A Framework for Media Engagement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in South Asia : Regional Framework, Literature Review and Country Case Studies

A. Sivadas, P. Jha, A. Pai, S.K. Mohanty, P. Bedi, V.P. Devi

This document attempts to summarise the outcomes and inferences emerging from the detailed literature review and country case studies undertaken as part of the assignment to develop a framework for media to engage on issues relating to Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender (TG) persons in South Asia. Centre for Advocacy and Research, India (CFAR) undertook this assignment sponsored by UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Centre between April 2012 and May 2013 in which period we interacted with community members, leaders, activists, media practitioners and civil society from across India, Nepal and Bangladesh to gather their experiences of being part of the issue discourses and of engaging with media. This report aims to describe the positive ways that media can influence policies and programmes, and the political and social environments in Bangladesh, India and Nepal in relation to MSM and transgender persons. It also examines the relationship between media and MSM and TG representatives, and how these individuals or groups engage and influence the media, successfully or unsuccessfully. It includes a broader interrogation of the way the issues of HIV and sexual and gender identity are brought to the media's attention or become salient issues for media in its reporting. It outlines key events and policy documents related to creating awareness about HIV / AIDS among MSM and TG persons in Asia, and how media responded to these issues and efforts. The broader aim of the framework is to use media as a positive force to improve human rights and ensure universal access to HIV and healthcare services for MSM and TG persons in South Asia.