Public Story
Sekar"Coping with being HIV-Positive
In 1992, B Sekar was a 27-year-old athlete in Chennai, a graduate in history, looking forward to a career as a policeman. He had cleared the fitness test to join the police when a medical test dashed his hopes. He tested positive for the AIDS virus. Until he got his HIV +ve diagnosis, he did not know that gay individuals were vulnerable to the AIDS virus. He fell into depression.
My family threw me out of the house,my mother remained close to me but and the rest of the family felt let down. my family members treat me as a dirt. It used to be painful in the initial stage my close friend of mine, a businessman who had also been my partner who has stood by me, and showered so much love much more than what my parents given me. And one desperate moment when i tempted suicide, it was he who dissuaded me against it you’re going to die anyway. why advance it? you can still live and do lot of good for the society, and contribute in your own way to the AIDS awareness program, i must admit that it is his solace and contain that has sustained me and restored my confidence in me then and now, says Sekar.
Later, SWAM founded by Sekar, the first activist to come out as HIV positive and gay in India, SWAM runs support groups and serves as a drop-in centre for MSM, gay, bisexual, and HIV positive men In particular, SWAM’s primary goal is to advocate safe sex, use of condoms and human rights issues to the MSM members of society. Sekar was not deterred by all this and determined to go about with his propaganda A second carelessness could ruin life. He tell his audience, love and affection need to the victim. He also attended several AIDS awareness programme around the world, how thy successfully introduced safer sex in the gay circuit. Sekar had various male sexual partners, but none bring him a stable relationship or a feeling of comfort. His current and last partner in life is George. George is an auto driver, support Sekar in his time of need. Currently Sekar is treating for Second-line antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and lost his eyesight and memory due to medication , unable to take proper intake, struggling day by day.
6,524
