Obama aide backs India's moves on homosexuality

Two of India's most controversial moves to combat HIV/AIDS -- legalizing homosexuality and the plan to introduce sex education in schools -- has found some fresh support from Dr Helene Gayle, US president Barack Obama's chief adviser on HIV/AIDS. Dr Gayle, who is in India, told TOI in an exclusive interview that both these strategies will help reduce the stigma against marginalized communities and also help demystify sex, thereby helping young Indians grow up to "become healthy sexual individuals". She said that HIV numbers are constantly dipping in India -- both decrease in cases due to better interventions and better tools to reach realistic estimates. "But India's decision to decriminalize homosexuality will greatly help reduce stigma and societal exclusion of populations like the gay community. This will lead to more people of marginalized communities coming out in the open allowing HIV interventions to reach them. Recognizing sexual diversity is vital for any country's fight against HIV." Dr Gayle, who spent over 20 years as director of the AIDS programme at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also advised India to have an "age appropriate sex education module".

for further: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Obama-aide-backs-Indias-moves-on-homosexuality/articleshow/5625166.cms