foundation Judgment

http://lawandotherthings.blogspot.com/2009/08/right-that-dares-to-speak-its-name.html

The Right that Dares to Speak its Name: A Primer on the Naz Foundation Judgment

Dear All

Given the importance of the Naz Foundation decision, and despite the fact that it is an excellently written judgment, we recognize that a 105 pages can be a challenge for many people. We were therefore prompted to bring out an analytical primer which could serve as a guide through the intricacies of the judgment.

We are happy to announce the publication of a new primer on the judgment. “The Right that Dares to speak its Name” has been put together by Arvind Narrain and Marcus Eldridge. The Primer contains a schematic guide highlighting the key aspects of the judgment with a commentary. It then examines the background and finally contains a few commentaries that came out after the judgment. The Primer is 140 pages and is priced at Rs. 50. Copies are available at ALF

For more details and to download a copy please visit this site.

Table Of Contents:

Introduction

Schematic Guide: Naz Foundation v. Union of India

* The Law
* The Parties
* The Bench
* The Rationale
* Conclusion
* Basis of Ruling
* Territorial Applicability of the judgment

Background: The Naz Judgment

Outline of Arguments on behalf of Voices against 377

Edited Transcripts of the final arguments before the Delhi High Court

Commentaries

* On Freedom’s avenue, Gautam Bhan
* Reforming Macaulay, Kajal Bharadwaj
* India: From ‘perversion’ to right to life with dignity, Kalpana Kannabiran
* Who’s afraid of Homosexuality, Ram Jethmalani
* Striving for magic in the city of words, Lawrence Liang and Siddarth Narrain
* Its about all of us , Prathap Bhanu Mehta
* Good for all minorities, Tarunabh Khaitan
* Navigating the Noteworthy and the Nebulous in Naz Foundation, Vikram Raghavan
* Keeping Religion out of the Gay debate, Siddharth Bhatia

Seminar on “Perspective of mental sciences on sexual minorities”, 17th August, Bangalore

Karnataka Sexual Minorities Forum and Sangama

invite you to the seminar on

Perspective of mental sciences on sexual minorities

on 17^th August, 2009, Monday

from 2 PM to 6 PM

at the Indian Medical Association Hall, IMA Building, Alur Venkar Rao Road, Chamarajpet, Bangalore – 560018, Phone: 26703255 (Near Tippu Sultan palace, Between Bangalore Medical College and Minto Hospital)

Speakers include: Dr. Shekhar Sheshadri (NIMHANS), Dr. Ali Khwaja(Banjara Academy), BN Sharada (Parivarthan), Arvind Narrain(Alternative Law Forum) and Vinay Chandran (Swabhava Trust)

Despite professional bodies such as the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organisation removing homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses almost thirty years ago; the myth that it is “abnormal”, a disease that needs to be cured or the product of maladjustment prevails.

These myths have fuelled a climate of injustice and many sexual minorities have been subjected to brutal violation of their human rights. In the name of “curing” them of something that is seen as unnatural, abnormal or perverse; they are subjected to different therapies, treatment, penances and magical healing processes. These experiences are traumatic, violent and a serious infringement of the fundamental rights of the person.

In the wake of the recent Delhi High Court judgement on Section 377 of the IPC, which decriminalises consensual sex between adults, many doctors, quacks, yoga teachers and faith-healers and others are claiming to “cure” people of their homosexuality. Some of them are part of the attempt to challenge the Delhi High Court judgement at the Supreme Court. Given this context it is of urgent importance to examine the basis of these claims and debunk the myths and challenge the misconceptions about issues of homosexuality and bring about a change in public opinion to prevent further human rights violations under the guise of changing the sexuality of a person.

This seminar aims to do this through a meeting with lay audience to dispel the misconceptions with  the help of mental health professionals, and counsellors who will deal with the ethical, medical, scientific and  human rights aspects of  dealing with issues of homosexuality.