Creating a Pehechaan for the Minorities

KOCHI: About 145 persons have benefited from ‘Pehechaan’, a project launched for gays and transsexuals by community-based organisation Marvel in Ernakulam last August. ‘Pehechaan’ which means ‘self-identification’ was launched to reach out to the gays and empower them, help solve their issues and to create awareness on HIV, said project manager Nawaz.It has also been launched in Kottayam, Kollam, Kannur and Kozhikode to create awareness on their rights. “Our target is 1500 persons in Erankulam and we conduct counselling classes every three months alternatively,” said Arun George, counsellor who is present at the office or Drop in Centre (DIC) during working hours on Sahakarana Road near Hotel Nyla in Vyttila. He was speaking about gay rights at the YMCA Hall in Kochi on Wednesday.Talks were held and a few gays spoke about their problems and the difficulties faced in society. It was also a platform for MSM to dress like women and enjoy a free space.Marvel selects peer educators from among MSM people who identify their counterparts and bring them to the office. “We have selected four peer educators who visit hotspots such as Subas Park, Maharaja’s Ground, Marine Drive, KSRTC stand, railway stations and certain points in  Vyttila where the MSM frequent to find partners. They are identified by their body language. They are brought to the DIC where counselling is offered and condoms are distributed. If required, they are sent for HIV test in various hospitals in the district,” said Arun.‘Marvel Pehechaan’ is a project of Bangalare-based NGO Sangama which help them speak about their problems.